S2 Alarm - how to get to it?

[Davey_B]

Help! My remote key fob has gven up the ghost just 2 weeks after I bought an S2 Elan. Of course, it turns out I don't have the plastic card with the alarm number on it.

The forums here have been great so I know I what model alarm it is and that I need the ten digit number off the alarm box, and I even know exactly where the box is mounted, but Lotus were particularly unhelpful when I asked how to get to it.

I've looked at the service manual notes and though I can see the alarm in it's mounting, it seems like I'm going to have to take the entire dash off to be able to read the number - has anyone got any experience off getting to the alarm - any pointers would be great, especially what bits have got to come off (or not) and/or where exactly the code is on the box.

Cheers.

[Nige]

Perhaps a statement of the blindingly obvious but have you checked the batteries in the key fob? 2 x CR2016 in the alarm fob and 2 x CR1616 in the combined ignition key and alarm fob. Just changed mine for the first time in 10 years, it all now works again as it should.

Other than that, helpful bunch we may be but forgive us if we don't tell you how to access the alarm until we are sure you are a bona-fide elan owner. This after all was your first post .

[Davey_B]

Yes, I changed the batteries. I have two remote fobs, one lights up and seems to work but doesn't (I've tried the suggested reset procedure to no avail). The other works but the button is basically knackered and only works (sometimes) if you take the whole thing apart. The combined ignition/alarm key seems to light up but again nothing happens. I am planning to change the battery on it, though in the key I have it is 2 CR1620 rather than 1616s - perhaps that's why it doesn't work maybe?

I appreciate security is an issue, and would consider a recommendation of someone who I could get the car taken to (in the South East), or maybe even confirmation of whether I am wasting my time trying to get to it myself.

Thanks.

Perhaps a statement of the blindingly obvious but have you checked the batteries in the key fob? 2 x CR2016 in the alarm fob and 2 x CR1616 in the combined ignition key and alarm fob. Just changed mine for the first time in 10 years, it all now works again as it should.

Other than that, helpful bunch we may be but forgive us if we don't tell you how to access the alarm until we are sure you are a bona-fide Elan owner. This after all was your first post .

[Nige]

Definitely CR1616s in the combined ignition key/alarm, not sure if 1620s will make a difference or not, but would be worth checking out. The LED in the fob/key continues to light up even though the batteries haven't the power to make the transmitter work. I've just gone through this so your tale is familiar.

I suggest you take the car to your nearest Lotus dealer to sort it out on this occasion. The S2 has quite a few differences in the Alarm department from the earlier cars and from what you say you have not got all of the info you need. Alternatively if you can bring the car along to one of the area meets (Southern Area will be closest to you, not sure when the next meet will be, probably early/mid Sep. See the thread in the Events UK section) then we'll be more than happy to help you.

[Gary]

A dealer should be able to re-program the fobs with the alarm details. Lotus will have a record of these for an S2. I know because I had mine done.

The bad news for you is that the fobs need to be sent off and it takes a week or so...

[Davey_B]

Gary, without sending too dumb - are you saying even if I don't have the alarm security numbers a Lotus dealer can program a fob?

When I rang my local dealer they said they needed the alarm/security numbers off the plastic card (which I don't have) so couldn't help. If I could get the numbers they were going to charge me £350 for a pair.

If the above is right could you tell me which dealer you got the fobs through and exactly what info you had to give them/did they need the car etc etc?

Failing that I think I am just going to have to get them to take the car in, gain access to the alarm and get the ten digit number off it so I can get new fobs privately (found somewhere on the web that does them for about £30 if i can give them the 10 digit code).


Cheers.

[Gazza]

Gary
I have the same problem as Davey, I don't have the code number and only one alarm fob, which works on/off.
I've been to Wilson's Lotus main dealer and was told I need the code as Lotus do not keep a record of these numbers for the S2 alarms. Could you tell me who you spoke to?

Davey please let me know if you get a good outcome.
Thanks Gazza.

[Gary]

I went to Kelvedon Motors (Spalding I think), they just need the chassis number and were able to get the alarm details from Lotus. Give them a ring and let us know what they say.

