Alarm Oddities

[Manchesterdude]

In the North West the weather today has been real bad and the wind has been blowing hard and rain coming down very heavy. Well I was sat watching television when I heard my alarm go off, I got the keys and pressed the unlock button to stop the alarm but only the alarm sound stopped but the constant horn sound continued and I could not stop it.

I got in the car and started the engine and it still continued. Its bloody deafening! Anyway, I tried a few different things and gave up not wanting to go any further in the driving rain. After 5 mins the constant horn sound slowly died out to a stop.

The car seems to be back to normal now however the key fob wont work anymore. I cant electonically unlock the car from a distance. Is this just a temporary thing that will restore? Seems very strange. I can only unlock the car by putting the key in the lock now. Any advice or thoughts on this would be appreciated! Thanks

[Manchesterdude]

Well it started working for a bit and has now reverted to not working. There is definately something strange happening here. It seems that the button with the key on the main console (with the red light - terrible I know, I dunno what it is exactly - some immobiliser?) is self-activating?

Its causing me all sorts of problems! Currently only able to open the drivers door with the key in the lock and having to mess around a bit with the ignition (and windows (???)) to get the passenger door open and the key button red light to go out. Locked myself in the car a few times now.

My only thoughts are some water has got in somewhere and messed things up, it was raining harder than it has rained in a LONG time. That or I have messed up the sync of the alarm?

Any help here? As you can tell I think I need it

[phelix]

What car is this on? Any water inside the car from a leaking windscreen seal or door membranes? Check under the mats and front seats.

[Manchesterdude]

2001 Boxster S. I will go look for any leakages....

[sportsandclassic]

Passanger seat look under there for the alarm module is it swimming in water.....??

[Manchesterdude]

Oh crikey. Just went to look and put my hand under the passenger seat and the alarm module is SWIMMING in water...then bam the alarm went off! At midnight. It seems to have stopped now cus I have left it alone but the lights are still flashing.

Any ideas?

[Manchesterdude]

Ok lights stopped flashing, alarm stopped. Not going to mess anymore with it tonight. Neighbours looked very pissed off even tho their house alarm has woken me MANY times.

Well I know now that my car leaks and that I have a VERY wet alarm module. Does anybody have any ideas what my best course of action is? Crikey I hope this isnt a very serious problem....

[996tt_stevo]

Please note: I don't know if this is the same for your car, but a few different models have a backup alarm system (back up battery) just to let you know if you pop your key in the ignition and turn it to on position without starting, it bypasses the backup system (deactivates it). I would then disconnect main battery also. Take your control module out and let it dry out (check online how you dry a mobile phone is best) but I fear your control module might have been soaking for a while!

Good luck anyway.

[Manchesterdude]

Well I have got about 98% of the water out of the well under the passenger seat. I dont know how to remove the alarm module, it seems pretty well attached. The electrics seem to be going a bit mad still. The red key button on the main console keeps activating itself....anyone know how I override this? (is it the imobiliser?)

Couldnt start the car before which I assume is the immobiliser because the alarm goes off when I get in it now(by unlocking the drivers door manually). Strange happenings..... and its just started to rain again!

[sportsandclassic]

Hi

you need to remove the seat and then remove alarm module but chances are it will be all fried....

You will need new 1 and 2 key fobs.

either the door membrane is leaking or the drains / membranes under roof are torn/blocked up.

contact me on 07720843736 for any help.

[Manchesterdude]

Thanks for the replies.

Currently when I get in the alarm goes off but when I start the engine it stops. Am I right in saying that its ok to drive for now? (other than the alarm going off every time I get in) I am assuming I am overriding the alarm when I start the engine.

New keys etc is gonna prove to be very expensive, and thats before a new alarm (if it is fried) and fixing any leaks. Also is it worth waiting it out to see if the module dries out and things return to normal? (long shot I know)

[Manchesterdude]

Any views on whether I can still drive the car? Its fine was the engine is goin just want to be sure the engine wont immobilise and cut out....

[sportsandclassic]

Hello

you cant be sure it wont cut out or break down....because it is the immobiliser too...i would imagine that once started it will run for ever until switched off as it is just seeing the key and allowing the engine control module to start....

try it start the vehicle and unplug the module....if it stops you know its not safe.....but if it packs up when you are in town and wont restart your stuck too...you will proably need to get it out to dry it properley anyway and find the leak...


the carpets on those cars is about 2" thick foam padding and retains alot of water...ive done a few and had to take out the carpets and dry them in a bodyshop baking oven....