Alarm woes - query

[SRDavis]

The alarm on my 2007 Targa 4 has started going off at random; 6 times this week so far, most recently at 3:10 and 7:15 am today.
This also triggers the tracker system, so I then get a polite call from Vodafone.

I cannot see any obvious signs of problems, but have a query: when I arm the alarm, the LED on the centre console flashes rapidly 20 times, then once every 3-4 seconds. Is this normal? (I've never stood and watched it previously).

Any suggestions on things to check before I take it 80+ miles to the nearest dealer?

The car is parked in the same place as it is normally parked, where we've had no problems for the last 2 years. Weather does not appear to be the issue; gale force winds and rain a few days ago caused no problem. No sign of insects or mice in the car, nor footprints from a cat sitting on it.

Simon

 

[Bear911]

Being brief a phone call to dealer.
Not frivolous but the first option for advice.

 

[SRDavis]

Hi bear911lancs,
I should have said that I have already rung the dealer. Got the stock answer, "Just pop in and we'll take a look", which is fine but they're 85 miles away, so I wanted to check what I can before I lose a day going to Cardiff.

 

[Bear911]

Town where you live
Then perhaps someone can suggest a Porsche indy
More local to you - just a idea

 

[SRDavis]

Carmarthen

 

[Gordon Attar]

The dealer should be able to interpret the flash sequence.
Suggest you open and close all doors, bonnets boots etc and shut them firmly/slam incase its a sticky sensoretc

Or find the nearest Independant with computer to plug in and diagnose

 

[Bear911]

Welsh Porsche 02920 706 944

Otherwise just root on Google

 

[RCS]

Random alarms going off maybe moisture in the arm ecu. Not sure with Targa's, but on Boxster and probably Cabs if any drains are blocked water can get in the cabin and the alarm ecu is usually under the passenger seat which is where the water goes. As i say not sure what if any drain arrangements a Targa may have for its top, but there will be some at the front. Worth feeling the carpet under the passenger seat to see if its damp - or elsewhere for that matter. It may be the rain you mention from a few days ago has just soaked through.

 

[kasspa]

Nobody has suggested drop in battery voltage!
This could trigger a spurious indication for alarm system.
I've had this on a less sophisticated system....

 

[SRDavis]

I found the culprit - a biscuit wrapper, trapped up against the control module by the rear carpet.
As it was made of metal foil, it must have been interfering with the module, causing the alarm to go off.
Having removed it, all has been quiet; normal service has been resumed.
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

Simon

 

[tscaptain]

Can't understand why nobody suggested that.[] Glad you've sorted it.

 

[Lancerlot]

Eating biscuits in your Porsche? Are you mad?
You'll be telling us you eat fish and chips in bed next. []
Regards,
Clive

 

[SRDavis]

Not me, it was my better half. However, biscuits are now banned.
No fish and chips in bed either; the ketchup gets everywhere!
??