Is there a way to mechanically disarm the alarm on a 996

Hi all, is there a way to mechanically disarm the alarm on this beauty? 🙂 It needed a new ignition lock cylinder and a new key remote and so it was sitting unused for a few months. I finally got the cylinder and key remote and so I installed it, but I made the mistake of locking the car with the key and then when I unlocked it and opened the door the alarm went off. Since the remote is not yet programmed I can�t disarm the alarm. I towed the car to the dealership to program the key remote thinking their scanner would override the alarm going off and they�d be able to program the key, but all they did was charge me $700 for popping the hood and for telling me they couldn�t communicate with the Alarm Control Module and they needed an extra $1900 for replacing the ACM and then maybe, just maybe they could communicate with it and be able to program my new key and get my car started. I declined the replacement of the ACM and towed the car back to my house. I ordered the Durametric scanner and I should be getting it tomorrow so I can do some testing but I was wondering if anyone here knows how to disarm the alarm with the key blade? Mechanically? TIA.

Is the old key cylinder and key completely unusable?

Quotes source post: 16786039

Indeed. completely unusable.

Maybe try taking the RFID chip out of the old key and tape it near the column?

Two ways that I can think of...pull the negative lead off the battery and physically disconnect the alarm horn.

Quotes source post: 16786273

I�ve disconnected the horn, it was annoying. But alarm keeps going off as soon as I connect the battery back up. I�ve left the battery disconnected for days but as soon as I connect it back up the alarm goes off.

The alarm module is looking for the old key to be near the ignition key surround. It passively reads the RFID pill in the key. Have you tried inserting the old key in the ignition? You don't have to turn the key...just insert into the ignition. Otherwise, maybe you really do need a replacement ACM because yours is on the fritz.

Quotes source post: 16786404

I don�t have the old key. I guess I am ok with having to replace the ACM if I have to, but I am not ok paying the dealership $1900 to do so. Thieves!!!

Do you have the old key head? The one that has the door lock button on it?

Quotes source post: 16786483

I don�t 😞

Quotes source post: 16786619

What??? Why not?? Basically then you are screwed. The key and ACM are programmed together. You will need to replace the ACM and get a key with the key tag so both can be programmed together. And bonus, I believe since this is proprietary to Porsche (security reasons) only a dealer with the Porsche programming software can do it. Time to max out your credit card, take out a second mortgage or offer up your first child.

^^^^ this is the reason I posted this thread on inexpensive spare key. If you only have 1 key (pill) programmed, and you lose it with the alarm SET, it will cost you a new Alarm control unit plus any keys, tow bills, ect.. Basically, you are screwed !! https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...heap+spare+key

The dealer charged you $700 to connect their computer and tell you they can't do anything? How long did this take for them to do?

Quotes source post: 16786708

I thin he heeds a ECM too, not just a new mobilizing unit and an ignition key. All 3 of these are a matching set. Having said that, he can try looking for a used set, they are out there.

Quotes source post: 16786986

pffttt! Minutes, I guess. I dropped the car in the morning and left, they had the car there over a weekend but am sure they only �worked� on it for just some time.

Quotes source post: 16787000

$700 dollars is ridiculous !! Post the bill from this dealership, I want to see their explanation of why it took $700 labor when you already told them you had lost "the only key" and the alarm was SET...... $700 to make out an estimate???

While I appreciate all the replies, based on your comments some of you don�t know what you�re talking about. 🤣 I have a brand new key remote with the code and yes, theoretically it can be programmed to the existing ACM assuming there�s no issues with the ACM itself. Yes, I am well aware only the dealership can program new key remotes. I towed the car back to my house and if I have to, I will purchase a new ACM and install it myself, I won�t pay the dealership an arm and a leg for something I as easy as replacing it. I already paid them an arm and a leg for nothing. 🤣 Now, does anyone know if there�s a way to disarm the alarm with just the key blade, mechanically, or somehow other than with the remote control??

Quotes source post: 16787039

$150 for �programming� the remote, which they ended up not doing. $240 for taking the wheel and fender liner off to pop the hood. $360 for trying to find out why they couldn�t communicate with the ACM. When I declined the additional $1900 for replacing the ACM and went to pickup the car the representative gave me a �discount� �cause he was �trying� to work with me. 🙄

Quotes source post: 16787047

Really?? Please enlighten us on how you get your ACM out of Alarm SET Mode, with no "programmed pill (rfid) ??

