Problems due to a dead battery

[Lazr111]

I'm posting this here as well since it gets more traffic.

Ok, I need help.
I was replacing the steering rack on my car, and had the key in the ignition to keep the wheel unlocked while I was aligning the rack. The battery ended up dying because I left it on for so long. Now, I've charged the battery, and the alarm light in the center of the center console thing is blinking along with my brake lights and turn signals. The starter doesn't turn when I try to start it, so I figure it has to do with the alarm.

My question is, how do i disable the alarm so i can start my car?

[Mike325]

I am nosure how to disable the alarm, but something you could try is to disconnect both battery terminals cables and touch the terminals together (the wires, not the actual posts on the bat, but the two battery clamps). This will kill any electrical flow in the car, resetting everything. This may be a way to do it. Are you sure the bat is charged all the way?

[Mike325]

Is it an aftermarket alarm with a kill switch? Must be because the e30s never came stock with an alarm right? Not sure.

[DaveSmed]

Yep, aftermarket alarm. Look for a small button or switch or something down by the pedals. Try messing with that with the key on. If not, do you have a camera handy?

[Lazr111]

yes, i have a camera handy. I may just try and find the control box and unplug it. I'll see if i can find the switch and if it does anything.
Thanks

[DaveSmed]

The control box is the best bet, the wire from the LED should lead right to it. If theres no luck there, Take a picture of the wires under the dash by the column, I'll see if I can spot the starter kill relay.

[Lazr111]

I tried unplugging the box, but no luck. The previous owner who put it in was really halfassed, as the wiring is a mess. The car isn't at my house, so I wont be able to get any pictures for a while.

[StereoInstaller1]

So try this: look for some aftermarket wiring near the ignition switch, likely left of the steering column.

The starter wire is black, IIRC. It will likely be either run to a relay or directly to the alarm brain...either way, cut out that starter bypass wiring and return the starter wire to stock.

GL!

[Lazr111]

The starter wire would be a hot wire, correct? Thanks, will do.

[StereoInstaller1]

Hot? Nope, normal ambient temperature.

It will show +12VDC when the key is in "start", so bust out that old testlight and get busy!

Luke

[Lazr111]

Thats what i meant, so I can differentiate it from the rest of the black wires under there which are all grounds. Thanks.

[VacMan]

Just went through this on our Delphin IS this weekend. We followed the clicking sound the relay was making as it flashed the lights on and off to a Viper alarm. Unplugged the module, turned the key off and back on and it started right up.

Tim

[Lazr111]

Hmm, i have an Alpine module, and unplugging it didn't do anything...

[StereoInstaller1]

The Alpines can be configured to "Normally Open" starter kill...sounds like what you are dealing with.

Oh yeah..."Brown is ground the world around...except America".

Black is rarely ground in BMWs.

Luke

[Lazr111]

I only figured black as ground as there was 4-5 black wires attatched to a ground point underthe dash. Thanks though.

And what is this "normally open" starter kill thing? what does that mean?