Clifford Concept 50x problem

[Blossey]

I have a Clifford Concept 50x alarm on my turbo, which is de-locked.

The fob doesn't seem to be unlocking the car, despite the light on the fob working and a change of battery. Are there any known problems that I need to look at or any ideas as to what the problem may be? I haven't experienced any problems prior to this and if I don't get this solved then I can't get into the car!

Any advice much appreciated.

[Blossey]

Any ideas anyone?

Problem is still ongoing (intermitantly) despite changing batteries, cleaning contacts in fob & also buying a new fob. There seems to be no pattern as to when the alarm works and doesn't work. The system doesn't seem to be picking up the signals from the remote so I can't even program my new fob. Is it possible just to replace the receiver unit?

[leegsi]

Take it to a clifford dealer.

Is it just the locking that its not doing?

Is all ok apart from that?

[Blossey]

Have spoken to 3 Clifford dealers, 1 in Loughborough the engineer is off sick for 3 weeks, other staff were particularly unhelpful. 1 in Leicester said they had no idea what the problem is and would just remove it completely, no mention as to what would need to be done after that e.g. new alarm, how the hell I'd even lock my car as it's been de-locked.
The other dealer in Leicester said it could be anything and they'd have to have a look at it, they had no suggestions as to what could be wrong, bearing in mind they said it takes 45 minutes to program a new fob it doesn't exactly fill me with confidence, having read the user manual myself it actually takes all of 2 minutes to program a fob!

It does seem that I have no chance other than to take it to them but it basically gives them the freedom to charge me whatever labour time they choose. Having said that I believe a new similar alarm will only be £350 installed so I guess at least that'll be the maximum repair cost.

Alarm is still functioning otherwise, led flashes, alarm goes off if I open the boot, proximity sensors work, system auto-arms itself etc. It just seems to be very choosy about when it recognises the fob signal, either unlocking or locking.

[leegsi]

Sounds like a dodgey areial.

The place where they normaly put the box has loads of wires around it (I will PM you the normal positon they put them). Try locking and unlocking from that area and see if it helps.
If it does you know its a signal problem and not alarm.

Also does it do it with both remotes (Main and spare)?

If you know where the brain is have a look for the thin lone black wire that comes out of the metal housing and make sure thats ok.

Try if you can to move wire so its higher up.

[jayboy]

I got a complete 50x in a box in the loft. Had it removed from my 16v GTE in early 2001 - it was only 18 months or so old.... Wrote the car off and never got it re-fitted to this day and the Calibra has a concept 300 or 600 fitted, not sure which cause I got no docs with it. Anyhow, if you're going to a dealer for this they could sort out changing units.
You could always make me an offer.

[Blossey]

Leegsi - Thanks for the PM. I know where my proximity sensor is and I've tried unlocking/locking next to that, I'll have a look round for the aerial and any other receiving unit there may be, would these be separate items?

Unfortunately my spare key fob died a few months back, I've just bought a new one and have tried programming that one. Even though I get the system into 'learn' mode, it doesn't seem to recognise the new key fob signal. I guess this is pointing more and more towards an aerial/receiver problem.

I'll keep trying and will check those wires you mention.

Jayboy - I may well be in touch regarding your 50x if I don't get this sorted by say next week. Thanks for that. Whereabouts are you?

[jayboy]

I'm down in Kent mate, but would happily post it up to you if you want, i'm always sending stuff for ebay buyers etc. - was gonna put this on there sometime but kind of forgot all about it until i read your post. I was gonna have a go at putting it in my old car but as the wires are all black and the idiot who took it out used a non-permanent pen and half the writing is not readable I thought against it. But a clifford fitter with a manual would have no trouble. Had all the bells and whistles too i remember.
In case i forget to check here, my e-mail is <a href="mailto:jamiebrown1975@hotmail.com">jamiebrown1975@hotmail.com</a>

Regards.

[leegsi]

The reciever is the main alarm box (Encased in a metal box) not the sensor

[ChrisP]

If the rest of the alarm is functioning correctly, then I would say that there may be a connection to the cally's central locking module that is not quite correct, might be worth having a look at the wiring in the drivers footwell to see if anything is amiss. I assume you can still enter valet mode etc from the remote and toggle switch. Apparently these alarms can freeze completely, and the only way out is a reprogram by clifford. Could always ask them directly for advice 01372 847120

[gazcallyt]

45 mins to program a keyfob no chance, I did mine in less than 2 minutes, using a laptop and clifford connection cable.
The last time my alarm did not respond to the remote with or without new batteries was due to the remote itself erasing its codes, this was down to the button been pressed down all day in me bag, the light would faintly come on but nobody was home, but I was saved by my spare remote. The re-programmed my old afterwards.

If the problem is only affecting the opening of the doors then, its either wiring or the control unit itself is having a mental, the clifford software can diagnose most of it when connected to a laptop.

Gaz.