Warning chime is driving me nuts!

[robytar]

Hello all, my first post. For some reason the chime that alerts the driver that the key is in when door opened or to alert you when there is a problem such as brakes, low fuel etc. is always going off and not sure why. It is dinging faster than when the key is in ignition w/ door opened. It does it on and off, all I want to do is disconnect it but cannot find it! Is there a fuse I could pull to stop this noise?

Thanks!

[sonoma_zr2]

Sounds like a fried headlamp switch or the headlamp switch isn't getting power. Check the fuse in the drivers side fuse panel.

[robytar]

Not the headlamp switch or fuse, checked. Guess my main priority is to just disconnect the device that makes the chime noise. Can it be done?

[sonoma_zr2]

Did you pull the chime fuse?

[robytar]

Is there actually a fuse just for the chime. I could not find it if there is.

Thanks!

[sonoma_zr2]

I don't have a 95 manual, but the 99 is fuse 1D - 15amp. There is a fuse map on the access cover and in the manual. The reason it is dinging is there is something wrong with the headlight switch. Better to fix it than just turn off the noise.

[robytar]

Guess I should have made it clear that this is not my car. A friend of mine that seems to have no interest in finding out why the chime is dinging ask me to look at it. Could not find a problem w/ the headlight switch and he just asked me to remove the chime if I could. This is his old beater car and I guess he does not want to spend any money on it & I really don't care as i was just trying to help him stop the chime from sounding. I will check and see if there is a fuse.

Thanks!

[willwren]

Don't underestimate that chime. It could (and usually is) a very serious indication of a problem. Typically a master cylinder problem is indicated by that chime. By the time you hear it, you may not have much time left before you wreck.

Carefully check the braking system for leaks, fluid level, etc. Check ALL fluids, including the washer reservior.

[robytar]

Well he said he added some brake fluid and the chime stopped. Guess I never thought of checking the master cyl. Thanks guys!

[freneticburn]

Do you just rip the batteries out of a fire detector when there's a fire in the house too?

[renchjeep]

Well he said he added some brake fluid and the chime stopped. Guess I never thought of checking the master cyl. Thanks guys!

If the brake fluid was that low, I would be looking for a leak somewhere, or worn brake linings. Brake fluid is not consumed like engine oil.

My 2 cents.....

[willwren]

The car in question is in for serious problems in the very near future.

[renchjeep]

The car in question is in for serious problems in the very near future.

Perhaps the driver as well!

[robytar]

My buddy decided to sell this car, so I picked it up for $250.00. I am going to fix it up as it needs a lot of work. The rear wheel is leaking brake fluid which is why the master cyl. was low. Time to do a full brake job. This car has been a money pit for him. I may just fix it up and get rid of it as these old Bonneville's seem to be troublesome.

[myfirstbonnie]

Not if you fix the issues correctly. These cars will run a long time with a little TLC.

[freneticburn]

Not if you fix the issues correctly. These cars will run a long time with a little TLC.

exactly. Aside from a few preventable issues (LIM gaskets and UIM) 3800s are among the most reliable engines ever made. They're actually notorious for their reliability.

[renchjeep]

Take care of the brake problem first. Then, you have a safe starting point. If it runs, drives, and is not rusted beyond repair, you will have a decent "go-getter" for years. Provided you follow the advice given here regarding maintenance/repair items.

Welcome to reliability, old-skool style!

[jonnevilleSSEi]

I had Bonnie at the shop for "STOP THAT CHIME - IT'S DRIVING ME NUTS!!" (and oil change, tire rotate). They "didn't find" what was setting off the chime but did notice a loose brake line connection that was leaking (Brake lines had been redone 8 months back).

They sealed up that line and refilled the fluid. The mech. then reported only that he didn't hear the chiming when he test drove it.
He didn't know he'd fixed it already. Apparently Bonnie yells at you with the chime if the brake fluid is low or leaking but doesn't indicate what the problem is? Not very nice.

I actually found this link by googling "Cut The Chime in 1995 Bonneville" - I was ready to cut it's power source. Can't drive around like that and how embarrassing. Should this throw a OBD Code? No idiot-light either.

[MKMike]

I had Bonnie at the shop for "STOP THAT CHIME - IT'S DRIVING ME NUTS!!" (and oil change, tire rotate). They "didn't find" what was setting off the chime but did notice a loose brake line connection that was leaking (Brake lines had been redone 8 months back).

They sealed up that line and refilled the fluid. The mech. then reported only that he didn't hear the chiming when he test drove it.
He didn't know he'd fixed it already. Apparently Bonnie yells at you with the chime if the brake fluid is low or leaking but doesn't indicate what the problem is? Not very nice.

I actually found this link by googling "Cut The Chime in 1995 Bonneville" - I was ready to cut it's power source. Can't drive around like that and how embarrassing. Should this throw a OBD Code? No idiot-light either.

No. It will not set an OBD code.

When I first got my 98 SE, the warning chime would ding and the brake light would illuminate.
It made no sense to me as I could clearly see that the fluid was above the low mark on the MC fluid reservoir and the brakes worked just fine.
Finally, I popped the cover off the reservoir and discovered that the old fluid had stained the inside of the reservoir, so it only looked like the fluid level was good. The fluid level actually was a bit low.
from pad wear and, after topping it off--no more chime or light.

BTW, this thread is an oldie, so the OP probably sold the Bonnie years ago.

[Oldsman003]

that chime is super annoying, my current lss and my old ls had this same problem. that *dang* chime will just start chiming and wont stop. both of mine i went under the dash i believe on the passenger side hidden by the hush panel if you look way up in there you can see a small speaker, look real hard that is the chime. i disconnected both of mine. best thing i ever did, good luck.