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When I come to set the alarm on our motorhome it gives a repeated bleep that tells me that a door or locker has been left open. However when I check all the doors and lockers are closed and all the magnetic switches seem to be in place and no wires knocked off etc. We had the alarm fitted four years ago when we got the van new.
Has anybody got any ideas what the problem might be? Any help would be appreciated.
When I come to set the alarm on our motorhome it gives a repeated bleep that tells me that a door or locker has been left open. However when I check all the doors and lockers are closed and all the magnetic switches seem to be in place and no wires knocked off etc. We had the alarm fitted four years ago when we got the van new.
Has anybody got any ideas what the problem might be? Any help would be appreciated.
Lindybell
Have a close look at the bonnet switch. They're usually a press switch that's adjustable. The constant slamming of the bonnet tends to upset the adjustment in time.
Hey mine was doing the same all last week! Checked all contacts etc even thought that maybe someone had been tampering with it.
I had never heard the alarm going off once. until Friday I was just standing by the front of the van when the alarm went off, as I looked inside I saw a cloth that was hanging on top of the cab shelf, was just moving slightly. It seems that the wind movement made the towel move and that set off the alarm.
Cloth is now folded and put away. no more problems since.
Well it's an idea!!
If its not the bonnet switch, you could try disonnecting each magnetic switch in turn untill the faulty unit is located. The switches cost only pence to buy
Im sure this is the same model as I had on the last van with which I had similar problems.
I managed to suss it all out with the help of putting the alarm into the engineers menu which allowed you to count (via the led flashes) what it was that triggered the last alarm. You can also isolate this.
I will try and paste the info below, if unsuccessful I will post the manual in the morning. (I will paste the whole thing but you only need a small section that is relevant to fault detecting).
GOOD LUCK
The Sigma M30 alarm system has many more features than you may be aware of. The standard Subaru
fitted system has the majority of these features switched off for simplicity and to conform to European
legislation. Just to let you know what can be done……..
User Features
The following features are switchable by the end user, using the keypad, and are detailed in the back of your
operating instructions.
To access this mode - turn on the vehicle ignition, press the remote button once, type one of the numbers
listed in the chart below, immediately turn off the ignition. The numbers will have the following effect:
Number Function
0 Last trigger isolation - allows the system to be set excluding any circuit giving a trigger signal
at the end of the settle time (i.e. allows the system to be set with a defective bonnet switch,
without “false alarming” until the switch can be replaced)
1 Turns off the bleeps only for the next time the system is armed (If bleeps turned on!)
2 Turn off ultrasonics only for the next time the system is armed (also possible by pressing the
Remote Key with the ignition on before arming)
3 Puts the system into valet mode (effectively freezing the passive immobilisation and any
other features such as auto arm when the vehicle goes in for service. System re-activated by
arming with the remote key).
4 Turn on auto-lock (an anti-hijack feature that locks the doors and boot when the ignition is
turned on)
5 Turn off auto-lock
6 Turn off bleeps every time system is armed or disarmed
(Turned off at manufacture to comply with legislation)
7 Turn on bleeps every time system is armed or disarmed
( Note: This will contravene current legislation)
8 Displays vehicle’s battery voltage – 10 flashes on dashboard LED = approximately 10 volts
9 Turn on super-lock for next set period (allows the alarm to arm, but then shuts down the
receiver. This reduces the systems current consumption if the vehicle is left for a number of
weeks. The system then can only be disarmed using your PIN number , this gives protection
even if your keys are stolen, whilst you are away on holiday.
* Toggles between loud and soft arming/disarming bleeps if selected ( See above note in 7)
Programming a New PIN Code:
The standard PIN code can be changed following the sequence below:
i) Type in to the keypad **
ii) Type in to the keypad the “existing PIN code” then *
iii) Type in to the keypad 92 * “new PIN code” * “new PIN code” #
Programming Remote Keys to the System:
Remote keys can be added or removed to/from the system following the sequence below:
i) Type in to the keypad **
ii) Type in to the keypad the “existing PIN code” then *
iii) Type in to the keypad 91 * “ the number of keys to be used” #
iv) Press the first remote key button until bleep sounds, release and press next key. Continue until all
keys have been taught to the system. Note the maximum number of keys is 4 and all keys required
to operate the system must be taught during this operation - any key not included will no longer
operate the system.
