Alarm issue - help needed

Hi Mike. Do you have an Indi that you could (politely) ask to plug a tester in to see what's what? Probably already covered but have you tried the catches on the glove compartment and the centre console to see if it's one of those senders? If you were to change the car I would suggest a privately sold R8 (have you seen the prices...!!!?)[ ] Adrian.

Another thing you might want to check is the tilt sensor. On early 996s it is located under the alarm siren, and they have a nasty habit of filling up with water which causes false alarms. You can usually see the water through the clear(ish) plastic case.

Thanks for the quick informative replies guys. I'll check them out...as soon as the rain stops [8D]

I'm having an intermittent issue with my 996 alarm. The problem only appears to be happening during the day so I suspect light or heat related - more than likely light. The alarm goes off, I reset it then maybe a few minutes later it starts off again. I have persevered and allowed it to ring, it rings, stops for a moment then starts ringing again then appears to reset itself and all is quiet again. According to the manual there are a number of sensors about the car coupled with the infrared in ceiling beside courtesy/interior light. All look fine but what is the best way to troubleshoot this? I was thinking of shorting contacts one at a time - a process of elimination but any other ideas? I suggested to my wife that I upgrade car toa 997 but she wasn't in agreement [ ] Any advice appreciated.

OK, after some experimentation using the above suggestions I discovered the following. Richard strikes again! - there was water gathering in and around the area beside the alarm siren and tilt switch as the drain holes were blocked with dirt. Brought the car to a local Indo who removed the siren and tilt switch ref 996.616.265.00 (pic below). The siren had some moisture inside and when you gently shook the tilt it also seemed to have some water present. Is it possible to open the tilt switch to dry it out? Should I let everything dry out and reconnect? or just replace? costs? or Has anyone a good tilt switch or indeed a siren for sale? If not where would you recommend aside from main dealer?

Mike, I would put the siren and the tilt switch box in the airing cupboard (or hot press [ ]) for about 24 hours to dry them both out. If you want to prevent this happening again I suggest by using a small drill bit 2.5mm or smaller: drill a hole in the bottom of the tilt switch box i.e. opposite side to the label. This should allow any water to drain out in future and also reduce any condensation building up internally. This has to be done very carefully of course not to damage any of the components or wires inside.

I would think that it will be OK to dry out the siren in your airing cupboard for a few days and re-use it. IMO the tilt sensor will be toast. The new tilt sensors, which are relocated to underneath the passenger seat, can be retrofitted to an old system. I have the instructions how to do this if you need them. The new sensor is about £160 for the kit, with wiring harness, etc.

Yes, I think I'll try the hot press option. Can you bypass the tilt Richard?

Yes - just don't connect it! Strictly speaking, it would be best to re-code the alarm control unit to "without tilt sensor", but it isn't really necessary. In the UK (and Belgium) it was fitted as an add-on to meet Thatcham Catagory 1 status. Therefore your car won't comply, but I am not sure if that is necessary for your insurers in Ireland.

Where is this area on the car? Is it on the left side of the bonnet as you look at the car (ie the drivers sidde) under the plastic cover?

It is on the passenger side under the plastic cover - just to the right of the battery as you look at it. There is a single T20 Torx screw you have to remove to take the panel off.