car won't unlock after 5 days of no use and key doesn't work - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

tamarsha · 01-09-2009, 08:51 AM

I wonder what it would take to trick the IR sensors into setting off the alarm.
Maybe I will try pointing a couple of remote controls at it and see if any set them off.
Maybe all it takes is some sunshine and mirror. With that thought, using a magnifying glass to set the dash I fire might get the desired result.
Ok… maybe “desired result” is the wrong phrase.

Lil bastard · 01-09-2009, 09:16 AM

Tricking the motion sensor will not work. If you set off the alarm, the remote will not deactivate it.

The alarm module in the car has stopped 'listening' for the remote and the only way to activate this feature is to start the car once with the ignition key.

tamarsha · 01-09-2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lil bastard

Tricking the motion sensor will not work. If you set off the alarm, the remote will not deactivate it.

The alarm module in the car has stopped 'listening' for the remote and the only way to activate this feature is to start the car once with the ignition key.

So if the key won't work in the door lock you're SOL? You have to break a window or find an alternate point of entry into the car to put the key in the ignition and get the fob working again? That blows.

What about getting the trunk open and disconnecting then reconnecting the battery as others have mentioned? Will that wake up the alarm unit to listen for the remote?

jmatta · 01-09-2009, 11:23 AM

Sounds like time for that new top you've been longing for...

I change the battery in my key fob once a year, whether it needs it or not.

Perfectlap · 01-09-2009, 11:49 AM

question-- Have you called the dealer? Maybe you can have AAA tow the car there and they'll get the door the open by removing the lock or something.

Nineteen89 · 01-09-2009, 01:41 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong as I don't own one of these yet, but as I stated in my first post, can a "profesional" not come out and "break" into your car for you, as if you would have left your keys inside your car? I know tow truck companies do this. It's probabaly not as cool as breaking windows and ripping open tops but it might be more practical.

Lil bastard · 01-09-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamarsha

So if the key won't work in the door lock you're SOL?

Yep... The Alarm shuts down it's receiver and is no longer 'listening' for the remote after 5 days, ironically enough... to save the battery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamarsha

What about getting the trunk open and disconnecting then reconnecting the battery as others have mentioned? Will that wake up the alarm unit to listen for the remote?

Nope... The Alarm will only reactivate to sense the remote after being started with the key.

fragdude · 01-11-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Nope... The Alarm will only reactivate to sense the remote after being started with the key.

If thats true you are probably best off taking the car to a dealer. Tow truck guys put a wedge in the door and inflate it enough so they can stick a hook in and unlock the door. The boxster doesn't have a visible lock (the handle would have to be pulled back I assume) and you might break the window/damage the top if you wedge the door open.

NoGaBiker · 01-12-2009, 06:30 AM

I locked my keys in my 04 a year ago or so. Actually, I was the last one at the office, pulled the door behind me (locked of course), then reached in my pocket for the key to work the deadbolt. Keys were sitting on my desk. I remembered I had spare office keys in my Boxster console. Found a dead branch on a tree in the lot, pried the window open slightly with fingers, inserted branch, pushed the console button which popped the lid up slightly. Then got another branch with a little "hook" on the tip and lifted the console lid, then reached in the console and snagged the key ring. Pulled it out to me and was able to get back in the office and retrieve my real key ring.

The point of all that (other than to illustrate my MacGuyver-like ingenuity) is that all that did no damage to the window or seal.

I can't remember if I just couldn't get the stick to properly push the unlock button in the upper console or if it doesn't work if the doors are locked by the remote. Anyway, that was my first intention, but it didn't work for some reason. But your car is older and they changed some things -- I would try pushing the unlock button with a stick first.

Matt