Accessort Outputs
The following wires can be found in the loom by the alarm ECU, and these can be used to drive certain
accessories. The alarm system may have to be re-programmed to select some of these features using
the keypad or a CP1 dealer programmer.
It must be remembered that the maximum current output of these wires is 200 mA - 0.20 amps and so a
relay is usually required to prevent damaging the output circuit.
WIRE 3 (GREEN/BLACK – Programmable Accessory Output 1)
This wire can be connected to any accessories that need to know when the alarm unit is “armed” such as
additional LEDs and accessories such as tilt sensors.
With the alarm in it’s standard form this wire supplies a ground (-ve output) only when the alarm unit is
“armed” OR can be programmed (see programming instructions) to be a negative output only whilst the
remote key button remains pressed on disarming i.e. to operate boot release.
(Maximum current 200 mA - 0.20 amps. Check accessory’s current draw and use a relay if necessary)
WIRE 4 (GREEN/RED – Programmable Accessory Output 2)
This output is turned off if the alarm is in it’s standard form but can be programmed (see programming
instructions) to be supply a ground (-ve output) only whilst the remote key button remains pressed on
arming i.e. for window closing etc. OR a negative output only for a set time, on every occasion the system
is disarmed i.e. door courtesy light illumination etc.
(Maximum current 200 mA - 0.20 amps. Check accessory’s current draw and use a relay if necessary)
WIRE 18 (GREEN/ORANGE - Accessory Output 3)
Connect this wire to any accessories that need to know when the alarm unit is sounding off (e.g.
additional 12v siren, internal siren, strobes, pager etc.). This wire in the alarm systems standard form
supplies a ground (-ve) only when the alarm unit is sounding off.
(Maximum current 200 mA - 0.20 amps. Check accessory’s current draw and use a relay if necessary)
Full Programming, Diagnostics and Features
This section contains all the the information that the dealers use for programming and diagnosis of
the Sigma M30 alarm system, using the MK1 keypad programmer.. Programming can also be carried
out using a dealers CP1 programmer.
MK1 Keypad Programming Introduction
It is important the keypad buttons are not pressed too quickly-
Each time a button is pressed the LED on the keypad will flash once as confirmation. The next button should
not be pressed before this confirmation.
It is important the keypad buttons are not pressed too slowly-
When in programming mode, if a button is not pressed for a period of 10 seconds or more, the alarm will
automatically exit programming mode. This will be confirmed by repeated flashes from LED on the keypad.
You must wait until the LED stops flashing and then start again.
All programming functions are entered after typing * and then the programming PIN code. The programming
PIN code is 17856.
To enter the programming PIN code, the alarm system must first be armed and then disarmed using a valid
remote key. (or keypad using the PIN code)
* 17856 * must then be entered within 30 seconds of disarming the system. This is then followed by a 2
digit function code, then another * and then sometimes optional parameters as shown in the following tables.
It is important to remember the * key is used to separate the various parts of the code like this:
* programming PIN code * function code * parameter #. The # key is pressed at the end of all
sequences and is used like the “enter” key on a computer keyboard .
Programming Features On or Off:
Programming
PIN
Function
Code
Switch Code
(where 0=off and 1=on)
Function Default
* 17856 * 00 * 0 or * 1 then # arm/disarm bleeps * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 01 * 0 or * 1 then # door open warning bleeps * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 02 * 0 or * 1 then # auto-lock * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 03 * 0 or * 1 then # auto-arm * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 04 * 0 or * 1 then # auto-arm to include door locking * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 05 * 0 or * 1 then # auto-rearm * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 06 * 0 or * 1 then # engineer mode * 0 (off)
* 17856 * 07 * 0 or * 1 then # hold-down remote key button = -ve
output on wire 4
* 0 (off)
* 17856 * 08 * 0 or * 1 then #
hold-down remote key button =
extends lock pulse
* 0 (off)
* 17856 * 09 * 0 or * 1 then # after disarm -ve output on wire 4 * 0 (off)
Programming Sensitivity Settings:
Programming
PIN
Function
Code
Parameter(s) Function Default
* 17856 * 20 * 0 to * 99 then # ultrasonic threshold 15
* 17856 * 21 * 0 to * 99 then # ultrasonic count (number of times
threshold is exceeded in one
seconds to cause alarm)
10
* 17856 * 23 * 0 to * 99 then # shut-down count (number of times
an individual trigger circuit can be
activated during a single set period)
10
Note regarding ultrasonic operation and adjustment:
The ultrasonic system in the Sigma M30 employs a sophisticated micro processor controlled method of
detection. Unlike conventional ultrasonic detectors this method ensures that an actual entry has occurred
rather than just air movement, air pressure fluctuation, seat belt movement etc.
