Factory alarm on 98 ML320

[baniserie3]

Hi

Does anyone know where can I get a wire diagram for the alarm on my ml320? I need some information to find some wires and to be able to disable the alarm and get another alarm installed, the dealer won’t give that info and I need it. I install a remote starter on my car, even so is not recommended by MB but I’m a alarm installer and know what I’m doing, it is working fine now, but need some more info to get other feature installed on the new alarm. Any help is really appreciated.

Thanks

[Gilly]

Hi
The anti-theft alarm is pretty well integrated into the whole vehicle. The switches used for the alarm for example are needed for the central locking and interior lights for example, and the control module for the alarm is the body computer (AAM), so you can't just disconnect the control module, as it isn't a seperate part.
In addition, it may be difficult to install a remote start as the the truck has a Driver Authorization System integrated into it, it can't be disables as it involves the engine control module. And I don't believe one of these "key holder boxes" like is used with other vehicles will work as the system uses a rolling code.
What specifically do you need to know about the alarm?

Gilly

[baniserie3]

Hi
Thanks Gilly for your reply

The alarm with remote starter that I install is working and I can start the car with no problem, but when I activate it, it look like the factory anti-theft alarm get activated and it won’t let the car start by remote control, so I have to disarm my alarm and then start the car. I’m supposed to be able to start the car by remote with the alarm on. That’s why I’m trying to know which wire go in and out to the anti-theft alarm so I can prevent it to activate and interfere with anything on my car. The new one is doing everything I want, lock the doors and start my car. I think MB should give us more information on this car so we can do anything we want and modify what ever we need to make it work the way we want. My car is out of warranty anyways, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

Thanks

Sam

[Gilly]

I'm confused, you are saying you can start the car just fine, but not with the remote starter?

Is the engine cranking but not starting if you use the new remote starter?

This is what would happen with an unauthorized start attempt.
If nothing was done when installing the remote starter to address the presence of the DAS system, the remote start will not work.
Try putting a spare key into the ignition switch and see if the remote starter will work, i am doubting that will work though, unless the remote starter is wired in such a way that the DAS antenna is activated, and even then it would probably just work once (without removing and reinstalling the key) due to the rolling code feature.
You may be able to rig up one of these key-holder boxes that are used for example on GM vehicles with the "Theftlok" system.

Again, this is a very integrated system, there is no "silver bullet" or simply a few wires you can disconnect, it's more complex than that. I think you're going to have to "work with" this DAS system, not simply disable the anti-theft system. You think you're fighting the anti-theft system, but you're not, you're fighting the DAS system. The DAS is recognizing the unauthorized start attempt and setting off the alarm, and you can't simply tell the DAS to not do that, you're going to have to "convince" DAS that the start attempt is authorized. If you don't "convince" DAS to not set off the alarm, it's also not going to allow the engine to start with the remote starter.

Gilly

[baniserie3]

Hi

I was able to bypass the DAS system and I can start my car with the remote control from my house fine, that part is ok, BUT, for some reason if my alarm is activated, I try to start it with my remote and will connect the car but won’t crank or start, so I press the disarm button and start the car fine with the remote. So the factory alarm is not been use, I don’t arm it or anything but I think that when the new alarm is arm and lock the doors, my guess is that that’s arming the factory alarm too and when armed don’t let the car start. That’s why I want to be able to arm my alarm without the factory anti-theft gets armed too. That’s the only thing I think is stopping my car from starting with remote when armed, and I would like to be able to start it with the alarm activated like it happen on any other car that this alarm is installed. If I get a little more info about the anti-theft alarm and central locking system, I might be able to get it to work the way I want. Don’t even think that my alarm is causing this, because is not connected to anything on the car that will stop it the remote start. I have done this too many times but the first on this type of car, I knew it will be complicated, but is my own car and I can’t have one without remote starter on this cold state.

Thanks Gilly for your help.

[tabo]

red (constant 12v+) large connector under dash going to firewall
white (starter) ignition switch harness
gray (ignition) harness at firewall
tan (ignition2) harness at firewall
orange (ignition3) harness at firewall
runs w/ingition (accessory) harness at firewall
purple/white (tach) coil 2 on driver's side of engine
black/red (brake switch) brake switch
light green + (parking lights) and light blue isolate behind fuse panel
white - (factory disarm) behind fuse panel
tan (door trigger) white(rear door) loom going to pillar
White - (door lock) center console switch one wire
White or Pink - (door unlock) 1st pulse locks, 2nd pulse unlocks..

hope this helps

[baniserie3]

Thanks for you help
I have the alarm with remote starter working perfect now, I figure out how to get everything working the way should be.

Sam

[tabo]

You owe me one!!!