Alarm Question

[slotsmd]

I recently got a 2002 S and can't figure out how the motion detectors are supposed to work. I just assumed that if the alarm is armed, and I stick my hand in the open window, it would go off. But - it doesn't. If I pop open the storage compartment or try to open the door, it does. Is there something I'm missing?

Any info would be appreciated

Thanks!

[Beelzy]

Stick your arm in and then wave it around, it will go off.

The motion sensors are located at the rear view mirror. One on each side. ;)

[Loren]

As I understand it there are two time limits.

The first one does not activate the the passenger compartment sensors until you have activated the alarm and had time to move away from the car (about 10 seconds).

The second criteria is that it needs to see motion over a period of time. So, say a persons shadow as they walk by the car does not set off the alarm. I think on the Boxster and Cabriolet it is also tied into the top microswitch - so if someone forced the top open it would go off immediately.

I do not know how long - just explaining what I have read in the tech books and service manual.

If someone else knows more - please add...

[rsfeller]

I recently got a 2002 S and can't figure out how the motion detectors are supposed to work. I just assumed that if the alarm is armed, and I stick my hand in the open window, it would go off. But - it doesn't. If I pop open the storage compartment or try to open the door, it does. Is there something I'm missing?

Any info would be appreciated

Thanks!

They can fail as my system has error codes referring to them that doesn't interfere with the rest of the sytem nor trigger the two beep warning.

The alarm system is covered in general detail in your manual. It discussed how to disengage the motion detection (leaving dog in car was the example) but I cannot recall if you have to turn it back on, or if it goes back to general alarm the next time, you'll have to read up.

If you don't have a manual let us know. There are options to get you in the information.

[juniinc]

with the top down or up?

when it's down, disables your motion sensor

[slotsmd]

With top up, and also with the red clip installed. All alarm features/functions seem to work fine except motion detectors.

[Tool Pants]

With the top latched and the windows open, or with the red clip on, set the alarm. Make sure the alarm light on the dash is blinking properly. Wait 3 minutes. Then reach your arm in to the brake and waive to yor car. Then remove your hand and wait for 1 minute. It should work.

The common problem is that people set the alarm and then immediately reach inside. The motion detector does not come on instantaneously when the alarm is set. When the alarm is set the motion detector searches the car for movement. If movement is detected during this search time then the motion detector is not armed. I forget the search time - think it is 20 seconds - that is why I said to wait 3 minutes. When you reach in the alarm has a delay before it will go off - I forget how long - maybe 20 seconds - that is why I said to wait 1 minute to see if it goes off.

Try it again.

[juniinc]

if not, new sensor is needed.

[slotsmd]

Sounds like I'm in for a new sensor. Nothing regardless of what I do to try to set off the motion detector.

At least this is something I don't have to put into the urgent pile.

Thanks for the help.

[slotsmd]

Well, I'm thinking about doing this. Does anyone out there have an idea how I can track down a part number? I've tried looking at the parts breakdown chart on Pelican and can't find it called out.

Thanks for any help!

[timbo]

During the summer, if you can remember it, I parked my car with top down, came back later to get somthing and as soon as I reached in the alarm went off. I don't have a red clip thingy, why do some cars need them? obviously alarm sensors not disabled with top down. It says in the manual to keep the lenses clean.

Re summer, crap here in the UK

Edited October 5, 2008 by timbo

[RFM]

The red clip is useful on the 996 cabrio, it become possible to rise the both rear-side windows with the clip installed. I cant see directly any advantage on a 986.