The detection system also employs a movement/time method where a certain amount of movement in a
given time is required to cause a trigger.
This method of detection offers a high level of protection against false alarms commonly associated with
other systems employing inferior methods of detection
In order to test the operation of the ultrasonics it is important to understand how they works when the system
is initially armed:
• For the first 16 seconds (settle time) the system allows the air movement inside the vehicle to stabilise.
(During this period the LED flashes dimly)
• During the next 16 seconds (threshold settle time) the microprocessor monitors the interior of the vehicle
- reducing the sensitivity (from the maximum sensitivity programmed by the installer, if necessary to suit
the interior and climate. (During this period the LED flashes brightly - latching on for a second only if
movement is detected and the sensitivity has been reduced)
• After the first 32 seconds the system is now fully armed and the ultrasonic sensitivity is set to the
programmed maximum or the reduced level if some movement was detected during the “threshold settle
time”.(LED now flashing dimly)
Because of the way the ultrasonics operate, if there is a disturbance within the “threshold settle time” the
ultrasonics will re-adjust to compensate for this disturbance, if the movement is excessive the ultrasonics
may turn themselves off. This re-adjustment can be detected by the dash mounted LED changing from
flashing, to a static state for a second. This may happen if the ultrasonics are tested in windy conditions with
a window open. If this is the case then the folowing test method can be performed:
Close all doors, bonnet and windows sitting yourself in the rear of the vehicle. Arm the alarm system keeping
very still, and observe the dash LED during the “settle time” and then the “theshold settle time”. The LED
must remain flashing and should not latch on. After these 2 periods the LED will then flash dimmly again,
moving your head forward now should trigger the alarm.
Programming Timing Settings:
Programming
PIN
Function
Code
Variable(s) Function Default
* 17856 * 10 * 1 to * 30 then # stall to ignition on time in seconds 30 sec
* 17856 * 11 * 1 to * 99 then # unset to ignition on time in seconds 30 sec
* 17856 * 12 * 1 to * 99 then # panic time in seconds 05 sec
* 17856 * 13 * 1 to * 51 then # lock time in seconds (51 gives two
short pulses)
01 sec
* 17856 * 14 * 1 to * 51 then # unlock time in seconds (51 gives
two short pulses)
01 sec
* 17856 * 15 * 1 to * 99 then # settle time in seconds 15 sec
* 17856 * 16 * 1 to * 99 then # threshold setting time in seconds 15 sec
* 17856 * 17 * 1 to * 99 then # auto arm time in seconds 60 sec
* 17856 * 18 * 1 to * 99 then # auto re-arm time and also -ve
output time after disarm , on wire 4
(green/red) in seconds
60 sec
Displaying System Diagnostics:
The dashboard LED displays the value of settings as a number of flashes.
Programming
PIN
Function Code Function
* 17856 * 30 then # time elapsed since last trigger (in minutes)
* 17856 * 31 then # as * 30 above - but each flash = 256 minutes
* 17856 * 33 then # wire 7 (orange) ignition trigger count
* 17856 * 34 then # wire 1 (blue) -ve door trigger count
* 17856 * 35 then # wire 2 (blue/red) –ve boot trigger count
* 17856 * 36 then # –ve bonnet switch trigger count (black single wire on siren
plug)
* 17856 * 37 then # ultrasonics trigger count
* 17856 * 38 then # last trigger register (see table below)
* 17856 * 39 then # reset all above trigger counts to 0 (zero)
Displaying the Last Trigger:
Last trigger displayed by dashboard LED. (following pressing *38 – see previous table)
Number of flashes = circuit shown below.
