Newbie in need of info on alarm and top maint

[kurssat]

I recently aquired a very nice low mileage 2000 986. Unfortunately, the remotes do not lock/unlock the car nor do they enable/disable the alarm. I have already tried "waking up" or re-training the remotes to work with my car but I have been unsucessful. I called the dealer which is about 100mi away and they think I need new remotes.

I would like to diagnose the problem further before driving up to the dealer and blindly spending money on a new remote.

Is there a way to manually turn on the alarm system? Just using the key to lock the doors does activate the alarm on my car. I looked in the owners manual and there does not seem to be a way to manually arm and then turn off the system.

Can anyone out there help me?

Second question:
I have an origional soft top on my car. What should I use to treat the soft top to make it last longer and improve its water resistance?

My thanks in advance to those of you who are willing to help out a newbie!

[rick3000]

Congrats on the Boxster!

Did you check the battery's in the remotes? It can always end up being something simple like that, but if it isn't and you need new keys, I would look on the internet because most dealers overcharge. Just make sure if you get them on the internet that they have the white tag necessary for the dealer to program them.

To treat you top there a a lot of different products. I like 303 Cleaner, Renovo Ultra Proofer (water proofer), and Plexus (for the rear window). But you'll find plenty of other products that also do a good job. I went with the Renovo because it paints on and provides a better seal and less mess than spray waterproofing.

[tboyer]

Originally Posted by kurssat

Unfortunately, the remotes do not lock/unlock the car nor do they enable/disable the alarm.

Second question
I have an origional soft top on my car. What should I use to treat the soft top to make it last longer and improve its water resistance?

Welcome to the boards.

Sounds like you have tried all of the typical steps you would to troubleshoot your problem, other than the batteries but I assume since neither fobs work, it's most likely not the batteries. Sounds like you need new keys. I had a '00 that needed new keys too, common issue.

RaggTopp is highly recommended across the board for treating the top.

[kurssat]

My thanks to those of you who have responded so far.

Here is a bit more information:

1) Yes I did change the batteries.

2) I accidentally left the front lid slightly open. When I used the key to manually lock the door, the car emmitted one beep.

Regarding locking and the alarm system, the manual states: If, after locking, the light-emitting diode not not flash.....then not all alarm contact are closed. Additionally, a brief horn signal sounds.

If the alarm does not arm and horn beeps when the front lid is ajar, why does the alarm neither beep nor activate when all doors and lids are closed?

Any thoughts?