iamsisyphus

If I'm violating some rule by starting a new thread about the same problem, I apologize.

The other day my 1989 convertible (NA) started beeping, not buzzing, but beeping in a two beep pause pattern. At the same time, the security light on the center console went on steady. The beeping stops, but the light stays on when the key is removed and the headlights are turned off. I removed the room fuse and it made the beeping softer, but it is still beeping. Review of the FAQ indicated that the problem was the power steering. With some help from Clokker and the FSM, I tested the power steering.

Testing the power steering requires unplugging the power steering unit mounted next the the steering column. When I unplugged it, the beeping continued but now with a steady beep (no pauses). I tested the speed sensor as described in the FSM and got a continuity pulse as required. While I was under there, I ran the other two tests and they checked out fine. It appears that the power steering is not causing the beeps.

The beeping appears to becoming from the CPU behind the driver side kick panel. My search indicates that these are prone to failed solders. It would be worth having the solders redone, but I've never done such a thing. Is there anyone out there who would re-solder my CPU for a fee?

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Pretty sure it was satch who helped you, he's the electrical savant around here, but I have a suggestion anyway...
The constant security light intrigues me and as I've had intermittant security system issues, I checked into disabling the system altogether. If memory serves, applying ground to the R/B wire at the body CPU (behind the kickpanel) should keep the system from ever arming.

Before you do anything drastic, I'd try that and see what happened (but I'd do a forum search first to confirm the wire color).

Natey

iTrader: (19)

From Here:
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generati...ad-faq-860096/

iamsisyphus

That's the power steering diagnosis. I ran the FSM tests. It's not that.

Natey

iTrader: (19)

Two beeps and a pause is not the power steering.

The buzzer sounds twice and repeats when the vehicle speed signal is missing input and/or no engine speed signal is found (short circuit, broken wire, etc.)

lduley

iTrader: (1)

My 88 when the key is in the ignition does this exact thing, beepbeep (second pause) beepbeep untill you close the door, or tuen the key on, sure its not normal? Idk if the beeps would be different between s4 and s5

satch

iTrader: (1)

As Iduley stated, it could be the key sensor. After a period of time the sensor becomes too sensitive and it can beep all the time w/the key in the ignition. If this were the case you can lighten the load of the key chain or unplug the wire to the sensor.

iamsisyphus

Natey, not trying to be a dick, but if you go and read the link you provided, right before the part you quoted, it says "probably the power steering telling you there's a problem.

Satch, I'll try disconnecting the key sensor.

Natey

iTrader: (19)

I saw that, but that was the constant beeping the OP of that thread was dealing with. His power steering was screwing up, so someone linked him to how to count the beeps and figure out what the problem is. That's why I left that part out.

No offense, and I'm definitely not eggy or anything. Just dealt with beeps at the track one day and a guy from 7's Only Racing (the RX-7 shop at Buttonwilllow) showed me how to count beeps and diagnose my problem.

Good luck! Hopefully it's just the door chime.

iamsisyphus

Satch, I used just the key and no change. I took the cover off the steering column, but I'm not sure where the sensor connector is. I unplugged some different things, but it didn't help.

The sound is coming from the CPU in the drivers side kick panel.

Thanks for your help.

Doug

satch

iTrader: (1)

The wire runs to the ignition harness on the steering column where there are 4 plugs. The one w/the skinny wires is the one which powers the key reminder.

iamsisyphus

I disconnected all the wires leading from the key lock and the beeping went on.

I disconnected this and it stopped.

iamsisyphus

This is what was inside. Compared to other CPUs I've seen on the forum, I can't see any obvious faults, but then again, I'm a total noob.

The smaller board definitely has some gook on the back.

Is this the problem? I've never done any soldering. Do I just by new boards and install them?

Thanks for the help.

Doug

iamsisyphus

I forgot the attachments, I guess.

satch

iTrader: (1)

If you're not confident in resoldering you might need a new board. You could clean up the side of the board which is dirty, but there also appears to be some black residue on a couple of pins which might need to be resoldered.

iamsisyphus

Watch, I assume your talking about the smaller board with the coils on it. $86 from Atkins or Mazdatrix. I think I'll buy a new one and practice my soldering skills on this one.

Thanks,

Doug

satch

iTrader: (1)

Or you could pony up a few bucks and try your hand at purchasing a used one.

iamsisyphus

What does this thing do? Can I safely drive the car if I reinstall the unit without the board with the coils?

satch

iTrader: (1)

How many wires are in the plug which connects to it. Is it seven? The wiring diagram points out what it's used for.

And what are the wire colors? If the colors are Light Green, Green/Yellow, Green/White, Green/Black,Black/blue, Green/Red and Black then that is for the hazard flasher and not your problem.

iamsisyphus

Yeah. That's what it is. So back to square one. I'm in over my head, but there aren't any mechanic around here who will touch this car. Even the dealership hates it.

satch

iTrader: (1)

W/everything plugged in look at the largest plug. At the very end of the plug is a Blue wire. Take the voltage reading of this wire. See if it has 12 volts or 0 volts or so. No key necessary.

iamsisyphus

I appreciate your patience. I tested the blue wire by putting one probe in the backside and touching the other probe to the body (ground). It read 0.2 volts.

satch

iTrader: (1)

Initially you stated that the beeping stops if you remove the key and the headlights are turned off. If this is the case when does the beeping occur as you drive the car? Does it beep just with driving the car and the headlights on or does it beep if you drive the car and the headlights are off?

iamsisyphus

The beeping starts when I put the key in. It keeps going as long as the key is in. If the lights are on, it keeps beeping even after I take the key out.

Just to be sure, I went out and tested it today. The beep is now one constant beep and the seatbelt idiot light is flashing.

Thanks,

Doug

satch

iTrader: (1)

If the headlights are on and the key is out it is normal for the beeping because the car is reminding you that the the lights have been left on when the engine is off. The same goes for the key. Now what wasn't specified is does this only occur w/the engine off or all the time, meaning it occurs w/the car running. If it occurs w/the engine running then that is a problem. If it only occurs w/the car not running then it is normal.