[Dorset Dave]

I have only just bought this 94 216 cabriolet. It was supplied new in the UK and I have history and service records from day one. When I press the lock button on the fob the doors lock and the red alarm light just gives a constant red, in other words it doesn't flash. I am still waiting for a Haynes manual to arrive so don't have any access to information other than is in the handbook pack. Is this non flashing correct or can something be done about it. Any help gratefully received. Thanks for looking.

[Roverlike]

If you have Lucas 5AS alarm system constant alarm red light on the dash when you activate it would mean one of the doors, bonnet or boot us not closed properly, or sensor on these openings is not sensing proper closure.

[Dorset Dave]

Thanks for that information. As it is a cabrio it doesn't have courtesy light switches so presumably I should find something similar on the door post. The boot open warning switch does work so hopefully that one is functioning. Does it mean that when the doors etc are closed the switches should run to ground?

[Dorset Dave]

I have just taken a good look at the bonnet area but can see no sign of any switch. The central locking works from the fob with either of the boot or bonnet being open or closed. Could it be that the continuous light merely indicates that the central locking is in use and that it does not have the alarm protection? If this is the case does it have an immobiliser? It's a UK car registered 1 August 1994. This is a recent purchase and my first Rover so sorry to appear thick.

[Roverlike]

What kind of fob you have? How your fob looks like?

If I am not mistaken your door switches are black L-shaped on the side where yoor door lock catches are.

[rbosworth2016]

Don't expect anything helpful in the Haynes Manual regarding Cabriolet specifics. I have just checked my Manual and there is nothing about the cabriolet alarm. The handbook which came with the car is much more helpful.

My 216 Cabriolet first registered April 1994 has central locking and the standard Cabriolet alarm system. When locking, the handbook says a rapid flashing light for 10 seconds followed by a 1 per second flash to warn the world it is alarmed. My car does not do the rapid flash, but after 10 seconds the slow flash starts.

There is an internal courtesy light on the anti-roll bar which should come on when either door is opened (there is a switch on the door posts). I suspect if your courtesy light is not coming on at all the bulb may have been removed because one of the switches may be showing a door to be permanently open. This may have the effect of causing the alarm to show an error by illuminating the alarm red light permanently. If you hold a door open and try to set the alarm, on my vehicle the doors will not lock and the alarm will not set.

Hope this helps

Richard

[Roverlike]

I was not sure if earlier Cabrios had different alarm.

After above post it seems not. So, as above you most probably have problem with door switches. If you have black L-shaped switches as I said above they are prone to getting moisture in providing constant conbection to ground which would mean door is constantly open. This would provide error as said.

You can open or replace these switches. These swithes were used on 200/400 cars 400/45 cars and 600 cars..

When you try to remove these switches, please, be careful when removing wire from the switch in order to hold it outside of the hole. If you allow the wire with connector to escape into car body you will have pain to fish it out of the body.

[Dorset Dave]

Thanks everyone for your help. It turned out that the driver's door switch had quit. I am in the process of finding a replacement.

[carfixmobile]

As Roverlike said the door switches can be repaired once you have them off the car.

A small screwdriver is all you need. Prise the switch body apart but be careful not to lose the two springs.

You will probably see that the two contact pads are gunged up. Give them a good clean (cotton buds are good for that) and if the pads have any further surface damage clean with a bit of fine sand paper or other abrasive. Now put it all back together.

And if you get confident you can service the other door switches. Worth a try.

[Dorset Dave]

Thanks for the information but the L shaped part that connects with the door when you shut it has broken off. Sadly this one is terminal.