Here's a condensed walkthrough for this job in one single thread. Much of this info is scattered over tons of threads going back to 2005, but some of those threads have plain bad info including people who believe the immobilizer is the alarm. SirLotus has provided the brunt of this knowledge and he deserves most of the credit.
Why disable the Cobra security system? In recent months, either my Cobra alarm module or both FOBs became flaky. The FOB batteries were good (3.2V on the multimeter), but I was having to resync the FOBs every few weeks which meant something in the Cobra system was failing. Recent resyncs took multiple attempts for success and I worried this could worsen and leave me stranded.
So if you don't mind locking your doors with the key and no longer want to be a slave to Cobra security and PIN gremlins, do this modification sooner than later!
Background: The Cobra security system for 05-07 Eliges consists primarily of a microwave sensor, immobilizer, alarm module, and alarm siren. Your FOB transmits directly to the receiver inside the alarm module, which then flows downstream to the immobilizer, door locks, etc. Later year Eliges used PFK security systems presumably due to horrible feedback about the Cobras.
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14 Steps. Photos are at the bottom (I can't attach them inline for some reason).
1. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal.
2. Remove the passenger seat. Push the driver's seat forward and then remove the rear bulkhead cover. If you have a harness bar,
this must be removed before the bulkhead can come out.
3. Locate the immobilizer (on the rear panel behind the driver's seat) and disconnect its white harness. Remove and discard the immobilizer after separating it from the rear panel. The immobilizer harness does NOT need to be reconnected for this mod.
4. On the car's side of the white harness, cut off both pairs of end wires.
5. Strip the four end wires that you cut and splice the respective pairs together by any secure means. This now enables the circuits to the fuel pump and starter.
6. Unplug the microwave sensor and remove it from the rear panel.
Now the complicated job - unplugging the alarm module. This is located behind the passenger side cubby hole which has a razor-sharp aluminum edge. Note: If you don't unplug the alarm module, the telltale light on the gauge cluster will flash even while driving because it can't talk to the immobilizer.
7. Remove the two plastic trim covers of the cubby hole (two phillips screws for each cover).
8. Apply duct tape to the aluminum trim at the bottom of the hole so you don't cut yourself. Initially, I skipped this and still sliced my thumb with very little effort. TAPE THE EDGE OFF!
9. Locate the alarm module. It will be buried behind foam, about 4 inches in, and to the right in the compartment. It's wrapped in a plastic bag for moisture protection. Cut the black zip tie securing the plastic to the wiring feed, and remove the plastic bag.
10. Disconnect the white harness attached to the alarm module. There are two black plastic tabs pointing up on each end of the harness. Push these tabs out to the sides and pull up on the harness to separate them. This took me many tries. The module slides into a bracket that is screwed down, so you can't wiggle it closer unless you break the bracket's tabs.
11. Decide if you want the alarm module removed or not. The module's base is secured to the aluminum panel with two Phillips screws that are very difficult to access (removing the dash won't help). After prying the module's cover off, I used a long ratchet with a Phillips fitting to unscrew the mount, but it wasn't easy. Else, just leave the alarm module intact but unplugged.
12. Optional: Locate the alarm siren bolted to the front crash structure on the driver's side. Unplug and remove.
13. Refit the cubby hole trim covers, rear bulkhead panel, and
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passenger seat, and reconnect the battery.
14. Discard your Cobra FOBs. You're now Cobra free and have reliable starting every time!
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Note: SirLotus and others have stated that you will lose your central door locking if you do these mods. However, my CDL still works even though I never need it. My interior lamp is also operating even though some stated they lost this when the alarm module was unplugged.
Why disable the Cobra security system? In recent months, either my Cobra alarm module or both FOBs became flaky. The FOB batteries were good (3.2V on the multimeter), but I was having to resync the FOBs every few weeks which meant something in the Cobra system was failing. Recent resyncs took multiple attempts for success and I worried this could worsen and leave me stranded.
So if you don't mind locking your doors with the key and no longer want to be a slave to Cobra security and PIN gremlins, do this modification sooner than later!
Background: The Cobra security system for 05-07 Eliges consists primarily of a microwave sensor, immobilizer, alarm module, and alarm siren. Your FOB transmits directly to the receiver inside the alarm module, which then flows downstream to the immobilizer, door locks, etc. Later year Eliges used PFK security systems presumably due to horrible feedback about the Cobras.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Steps. Photos are at the bottom (I can't attach them inline for some reason).
1. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal.
2. Remove the passenger seat. Push the driver's seat forward and then remove the rear bulkhead cover. If you have a harness bar,
this must be removed before the bulkhead can come out.
3. Locate the immobilizer (on the rear panel behind the driver's seat) and disconnect its white harness. Remove and discard the immobilizer after separating it from the rear panel. The immobilizer harness does NOT need to be reconnected for this mod.
4. On the car's side of the white harness, cut off both pairs of end wires.
5. Strip the four end wires that you cut and splice the respective pairs together by any secure means. This now enables the circuits to the fuel pump and starter.
6. Unplug the microwave sensor and remove it from the rear panel.
Now the complicated job - unplugging the alarm module. This is located behind the passenger side cubby hole which has a razor-sharp aluminum edge. Note: If you don't unplug the alarm module, the telltale light on the gauge cluster will flash even while driving because it can't talk to the immobilizer.
7. Remove the two plastic trim covers of the cubby hole (two phillips screws for each cover).
8. Apply duct tape to the aluminum trim at the bottom of the hole so you don't cut yourself. Initially, I skipped this and still sliced my thumb with very little effort. TAPE THE EDGE OFF!
9. Locate the alarm module. It will be buried behind foam, about 4 inches in, and to the right in the compartment. It's wrapped in a plastic bag for moisture protection. Cut the black zip tie securing the plastic to the wiring feed, and remove the plastic bag.
10. Disconnect the white harness attached to the alarm module. There are two black plastic tabs pointing up on each end of the harness. Push these tabs out to the sides and pull up on the harness to separate them. This took me many tries. The module slides into a bracket that is screwed down, so you can't wiggle it closer unless you break the bracket's tabs.
11. Decide if you want the alarm module removed or not. The module's base is secured to the aluminum panel with two Phillips screws that are very difficult to access (removing the dash won't help). After prying the module's cover off, I used a long ratchet with a Phillips fitting to unscrew the mount, but it wasn't easy. Else, just leave the alarm module intact but unplugged.
12. Optional: Locate the alarm siren bolted to the front crash structure on the driver's side. Unplug and remove.
13. Refit the cubby hole trim covers, rear bulkhead panel, and
14. Discard your Cobra FOBs. You're now Cobra free and have reliable starting every time!
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Note: SirLotus and others have stated that you will lose your central door locking if you do these mods. However, my CDL still works even though I never need it. My interior lamp is also operating even though some stated they lost this when the alarm module was unplugged.
