Non factory alarm draining battery? 03 CE Corolla... Please help

[latstar]

Well, I purchased a 03 Corolla CE at the end of 2002. Back then I thought I was smart and rather than get the LE for 500+ more (which included power windows, keyless entry and alarm) I just went to a shop and got an alarm and keyless entry for around $100 (but no power windows) I have had absolutely no problems until the last couple of weeks when my car began to have problems starting. Something is draining the electricity. I will get a boost and it works for a couple of days and then suddenly it won't start every 3 days. Note it just started getting close to 0 degrees here.

So I took it to the dealer and they CLAIM that its the non factory alarm which is draining the battery. I find it hard to believe since its been two years since I got it but I could be wrong. The dealership says the only way to correct it is to remove the alarm for which they are charging $250. They also claim that the warranty on electrical system is now invalid since I had the alarm installed from a private company and they messed with the wiring.

I did take it back to the alarm shop where they actually replaced the alarm computer, etc. But they claim that it is not the alarm. After the alarm replaced everything I am still having the problems.

I'm wondering first do you all think the alarm is the problem. And two should I just have the dealership take it off or should I seek a second opinion from a private auto repair place?

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

[rated_w]

cause I have my alarm (aftermarket) installed on my 01 corolla .. it's giving me NO problems.. sat there for almost a week one time and still started up at minus temperatures...

how long is your drive? do you have a system in the back? could be a defective battery.. replace the battery and see how that goes?

[latstar]

Originally Posted by rated_w

cause I have my alarm (aftermarket) installed on my 01 corolla .. it's giving me NO problems.. sat there for almost a week one time and still started up at minus temperatures...

how long is your drive? do you have a system in the back? could be a defective battery.. replace the battery and see how that goes?

My drive is only about 20 to 30 minutes. I have no system or any additions really but I do play my radio a lot. Apparently the dealer checked the battery and said it was all fine.

[ShawnM]

Dealers love to blame aftermarket stuff when they cant find the real problem. Find a good independant shop to take it to. If its an intermittant problem it may take a while to track down.