Alarm system partially broken

[solventus]

I've got a weird problem with my '99 Boxster. Some features of the alarm system (fortunately, the most vital ones) are working. The doors lock and unlock and the cabin lights turn on as normal using both the remote and the key. The rear trunk release from the remote also works, as does the lock button on the console. However, the trunk release levers stay locked, the gas door stays unlocked, and the blinkers don't flash. It also looks like the alarm isn't fully working: when I arm it and jostle the car, nothing happens. However, when I arm it while inside the car and open the door, the alarm sounds. I've tried disconnecting and reconnecting the battery to reset the alarm system with no change. Could this be a fuse or cable issue with the alarm control unit under the drivers side seat? Thanks so much for your help!

Edited January 10, 2008 by solventus

[pk2]

I've got a weird problem with my '99 Boxster. Some features of the alarm system ...Could this be a fuse or cable issue with the alarm control unit under the drivers side seat? Thanks so much for your help!

Fuses, wire, sure, check 'em. Feel around under the driver seat for moisture. If you find a soggy carpet , get the box down there out ASAP, open it up dry and clean it. Then find where you have a leak, fix it. Drain holes in the engine compartment are a nice place to start.

Regards, PK

[juniinc]

With a blown fuse, your Central locking + interior lights shouldn't be working at all, so probably fuse is OK.

I highly doubt it's the wiring, too many zones are occurring.

as PK mentioned , maybe its wet under the seat. You should feel very lucky since its working partially.

damaged alarm module can be a nightmare.

[solventus]

The area under the seat is dry now, but may have gotten wet sometime in the past month since my rear window recently cracked. If the unit has been damaged by moisture and needs to be replaced, is this an expensive repair? Thanks again for the help.

[Tool Pants]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=17717

You need to have the control unit under the drivers seat checked out for any faults. This can be done with a PST2 or PIWIS. Don't know if Durametric can do it. This is a list of people with these devices. Check the list to see if there is a person in your area.

[juniinc]

Yes this can be expensive & time consuming.

You should get it out, dry it first.

[pk2]

The area under the seat is dry now, but may have gotten wet sometime in the past month since my rear window recently cracked. If the unit has been damaged by moisture and needs to be replaced, is this an expensive repair? Thanks again for the help.

Junic said exactly what I was going to. Since it’s working at all you may just have hobbled it. You may also have some residual moisture in it.

What I would do is take it out and open it up make sure It’s dry as a bone. If you see any moldy looking corrosion anywhere wire brush it with a soft wire brush, front an back Do the same with a contacts on the connectors as best you can, If you want , dust it all with contact cleaner (radio shack) or wd40.

To get it out is pretty simple, 4 torx head bolts to get the seat out and foist onto the passenger side. There’s two cables that attach to it (clean those out good) Open it up and do the above, Sooner the better.

To tool pants point, you can go that route to, but for me, that would be dependant on how close you are is a piwi and what it will cost.

Cost of diagnosis and replacement is around $350, guess that’s another reason why I’d see if I could rejuvenate it myself first.

Regards, PK

O yea, sacrilege I’ sure, but drill a hole or 2 down there at a low point and prime them. You’ll probably have another leak at some point, but this way all you’ll have only to worry about a wet carpet. .