Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

I have just been to see a 928 S4 that I will likely buy. However the Alarm, Immobiliser and Central Locking don't work. The owner thinks this is 2 separate issues.

1) The central locking can be heard clicking but neither door opens either with the key fob or interior button. He has had the door panels off but didn't get it fixed. Any ideas?
2) The car has an aftermarket alarm and immobiliser which does not work and had been disabled. That's all I know. So I guess best case is get a sparky to check it out and perhaps there is an easy fix. Worst case I guess is it will need a new system installed.

I know it isn't much to go on but has anyone got any ideas about what sort of costs I could be looking at to get these fixed? Am I buying into a world of pain?

I would guess that your central lock issue is related to the alarm. If it had "Auto closure" and the alarm is now disabled, it would switch off the locking. I would suggest getting the alarm removed and the original wiring reinstated as a first step. I wouldn't have thought this would cost a fortune.

Is the "clicking" coming from the door locks (more of a thudding) or from relays elsewhere in cabin?

Do the locks work fine using the key in the lock?

Do the doors lock and unlock using the disc below the door posts?

Aftermarket alarms poorly installed are notorious cause of 928 electrics problems blamed unfairly on the car. Budr's market for 928s so consider walking away unless this car is very special.

Or very, very cheap.

To be honest I can't answer that, but if it was just a relay then I think the owner would have found that. There had been an attempt at fixing it, hence the door cards had been disturbed.


Yes


Not sure what these are?



The car is nice enough not to squabble over a few hundred quid. It is the right colour/interior and the paintwork is lovely. Yes it is a buyers market but it is still difficult to get the spec that you are after.

Apart from the issues with the alarm and locks the car also needs cambelt and water pump. The price we have discussed is £1500 down from his asking price to cover the issues. £800 was quoted for the cambelt/water pump which leaves £700 for the alarm etc. If that £700 sounds reasonable then I am prepared to go with what we have agreed.

The relay clicking info is potentially useful because remote locking relays may be working, but the central locking module not working correctly to drive the door locks. What year is the car? In 1991 the alarm was integrated with central locking in unit under RHS seat.

Good that locks work with key. That means the electric solenoids driving the locks are ok (lock sends signal to module to lock/unlock).

Sounds like a nice car!

Hi

Regarding costs if the alarm sytem needs replacement....

Around 3 years ago my brothers 928 needed the original HP system fixing....he took it to them and they said it would be cheaper to strip it out and replace with a new (but same) one...it cost £700 but he did say that 2 guys worked on it ALL day...

My own alarm system is about the most sophisticated non Porsche you can buy....

Its a Clifford 650 with EVERYTHING.... hugely advanced over the HP one....

Remote locking, INCLUDING all windows and sunroof autoshut, microwave bubble, anti-hijack system, external PA system, remote engine starting and numerous other things, including talking lol ...like "REMOTE ENGINE STARTING - STEP AWAY" and if you get too close to the car "DEFENSE SYSTEM AND VIDEO RECORDING ACTIVATED - STEP AWAY"

Its the best you can buy but it costs around £1000 to £1500 (depending on which bits you want)..thats a fitted price....take my word its NOT something you want to fit yourself, although you can buy them as DIY...

Hope this helps ...

All the best Brett