Just in the last few days I seem to have developed a problem with my factory alarm for my 02 WRX. For starters, it doesn't go off! I can get out of the car, hit the "arm" button and my doors lock and the horn beeps; use my key to unlock the door and the alarm doesn't go off.

The Security light on the dashboard flashes fast in short double-flashes at all times, unless the car is actually running. Is this an error state? Is one of the sensors dead? What steps can I take to try to troubleshoot this or fix it without a trip to the dealer, as this is a 45-minute drive one way?

 

You put it in valet mode by accident. With the drivers door open, hold down the unlock button on the remote for a few seconds. This will cancel valet mode and restore the normal alarm operation.

 

Hmm, I definitely didn't do that, unless my button on my keychain was pressed by something in my pocket. However, that's entirely possible! I'll give it a try, thanks. Anything to avoid talking to the dealership again...