Quotes source post: 16787039

I�d have to find the itemized invoice, but here�s a screenshot of the email I was sent with a link to pay online.

There is no way to disconnect the alarm and have a functioning car. If u just want to access the car with no alarm disco the battery. Not sure what happens if u just disco the module? My guess is a lot of things stop working.

Quotes source post: 16787090

so you�re positive a new key remote cannot be programmed to an existing functioning ACM? If that�s true then these guys knowingly screwed me, I have the itemized invoice somewhere and I�ll find it.

Is this car a theft recovery vehicle? What's the backstory on it?

Quotes source post: 16787047

How is going to program the new immobilizing unit to match the new key? Unless you buy a used matching set, I don't think you can do this without the dealership. If all they did was pop the hood and connect a computer for $700, they sure sound like they ripped you off. Now if this took them hours to do then the labour cost is justifiable.

Quotes source posts: 16787117, 16787117

A new key and remote COULD be programmed to an existing ACM " IF" the ACM is not in "SET MODE".. but in normal stand-by /drive mode. When the ACM is in SET MODE, it can only be deactivated manually by unlocking the door with a key and within 5 seconds insert ignition key and turn to ON ( with a programmed pill/rfid ONLY)....Your only hope is to find your old key to deactivated the ACM, otherwise you will be buying a NEW ACM and having it programmed. Don't be so quick to claim some don't know what they're talking about,, makes you look arrogant. I dunno,,, lets see the bill/explanation. If they had to deal with flat tire, dead battery,tow bill ect, then that explains a little, and if their oldest Porsche Tech has less than 10 years Porsche experience, then possible he has never ran across this unusual circumstance. But $700 bucks still seems VERY high !! Most Porsche owners have more than 1 key, if not they definitely run a risk of being in your predicament $$$$..

Quotes source post: 16787179

you�re right, I made myself look like an ***, my apologies guys. So then I definitely need a new ACM. Does it have to be brand new? Are there any �reconditioned� options? I guess at this point I shouldn�t fudge around and just buy a brand new one.

Quotes source post: 16787212

Apology accepted.. Used parts could only be done in a set with ACM, DME and keys..About $500, not recommended due to potential coding issues/problems. Of course a new ACM will do the trick..$350 + keys + programming Check with ECU Doctors, if there is anyone in the world that can deactivate your existing ACM out of the SET/ARMED MODE so keys can be programmed to it, it will be them...Let us know if they have this ability..

Quotes source post: 16787262

I already have that one key remote I tried to have the dealership program. I�ll contact ECU Doctors and do a follow-up here. I shouldn�t have locked the car when I got the key blade 🤦‍♂️. I wanted to make sure the key worked but I basically screwed myself doing so. Live and learn!

Quotes source post: 16787262

I am assuming the dealership�s scanners cannot override an ACM in �set mode� and get it out of it?

Quotes source post: 16787390

Nope, that's what I have been trying to say. When the ACM is in ARMED/SET mode, the ONLY way to DE-ARM if is with a programmed RFID pill. The factory PIWIS tester will NOT communicate with the ACM, the ACM will NOT allow any communication except from a KNOWN RFID...when in ARMED/SET mode.. Again, ECU Doctors may have a "back door" method they have reverse engineered to be able to preform this task, if they do, let the forum know....

Quotes source post: 16787441

ok, I just wanted to make sure it wasn�t possible before going off on the Porsche service representative, he could say their tech was trying to get the ACM out of �set mode� with their scanners, you know? Before making myself look like an idiot again? 🙊

A new ACM is about $780 actually, I just checked online. 😬

I am gonna go with a new ACM actually, I just don�t want to risk having more issues. now, is there something I should know before I attempt to uninstall the ACM? Or is there a guide? TIA.

Quotes source posts: 16787583, 16787698

OK, they have doubled in price since I retired, I am not that surprised. If you buy the ACM and install yourself, you may be giving up your warranty should anything go wrong while programming ( like low battery voltage will brick the ACM ) . Finger pointing may ensue, best to talk with programmer first to get his blessings..

Quotes source post: 16787748

a new ACM from the dealership should come �blank�? Or would it have to have some type of programming already in it specific for my car based on my VIN?