Number of Flashes Trigger Circuit Number of Flashes Trigger Circuit
1 Ignition Trigger 8 Bonnet Trigger
2 Door Trigger 16 Ultrasonic Trigger
4 Boot Trigger
Displaying the Current Feature Status - On or Off:
The dashboard LED displays status - 2 flashes = feature on, and 1 flash = feature off.
Programming
PIN
Function Code Function
* 17856 * 40 then # arm/disarm bleeps
* 17856 * 41 then # door open warning bleeps
* 17856 * 42 then # auto lock
* 17856 * 43 then # auto arm
* 17856 * 44 then # auto arm and lock
* 17856 * 45 then # auto re-arm
* 17856 * 46 then # engineer mode (reduced siren sounding time only)
* 17856 * 47 then # hold-down remote key button = -ve output on wire 4
(green/red)
* 17856 * 48 then # hold-down remote key button = extends lock pulse
* 17856 * 49 then # after disarm -ve output on wire 4 (green/red)
Displaying the Current Timing Settings
Time displayed by dashboard LED. Number of flashes = time in seconds.
Programming
PIN
Function Code Function
* 17856 * 50 then # stall to ignition on time in seconds
* 17856 * 51 then # disarm to ignition on time in seconds
* 17856 * 52 then # panic time in seconds
* 17856 * 53 then # lock time in seconds (51 gives two short pulses)
* 17856 * 54 then # unlock time in seconds (51 gives two short pulses)
* 17856 * 55 then # settle time in seconds
* 17856 * 56 then # threshold time in seconds
* 17856 * 57 then # auto arm time in seconds
* 17856 * 58 then # auto re-arm time and also -ve output time after disarm - on
wire 4 (green/red) in seconds
Displaying the Current Sensitivity Settings:
Value displayed by the dashboard LED. Number of flashes = value.
Programming
PIN
Function Code Function
* 17856 * 60 then # ultrasonic threshold
* 17856 * 61 then # ultrasonic count (number of times threshold is exceeded in
one seconds to cause alarm)
* 17856 * 62 then # spikes (upper ultrasonic threshold)
* 17856 * 63 then # cut off count (number of times a trigger channel can be
activated during a single set period)
Setting Up Pre-set Programmes:
Keying in the following sequences on the keypad sets up a fixed set of features, which can be used as a
starting point for further tailoring:
* 17856 * 80 # everything off, lock and unlock pulses 1 second.
* 17856 * 81 # as for * 80 above, with auto-rearm on.
* 17856 * 82 # as for * 80 above, with auto-arm on.
* 17856 * 83 # as for * 80 above, with auto-rearm and auto-arm on.
* 17856 * 80 # Default setting configures the values shown in the previous tables 1, 2 and 3
Thanks everyone for the tips we certainly have some ideas now and hopefully can solve the problem. We are going away in a couple of weeks so need to set the alarm with confidence!
Thanks to IannSuzy I have printed out the instructions and that should keep my other half occupied for a bit.
Oh dear it all sounds so complicated. We bought a second hand motorhome with one of these Sigma alarms fitted. We haven't a clue how it works - the leaflet we got is so brief.
We are scared that we will lock ourselves out or immobilise the vehicle when in some place thousands of miles from home.
There is a sensor inside which flashes when we move about the van, and is so annoying when we sleep that we have covered it with cardboard. Now I hear that there is a 9v battery inside the unit - what happens when that goes dead? We are hoping that the alarm is not set - we haven't used the separate key fob. The van's original key fob seems to set an immobiliser but maybe they are now connected? We are using a manual key to play safe!
My advice would be this. If you buy a second hand motorhome don't buy one with an alarm already fitted. Have one fitted yourself if you want one , then at least someone will have explained to you how it works! The dealer we bought ours from didn't know.
The worst of it all is that everyone simply ignores a car alarm going off anyway!
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France
Oh dear it all sounds so complicated. We bought a second hand motorhome with one of these Sigma alarms fitted. We haven't a clue how it works - the leaflet we got is so brief.
