Q: "Alarm system needs service" message appears on engine startup
Occasionally, a message "alarm system needs service" appears when I startup the engine, causing the electronics such as sunroof to stop working. They told me at the dealership that I need siren module replacement. Do you have any advice?
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
How Does Engine Braking Work?
Engine braking is the process of using the engine to slow the vehicle down instead of using the vehicle brakes. Engine braking can be used on both gas or diesel engines and is used to slow a vehicle down or...
How do I play a DVD?
To play a DVD, press the OPEN/CLOSE or LOAD button on the radio faceplate. Then insert your DVD, face up. The movie will automatically begin playing.
What does the Service Power Steering message mean?
The Service Power Steering message can appear on your driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, it means that there is an issue with the power steering system, and the system should be serviced as soon as...
Steering wheel makes noise in a 2004 Hyundai Elantra
There are many possible reasons that the steering wheel may be making this sound. I suspect an issue with play in a joint of some kind. Your vehicle has an intermediate shaft that goes from the steering wheel to the...
Overdrive won't engage when going uphill, revs high
Hello. If the problem comes and goes it may be one of the shift solenoids (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-shift-interlock-solenoid). It is common for these to fail and have problems causing them to stick which will cause this. I typically start by checking the...
cold start issues and would not start in 28 degree weather.
Hi there. Check the glow plug circuits and the timer circuit to the glow plugs. The block heater should be plugged in during cold weather if the vehicle is left outside. The glow plugs are to heat up the cylinders...
2007 Honda Accord VSA light and engine light coming on, will not downshift, must come to stop , shut off and start again. 2007 Honda Accord
Hi there - you likely have more than one problem at work here. First task is to extract the problem codes which are causing the Check Engine light to come, and the codes (Honda specific) causing the Vehicle Stability Assist...
The eml light turned on and then the car decelerated. Just wanted to know what it means and if I require a mechanic
EML refers to the electronic throttle control system. It's a system integrated into the engine and body controllers to select the proper the throttle position for whatever the driver is demanding. There are several sensors and actuators in play and...
How is the ESC manually turned off? Could I have done this by accident?
Hi BJ. On the left side of the steering wheel on the dash, you should find a button that has an image of a car with three lines behind it. This is the ESC button. By pressing this button, you...
Related articles
How to Pick an Alarm For Your Car
Your vehicle is an important part of your everyday life. It is important to protect your vehicle from damage and burglary (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-prevent-having-your-car-stolen) using a car alarm. A car alarm is an excellent investment towards your vehicle’s security. It can: Prevent...
How to Put a Sunroof in Your Car
One of the most popular vehicle options in recent years are sunroofs. There are several styles in the marketplace including sliding glass sunroofs, tilting sunroofs, and panoramic sunroofs. A sunroof can either be manually operated or motorized with an electric...
How to Reset a Car Alarm
A A car alarm that is not working at all or not working properly can be extremely annoying to you and your neighbors. It may also put your vehicle at an increased risk for theft (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-keep-your-vehicle-safe-from-theft) or vandalism. Almost all...
Browse other content
Cities
Services
Maintenance