Rspct2All

I really need some help with this...
I didn't know I had an aftermarket car alarm, until after AAA came...

Before, the car ran just fine (I shouldn't have tampered with the car if nothing was seriously wrong with it )

What I was trying to do:
I wanted to check for any loose connectors that may cause my factory stereo backlight to always be off.
I found out how to remove the center console where the radio sits.
So I did it.

What I did:
I unplugged the negative and positive terminals from the battery.
I unplugged the connectors from the center console to get to the radio.
I got to the radio, but couldn't do much to fix the backlight issue, so I put everything back in.
After everything was back in, I connected the battery terminals and was ready to start the car to make sure all was fine...

What happened:
Now the car won't start, and the after market alarm sounds off when I try to start the car, unlock the doors, open the hood... Basically anything that may resemble a car theft.

What I did after:
I called AAA and the guy found out that there was some work done to the wires to get an aftermarket alarm installed.
He took it out so the car's horn doesn't sound off.

Now:
I'm left with a 4Runner that won't start, but radio, lights, door locks, windows, and everythign else working.
BUT the car won't start up.

I'm going to take the car to the mechanic to get the wiring sorted.

How much would it cost to fix this issue?
Is it easier to fix if the mechanic puts in the old aftermarket alarm system?
Or, is it easier to fix by installing a new alarm system?

What's your recommendation?

Thanks a lot everyone!

Lama glama

My guess is that the alarm had a starter kill relay. When you disconnected the battery and reconnected it, it probably reset the alarm or put it in some safe mode or something. That would let all the accessories work but wouldn't allow power to the starter. If you took the old alarm to an alarm/stereo place they could probably hook it back up and figure out how to reset it. Or just rip it all out if that's what you'd prefer.

Rspct2All

Thanx for your input, I'll check with a local stereo/alarm shop tomorrow since my mechanic isnt in till after new years...
Thanks again, and Happy Holidays!

Lama glama

You're welcome! Have a safe and happy new year!

4runnerx3

Is it TDS brand?

Rspct2All

I'm not sure what TDS is, but the alarm that the AAA guy removed was Champs something... I still got it, I'll check back tomorrow with the actual brand.

DailyDrive

If the AAA guy took out the alarm, he probably left the kill-switch relay in place. It needs 12v coming off the alarm to allow the car to start. Thus no alarm, no start.

Quickest solution is find the relay, and give it 12 volts. Best solution is remove the relay, and solder all the wires back.

SoCalPaul

Your AAA guy removed the alarm? I doubt he had the expertise to do it correctly. Did he repair any of the wires? If he did this & your car still would not start, I would complain to AAA.

If you're not knowledgeable about auto electrical systems, I agree that you should take it to an alarm installer, they would have the best chance of repairing it.

Good luck,
Paul