Chime dinging at wrong time

[Pete99]

I'm having a hard time even searching this and figured maybe there's just an easy answer awaiting me.

Yesterday I pulled the instrument cluster and heat/AC panel and replaced all the bulbs. Since then, the lights-on/keys-in-ignition chime goes on with no lights on and no key in the ignition.

Is there a "usual suspect" for this? If not, I guess I will just go back and fiddle with all the connections. As far as I can tell, everything else works.

 

[adsm08]

Usually it's the little flapper in the ignition lock. Gets stuck, leaves the circuit closed.

 

[Andy D]

In where the key goes? should I spray something in the key way? The Rat dings when I open the door and the key is on the dash. From what I gather, disabling the dinger will take down other stuff . Another of the Rat's fine features. 15 yrs of old German cars has spoiled me.

 

[armadillon]

I think I would personally spray something in and then run the key in and out a few times.

 

[Pete99]

I have just fiddled with the ignition lock when the dinging persists and it seems to have stopped. Thanks!

 

[adsm08]

In where the key goes? should I spray something in the key way? The Rat dings when I open the door and the key is on the dash. From what I gather, disabling the dinger will take down other stuff . Another of the Rat's fine features. 15 yrs of old German cars has spoiled me.

Yes.

Gooping the key with white lithium works as well, but can be messy.

The best fix is to replace the lock cylinder.

 

[Pete99]

Just getting around to posting this—I finally got around to fixing this after getting so used to the chime that I didn't notice my lights were on and killed the battery right before a big trip.

I opened up the steering column again, and the chime contact/switch module or whatever it is (circled in yellow below) was floating unattached. I must have inadvertently knocked it off.



I put a couple of dots of Krazy Glue on it, put it back in place, and the chime has worked properly since. My Pavlovian training to respond to the chime is working properly again as well.

 

[black_demon69]

Just getting around to posting this—I finally got around to fixing this after getting so used to the chime that I didn't notice my lights were on and killed the battery right before a big trip.

I opened up the steering column again, and the chime contact/switch module or whatever it is (circled in yellow below) was floating unattached. I must have inadvertently knocked it off.



I put a couple of dots of Krazy Glue on it, put it back in place, and the chime has worked properly since. My Pavlovian training to respond to the chime is working properly again as well.

i just got rid of my chime by cutting traces on circuit board to the chime speaker. it drove me crazy mind you it isn't a very far trip for me anyway..