Water logged alarm ecu
 

Hi, my 97 boxster wouldn't start earlier and after a little investigation I found the alarm ecu under water??????
Will it survive if I dry it out ?
It has M534 on the top, are they coded to the car or can you just replace it with one of the same "m" number?
HELP !
Polly :dance:

Very Important...
 

... immediately, disconnect the battery.
Now.
Then come back to read the rest:

Remove the driver's seat, disconnect and remove the CLU.
Open it up and remove the printed circuit board.
Place the printed circuit board in a shallow dish such as a Tupperware.
Cover completely with Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
Let it sit there an hour or two, while lightly moving back-and-forth so that the alcohol can get into every nook and cranny.
Then take out the circuit board and let it dry on its own.
Don't force-dry with a hair dryer.
While the board was soaking in alcohol, make sure that you dry the plastic enclosure and the connector and wiring harness completely.
Make sure the car is dry.
Clean out your (most-likely-clogged) rear drains next to the soft top's pivots (one on each side).
After all is dry put the ECU back in. make sure the small fuse is not blown.
Reconnect.
Put the seat back in and connect it to it's harness.
Reconnect the battery and test everything.
Enjoy.
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro
repla

Thanks for your swift reply!
I cant disconnect the battery because the opening lever is blocked and the red light is on, on the central locking button??
Where do you think I could purchase the rubbing agent? A chemist?
Many thanks for your time and effort in helping me out, most kind.
Polly

You can still pop the hood by removing the inner fender liner on the right side and pulling the manual release cable. A search will get you more detailed instructions if you want them.

If you do this without disconnecting the battery you may fry that board, if it isn't already, and you will definitely get an airbag warning light on your dash, which, unless you have a durametric tool, you will have to pay a dealer to reset.

isopropyl alcohol you can get ...
 

... at any pharmacy (drug store).
The longer the car sits with the battery connected the less chance to revive the CLU.
Replacing the Central Locking Unit is not inexpensive.
Happy Boxstering,
Pedro

Right'o
I managed to disconnect the battery!
After soaking the clu in isopropyl solution for a couple of hours I replaced the clu then connected the battery but alas it still wont start. On the plus side everything else works so I'm now wondering if its just a burnt out relay that needs replacing then I'll search for a board diagram and do some investigation.
The other question I would like answered, can you just replace the clu with another with the same "M" number on?
Thanks
Polly :dance: