Alarm system troubles

[pucks47]

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone has ever experienced a similar problem: the other day, while parked and locked in my driveway, my recently-acquired 1989 Carrera's alarm activated on its own. The horn and lights were both going off and the battery had to be disconnected to get it to stop. I was later able to reconnect the battery without a problem, tried to take it for a drive, and was barely down the street when the same thing happened, as I was driving. I raced back home and disconnected the battery before all my neighbors came after me with pitchforks. Obviously the car is not also being immobilized, just the horn and lights are being activated. Does anyone have any idea where I might begin to troubleshoot?

Thanks,
Chris

[bigel]

Chris,
I've been worried about that very issue...not for any concrete reason really, just because it seems like such an antiquated alarm system. The PO of my '87 purchased it used and has never owned a copy of the alarm key, so not sure the last time the alarm was engaged...likely 15-20 yrs ago.

Now about your problem, sure sounds like water intrusion or corrosion (gnawing) of the system wires. Perhaps the alarm tumbler assembly/switch has an electrical short. Have you ever engaged the system or are you like me and don't even have a copy of the alarm key?