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Beacon Alarm After Start

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by PhxAZPriusDriver, Dec 29, 2017.

  1. PhxAZPriusDriver

    PhxAZPriusDriver New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Three Touring
    I just bought my first Prius. It's a 2016 Three Touring and so far so good, except, I have a random alarm issue. After starting the car I get this weird beacon alarm going off inside the car. I've included a link so you can hear exactly what I hear. The alarm starts about 20 seconds after start up then goes off, there are no dashboard indicators, and the car drives perfectly. I'd really appreciate any insight into what this alarm is, and how to correct it. Thanks for your time!

     
    #1 PhxAZPriusDriver, Dec 29, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    did you buy the car new, or used?
     
    #2 bisco, Dec 29, 2017
  3. PhxAZPriusDriver

    PhxAZPriusDriver New Member

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    I bought it used. I've had it less than a week, car has 24K miles, and everything has been perfect...really seems like a new car to me. Did I get a lemon?
     
    #3 PhxAZPriusDriver, Dec 29, 2017
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm thinking someone installed an aftermarket alarm.
     
    #4 bisco, Dec 29, 2017
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  5. PhxAZPriusDriver

    PhxAZPriusDriver New Member

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    Ugh... Any reason it would have just started? It only started the last day or so. Before that nothing, it was perfect. So weird that it goes off after the car has started then shuts off after a few beeps. I guess I'll have to have it looked at.
     
    #5 PhxAZPriusDriver, Dec 29, 2017
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    could be a low 12v battery, or just a short.
     
    #6 bisco, Dec 29, 2017
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  7. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    As far as I know, there is no alarm like that in PRIUS - I suspect someone has installed one.

    Maybe check the glovebox or in the Manuals to see if the previous owner has slipped the Operating Manual for the Alarm in there. Or ask the dealer who you bought it from - they might be able to contact the previous owner to ask?

    It could also have been installed by the dealer - sometimes they put a temporary alarm in cars in the yard to protect them, and remove it before sale.
     
    #7 alanclarkeau, Dec 29, 2017
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  8. PhxAZPriusDriver

    PhxAZPriusDriver New Member

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    2016 Prius
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    Three Touring
    You guys were right. I forgot that the dealer installed a security system called SWAT. During our negotiation I told them to take it off, they removed it from the price, but apparently forgot to deactivate the system. The system has been deactivated, and I'm taking the car in next weekend to have it completely uninstalled plus get a complimentary oil change. Thanks for the heads up!
     
    #8 PhxAZPriusDriver, Dec 30, 2017
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  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    pleasure.
     
    #9 bisco, Dec 30, 2017
  10. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    Make sure that your car does have damage from the removal of the device - holes and such.
     
    #10 krmcg, Dec 30, 2017
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  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    oh, no doubt it will.
     
    #11 bisco, Dec 30, 2017
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