The chime starts dinging every time I open the door, whether the keys are in the ignition or not.  I'd like to take a run at fixing it this weekend when I install the new speakers.

 

I bought the Haynes manual and there are some good descriptions of the wiring systems, but I can't quite figure out where I need to focus.

 

I assume that the chime would go off if the door was open with the keys in the ignition, so I'm thinking there's an issue with the switch/relay associated with the key/ignition interface.  Obviously the door switch works, because the chime stops when I close it.  It also dings when I turn the car on without my seat belt buckled and the seatbelt indicator lights up at the same time so that end of things is ok.

 

Do I just find the switch(button?) at the key, and the relay it's connected too and test/replace them?

The fact that the chime works with the key out indicates that the problem may be in the ignition switch. It seems the switch may not be turned back far enough but still releasing the key. My 01 and 83 do that intermittently. Try turning the key in the more off position if it's chiming when it's not so posed to. Removing the annoying noisemaker is also an option

I definitely thought about removing the chime, but it's also a nice learning problem since it has a low penalty for failure.  I tried wiggling the ignition, but it wasn't loose.  

 

It doesn't seem like the wiring for that chime system is actually in the Haynes, but I assume there's a switch in the ignition that gets depressed when you insert the key.

I have no idea what car you have, but up till like 04ish there's a wire coming out of the steering column with a two pin plug. That's the one that goes to the flappy switch when you put the key in the ignition. Unplugging that will make the car "think" the key is always out.

The only downside to that is you won't be able to program an alpine alarm system remote because the control module requires the key be in the ignition to enter programming mode.

Edited July 6, 20169 yr by 987687

I have no idea what car you have, but up till like 04ish there's a wire coming out of the steering column with a two pin plug. That's the one that goes to the flappy switch when you put the key in the ignition. Unplugging that will make the car "think" the key is always out.

The only downside to that is you won't be able to program an alpine alarm system remote because the control module requires the key be in the ignition to enter programming mode.

 

Found it and unplugged it.  My guess is that the switch is broken/stuck but for now the annoying sound is no more, just in time to install the new speakers!