Alarm issues
 

I have a weird problem with my '88 S4. Every once in a while the car won't start, everything energizes when I turn the key but the start doesn't turn.
I check relays and narrowed it down to the alarm system, I can disconnect the battery and it re-sets itself and everything works fine for a while. I suspect a faulty Alarm control unit (behind the glove box).
I want to by-pass the factory alarm to confirm my suspicions. The factory repair manual states;
" Pull off plug Z on the central electric board and bridge terminal 1 and 6 on central plug, this will disable the alarm"
Anyone know where this plug Z is located?

thanks

All the plugs on the central electric panel have a letter ID, guessing Z is one of them.

I thought factory alarm was crank and no fuel?

yes..all the plugs are lettered A-Z in the pass' side footwell

Thanks, I'll have look for the plug in the fuse panel.

The alarm does not disable the starter - look elsewhere - probably in the starter circuit - most likely the park interlock (neutral safety) switch.

Alan

My S4 is a manual, I didn't realize that the 5 speed cars have a park neutral switch?
When I re-set the alarm system the car starts everytime. I've checked and replaced the starting circuit relay with no difference....but I'll investigate further.
Thanks

Manual Transmission cars do not have a neutral safety switch (I assumed AT since you didn't say and it the most common) - but they do have all the wiring for one (so there is just a jumper where it would connect in the area above (and forward of) the battery box.

You don't have a "Z plug" those directions are for a <'85 vehicles.

You can link CE pins B23 & F25 to defeat the alarm disable feature - however this really only affects the LH & Fuel pump functions (not the starter) - however you can verify if this solves the problem (maybe someone messed with something?)

Alan

Thanks Allan,
Every bit of information helps. It's strange that somehow the starter becomes dissabled but I can still drive the car if I roll it and do a "bump start".
Everything I've checked points to an alarm system malfunction but now you have me thinking...I'll be re-checking the starting circuit again.