You know, this is not really a DIY type of project. Things can get very complicated and expensive in a hurry. No, I would not replace the existing alarm module with a new one. I would flatbed the car to a Porsche dealer, negotiate a repair cost, and get it done. 2 keys, a valet key, a new ACM and all the programming done for you. Remember also, the ACM and ECU do a handshake to ensure, yes, this is the correct key and RFID pill so now the car can be started. I know it is going to cost a small fortune, but to me, you really have no other choice. The ACM, ECU is coded to your cars VIN, and only Porsche through Sttugart will supply that information to an authorized Porsche dealer. What the heck happened to your original key...or do I not want to know?

Quotes source posts: 16791509, 16791577

A NEW ACM will be blank because it is used in 996/986 Cabs, Coups, Targas, with all kinds of different equipment specs, and will be coded to specs and also to your VIN. Right !! Installing the ACM is a "no brainer", but the programming is a specialist job, and can be screwed up in many ways, from letting the battery voltage get too low, or entering the wrong specs, or typing a wrong code number. And you only get ONE TRY to get it right !! If you screw up one number in a 10 digit code, you have just "bricked " the ACM... Finding one of the original keys would be worth the effort, there are probably 3 keys that are now still programmed to the car, out in the wild somewhere...

Quotes source post: 16791642

yes, all I�ll be doing myself is uninstalling the old ACM and installing the new one. Then I�ll be towing the car to the dealership to have the new key remote and new ACM programed. I am thinking taking the seat off, disconnect the battery, replace ACM, connect battery, install seat back, yes?

Quotes source post: 16791737

Considering the cost you already have to pay, I wouldn't even do that. Let the dealer do everything, including buying the ACM. This way if something goes wrong there won't be any finger pointing.

Frankly, I would just let the Porsche dealership do everything. If you put the new ACM in and power everything up, you could, as said "brick" the new ACM. Why not just let them do it all? Again, I know, expensive as hell, but this is one time to max out the credit card and just have them do it.....all.

Sounds like you need a new ACM I think ECU doctors can swap modules to basically recreate your ACM on a different board but at this point i'd say either try and find the key, get a new ACM from the dealership or buy a DME, ACM + keys as part of a set. If you go down the dealership path will you flatbed it there?

Think about it for a sec...since you have none of the original keys or key blades, not only are you going to have to change out the ACM and have all the programming done, you will also have to change out all the lock cylinders, door, ignition, center console, glove box. They could duplicate the laser cut key blades IF you had one of the original key blades. Since you don't...what a PITA!

Quotes source post: 16793411

yes, I�ll flatbed it.

The blades are the easy part any automotive locksmith can read the barrel codes and create them for you - still a pain though

Maybe I misspoke. I went back and read his first post. Appears he does have a key blade because he locked the car, which led to his original post about disabling the alarm system. Whew!

Quotes source post: 16793519

Lucky for him! Pretty odd situation on this one!

Not really. Probably a theft recovery bought from an insurance auction. Popped ignition and no keys from the auction. He would need to buy everything he listed and get a reprogram

UPDATE: ACM Fixed!!! so it turns out there are alternatives to �dealership only� modules and key programming. I found a company in Escondido that was able to reset the alarm going off in my ACM, program my key, and �marry� the ECU, ACM and key, I bought another programmed key head transmitter from them as well. They were cheaper than ecu doctors and definitely way cheaper than dealership. I spoke to them over the phone first and they told me they could help, I mailed them my modules and key and they programmed everything and overnighted them to me. Top notch service. They said they can even reprogram used key head transmitters without an original code. I started the car after months of being sitting first at the auction lot waiting to be sold, then at my driveway waiting for the keys and ignition lock cylinder to arrive from Stuttgart, drove it around my block and sure enough I get fault codes. One of them is P1702 and I also get a �tiptronic emergency run� warning and the selector lever light �jumps� between D and 4th. P1702 Posible cause of fault: -Short circuit to B+/ground or open circuit. -Tiptronic control module faulty. can anyone share procedures to wiring and voltage checks to determine where the issue lies or if replacing the TCM is necessary? TIA.

I'm glad that you find a Company able to fix this issue. Please share the Company information as it may help other California members

Quotes source post: 16826266

High Tech Mobile 600 S. Andreasen Dr. Suite E Escondido, CA. 92029 [phone removed]