Kelvedon Motors. Bourne Road, Spaulding. Lincolnshire, England. +44 1775 725 457. +44 1775 768 097.

[Nige]

Pat Thomas is the man you need to speak to at Kelvedon Motors, a fount of knowledge on all things Lotus. The only reason I don't still use him is that I now live at the opposite end of the country. Gary is right he is located just outside Spalding.

[Davey_B]

Well I spoke to Pat. They weren't entirely sure but....

They've asked me to send some details off to them (copy of V5 and Chassis number) and they are going to ask Lotus for the code (apparently there is a form that can be submitted to Lotus to do a search - costs £10)and at the same time ask Lotus to supply a new alarm fob (they think it will be £52).

Hopefully it should work, but I will update here either way

[Gary]

Yes I remember now (it was a few years ago). They needed the V5 and did make a charge for doing it. I didn't get a new fob, just had the old one re-programmed. Still at least we know the code can be found now

[westonben]

Gemini are now in the UK, but I don't have their contact number but some one here must!

You can send off the one that is "working" and from that they can make up 2 others the same. Cost about £35 a piece.

Alternatively, there should be a number (10 digits I think) which starts 42 which is apparently on the siren, if you give them that they can sort you out too.

If any one does have the number for gemini in the UK could they post it as I will need it soon! Thanks

[woody]

I seem to recall someone,possibly SY listing a number of telephone numbers for alarm manufacturers on the old Forum.I remember ringing Autowatch,who asked me to find the 10 digits number in the alarm control box,and they could supply a spare fob.Could someone find the thread from the old Forum files.
Woody

[woody]

Found it in search.3/08/04 S2 Immobilser.All the alarms are listed.
Woody

[Breed]

Hi

The phone number for Gemini is 08702 402554 and they now reside in Ely, Cambridgshire. Email is ukinfo@gemini-alarm.com.

On the same subject this is the reply I got from Hethel
Although this will only be for factory and not dealer fitted alarms.

Thank you for your recent email requesting some advice on replacement alarm transmitters for your Lotus Elan. These can be ordered from your
Local/Preferred Lotus dealer using part number A100M6237S which should then give you a single programmed transmitter. There is a ten digit alarm code which is needed to be able to program the new transmitter but the dealer is able to access this by faxing through an archive search request form to Lotus. Once the dealer has this code they can order the replacement transmitter which will be supplied programmed.

Firstly to get the process underway you should take some form of
identification into the dealership proving you are the owner of the car but
the whole process should only take about 7 to 10 days.

Yours sincerely

Chris Brown
Technical Services/Company Archivist

Anyone know if there is a way to reset fobs that are transmitting but lost their code.

Bill

[Gazza]

Recently put in a archive search form at Wilson's main dealer for the 10 digit alarm code for my S2, which I was never given when I bought my car. A few days later I was phoned and told it was in, also asked them to program me a new fob as I only had the 1, which was on it's way out.
A new programmed fob cost me £63 and works perfectly, only down side is the fob is only 1 button not 2 like the original Gemini Aquilla fob, which is no longer available.

But at least I have a spare now!

Thanks to every who helped on this topic, especially on the archive search form I never knew about.

Gary

[Breed]

Hi

Not quite true Gazza the 2 button fobs are available direct from gemini
whos phone number is on my only other post. Just had a new one delivered and two reprogrammed for £44.00 all in. Their technicians name is Neil and he is very helpfull.

Bill

[Gazza]

Breed

Thanks for the info on the fobs, as I said I found out my 10 digit number from my main dealer and ordered a replacement fob, but the part number A100M6237S is apparently know longer available through Lotus and has been replaced by A100M6236S(a single button remote).

I will try Gemini direct as I would still like another one anyway and my sister needs 2 new ones as well.

Cheers Gary

[Neil D.]

keep us posted on the cost

Cheers

Neil

[Gazza]

Just spoke to Neil at Gemini and a new fob (kidney shaped with the expensive looking walnut inset) are £38 each, will let you know if they work when they arrive.

You can either use the 10 digit number to order (does not always work)
or send your control unit to them which will 100% work according to Neil.

Gazza