2003 Saab 9-3 Remote Start

Man, this one is kiling me... Trying to install a Bulldog 500 Deluxe, into my 2003 Saab 9-3 (convertible).  Running into a few problems.  Can anybody help?

Problem #1:  This should be an easy one!  HOW do I disable the factory alarm.  It ISN'T disabling with the UNLOCK, as I would have hoped.  I've also noticed that the OEM alarm does NOT set with the LOCK function on the BULLDOG either.  According to the Saab "owners manual", the key (not the remote) in the drivers door, should disarm the alarm.  I've noticed that this is not the case.  I'm wondering if there is something special with the convertible, so that someone can't cut the top and reach in, to unlock.  I called the Saab dealer and mentioned that the key in the drivers door didn't disable the alarm.  They said that was normal, and the it was normal for the alarm to BLARRR until you stuck the key into the ignition and turned it..  Seems like crap to me.  Does this make sense to anyone?  Can anyone point me in the direction of the factory  alarm-disarm?

Problem #2:  This one is a bit trickier; or maybe not for someone in the know...  When I start the car with the RS, and then turn the car off with the RS, the accessories lights, and radio stay on.  The only way I can get them to turn off is to turn the key in the ignition to ON, then remove the key.  I have found that I can also get this to turn off by providing +'ve to the blue wire in the ignition.  According to Bulldog, this blue wire is "ignition 3".  I've tried to hook the "ignition 3" wire (blue) into the Bulldog output which provides trigger during RS usage.  I hooked up through a relay.  When I use this setup, it solves the accessories light and radio problem, but instead, it leaves the LIGHTS on.  Arggh!  Additional note:  I am still waiting for the transponder module (791) from Bulldog mail order.  In order to simulate the 791 module, I'm leaving the key in the ignition (without turning the key).  Using this method, the car recognizes the key.  But, maybe this is contributing to the problem that I'm having.

Please help!!

RoB

Thanks sparky!!

So, you aren't surprised to hear that the LOCK/UNLOCK pulse from the Remote Start to my Saab circuits DOESN'T disarm the alarm?

I guess another option is to skip the Saab alarm all together (not use the OEM remote buttons) and setup the Bulldog for full protection, instead of just the minimum for RS.

I hadn't wired the doorpins to the Bulldog yet.  I found the wire, but didn't figure it was critical for initial testing...

Thanks!  RoB

I just thought of an even cleaner way to bypass the factory alarm...

I have to install an OEM key with transponder into the car (with the 791 module) in order to defeat the key ignition key security anyway.  Both of my OEM keys are integrated with keyless buttons.  So, what I'm gonna do is just hardwire the Remote Start LOCK/UNLOCK and TRUNK outputs directly to the keyless remote.  Batteries last for 4 years supposedly.  Just have to make the key reasonably accessible for battery replacement if needed.  (Or even cooler would be to create a 3V source in the car that comes from the 12V main - maybe a Zener diode setup?)

I just disassembled one of the Saab remotes, and the contact pads are easily accessible.

Am I missing any obvious problems with this method?

RoB

"Just make sure that the remote works properly inside the car and when it is running."

Opps!  That is the drawback...  Remote(s) don't work with the ignition running.  That is a problem if I want to Remote Start, then and keep the doors locked while running.

This should work though:  Add a pair of relay(s) (a double pole would be nice) which switches the RS LOCK/UNLOCK triggers from the keypad to the hard wiring.  Once the car is running, the factory alarm disabled, and the hard wired LOCK/UNLOCK should work fine.

I just realized that in order for the thing to operate correctly, and not trigger the factory alarm at all, I have to follow this sequence:  1.  Automatically prior to autostart, Unlock via keyfob to disable OEM alarm, 2.  Immediately lock via wired (ALARM will not activate).  3.  Start Car.  4.  Once car is started, the Bulldog will unlock (for entry) via the wired UNLOCK.  5.  After driving, exit vehicle, and LOCK/ARM with Bulldog remote LOCK, which triggers the keyfob.

Bit tricky, but should be doable..  WIth some creative relay-ing, and the correct outputs on the Bulldog.

RoB