1998 Boxster in lockdown mode...

[98BoxsterNY]

Please help a total newbie, and I apologize. I locked my 1998 Boxster remotely (with the buttons on the key), then later discovered it would not unlock -- until I inserted the key in the driver door. The passenger door remained locked. The light on the "central locking switch" was on, but went off the next day when I opened the passenger door from the inside. I can no longer lock the doors remotely, and the front & rear trunks are locked shut (the levers will not pull-up). I also discovered the gas cap cover is locked, so I can't even put gas in the car! The car DOES start, so it can be driven -- until it runs out of gas.

Please tell me there a procedure that will re-set the car's locking system. The interior is not wet (I've read this causes problems), and this all happened without warning. I drive the car almost every day. The nearest dealer is 90 minutes away, and charges $300/hour.

THANKS for any help! --- Jon

[Burg Boxster]

Let's start with easiest... when was last time the CR2032 battery was replaced in your remotes and do both behave same? Even if "new", who knows how long sat on a retailer shelf so I'd test with digital multi-meter. Same for vehicle battery - how new and have you checked system for any parasitic drains (details below how to gain frunk access). Poor/weak battery conditions (current) can reek all sorts of havoc in DC as well as AC systems.

Central Locking - i.e lock button on dash at top of center consoler... What happens when you depress actual button - does passenger door unlock? And do both lock when depressing other side? If showing locked then manual frunk levers will be locked down too.

Frunk & Trunk access: There's a manual procedure to release the rotating lock cam of manual trunks lever assembly in driver side door sill. You can search for procedure / pictures but basically entails using small "electricians" screwdriver inserted carefully b/w between levers to rotate white locking pin 90 degrees. Use a flashlight. Can also use emergency release pull cord for frunk access - medium size braided cable. If not original owner, check for behind the plug hole as a lot of people relocate there for easier access. Otherwise, you can fish for it under passenger side headlight but otherwise will find behind front passenger side wheel liner.

Good luck... and can help diagnose further but this is good place to start - plus gets you access to frunk and trunk.

[tommy583]

The easiest way to unlock the levers is removing the sill cover that goes around the levers. There are a few allen bolts that need to be removed. There are access holes to get to the allen head bolts.

[98BoxsterNY]

THANKS!! for the suggestions. I replaced the batteries in the fob, but that made no difference. Currently, the fob will not lock or unlock the door -- now the door can be locked & unlocked only by inserting the key. The central locking button does nothing now. The red-LED light (on the button) is off, and pressing the button does not lock or unlock anything.

The Boxster still "thinks" it's locked, but I was able to gain access to everything... I found the pull-cord in the passenger-side upper door jam that released the gas lid. I also found a cable in the drivers-side wheel well that allowed access to the "frunk". A friend was able to reveal a cable to the trunk (near the driver door sill) that allowed us to open the rear trunk. We plan to try releasing the lock cam in the door sill so that the front & rear levers can be used.

However, I would still like to deal with the underlying electrical (?) problem. Our guess now is that there is a blown fuse (?) or a relay (?) that is keeping the vehicle in "locked" position. What about disconnecting the battery?? The Boxster still drives normally, so it's functional -- but the problem is still a mystery.

THANK YOU for any further suggestions!! --Jon

[elav]

Check the fuse in the alarm code unit under the seat...

Originally Posted by 98BoxsterNY

THANKS!! for the suggestions. I replaced the batteries in the fob, but that made no difference. Currently, the fob will not lock or unlock the door -- now the door can be locked & unlocked only by inserting the key. The central locking button does nothing now. The red-LED light (on the button) is off, and pressing the button does not lock or unlock anything.

The Boxster still "thinks" it's locked, but I was able to gain access to everything... I found the pull-cord in the passenger-side upper door jam that released the gas lid. I also found a cable in the drivers-side wheel well that allowed access to the "frunk". A friend was able to reveal a cable to the trunk (near the driver door sill) that allowed us to open the rear trunk. We plan to try releasing the lock cam in the door sill so that the front & rear levers can be used.

However, I would still like to deal with the underlying electrical (?) problem. Our guess now is that there is a blown fuse (?) or a relay (?) that is keeping the vehicle in "locked" position. What about disconnecting the battery?? The Boxster still drives normally, so it's functional -- but the problem is still a mystery.

THANK YOU for any further suggestions!! --Jon