I have a 2002 VW Passat 1.9 Tdi with alarm problems

[melstone]

Hi I recently bought the VW Passat 1.9 Tdi and have in the last day or so had the car alarm intermitantly going off.... neighbours not too impressed.... have tried pressing button on b pillar - no joy, doube pressing the key fob to lock but not arm the alarm - no joy. having googled the issue, i have read about the blocked plugs by pollen filter but the carpets are dry so assume no water is coming through is there any way i can disarm the siren until I can get it looked at properly... any help would be much appreciated.

thank you

[Sam]

Welcome to VWAF.

If you're 100% sure the carpets are dry you can lock the car by using the driver's door lock button. You'll have to reach across from the passenger side though.

This means the car is locked but not alarmed.

First thing to do is to get it scanned with VCDS - if you don't have your own cable/software do let me know and I'll point you towards our map where, hopefully, you'll find someone local to help you.

[melstone]

Thank you for your assistance, I'll give it a try

[Flash2]

The alarm siren is in the plenum chamber next to the battery. I think it's a battery backup type though, so it may go off if you disconnect it.

It's also worth having a good look in there for water too. I've seen them filled up to the level of the battery when the drains get blocked. I'd take the cover off and have a good look.
Also the pollen filters are really common for leaking. There is/was a VW recall to remove and reseal the pollen filter housing.

What usually causes the alarm to go off is water ingress (from the pollen filter) leaking onto the connectors in the passenger footwell. There is a series of connectors behind the passenger footwell trim.
On the bottom row, there is a grey connector that the bonnet switch wire routes through. It would be worth unplugging that grey connector and check for water damage.
A check with VCDS can confirm what circuit has been triggering the alarm. If it comes up with bonnet switch, I'd be heading straight to that grey connector.

Also, you'd really need to lift the carpet to check for water. The sound proofing under the carpet is really thick and there can be quite a bit of water on the floor but nothing getting to the carpet itself.

Jim.

[Steven715]

^^^ I second on what Jim said my car seemed dry on the carpets but underneath the soundproofing there was a little puddle under there. Hope you get it sorted as I feel your pain.