Alarm CLU - Can I transplant memory chip (with codes) into donor unit?

[worthyking]

I just drowned my 99 Boxster alarm CLU by leaving the top down yesterday during a rainstorm (should have listened to my wife and ALWAYS put the top up no matter how long I "think" I'm only going to be in the house). Anyway, I pulled the alarm CLU (M535, part number 996-618-260-07) and found it had a bad melted spot on the board.

I cleaned it up with contact cleaner, dried it, and plugged it back in for a test and the car starts and the convertible top works...but...the central locking does not work, nor does the remote locking, nor the power windows.

Interestingly, the windows still operate correctly when you pull the door handle (meaning they drop down a 1/4 inch or so, then return when door is closed) but they will not go down or operate at all from the window buttons in the center console.

Now, I know that I can buy a new CLU, go to the dealership and get it programmed etc. BUT the timing is extremeley bad and I just flat-out can't afford it right now.

So, here's the big question....

Can I buy a used CLU and (assuming I have a friend who is dead handy with circuit boards) remove the memory chip from mine and transplant it into a new CLU box?

The car starts so I assume the part of the CLU that holds the codes (the memory or whatever chip it might be) is still functional. I know the car's ECU/DME has to be informed about code changes (new keys etc.) but if I am simply using a fresh set of electronics surrounding the brain that holds those codes in the CLU, in my mind that should work, right?

Or am I missing something?

To that end, question #2 would be: where could I find a circuit diagram for the CLU circuit board itself?

Edited August 9, 2013 by Grant Boshoff