I had a non start issue for a month - replaced DME, Speed and Reference Sensors, plugs, wires, distributor, fuel regulator, battery - I watched this video, bypassed the alarm and it started. I don't know if I should laugh or cry:) Your videos are amazing. Thank you so much.
Oh man! I’m glad you got it figured out. 😂 The circuitry on the alarm control boards is pretty shoddy by today’s standards. Some people will proactively bypass them even when there’s no issue at the time and never look back. I’m not sure why I went the restoration route on mine, but…. I will say that other Porsche guys I’ve come across are pretty impressed to see a working alarm on a 944. 😁
@@NC944erSomeday when I have a bit more time I'm going to fully go through it and do it factory correct. Thanks again for the videos, you're a celeb in our house:)
You are a legend for releasing all of these videos! Just thought about doing this. See you got a new rain cover for your blower motor as well, looks good! If you are ever around the New Bern area and see a grey 944 with a roof rack that's me!
Thank you and good eye! That rain cowl is indeed new to me, but from an ‘87 parts car, that I patched up and painted. I also have a “new” one on hand that I haven’t yet installed, but it’s the version from the 1993 968. It’s not an exact fit, very close, but it’s the only one still in production.
Simply amazing clarity in explaining the system and all of the components. I thought I had an issue with the alarm module when I had a no start condition when I bought my car. I figured it wasn’t worth worrying about it, but now I am excited to get the alarm system working again. Thank you for making the effort to share your knowledge!!!
You’re not alone, as most people simply bypass the alarm module and forget about it. 😂 I’ve really never used the alarm out in public for security, but I have showcased its operation to a few other Porsche fans, usually to their amazement in seeing a working OEM alarm system.
I’d like to say “as promised 3 months ago,” but it’s more like “as vaguely alluded to the possibility of...” 🤣 Anyway, may your wildest alarm system dreams come true! LOL.
@@NC944er lol. I’m not gonna mess with the alarm, but it’s very good info. Especially how it works and where everything is located. I have a more pressing issue of no wire present behind the driver door switch that I need to reconcile first before trying to get the alarm working
Thanks man! There really isn’t a nicely consolidated source of information on the alarm system, I guess because most people disable them and move on, so I tried to make this one more comprehensive.
Nice video! I haven't gone about servicing this system on my own 944 yet. My only interaction with it thus far has been to disconnect the under hood switch completely, as it was causing a battery killing draw with the hood open.
Good to know, though by the behavior, I'm thinking the switch itself was in working order, as the draw didn't exist with the plunger depressed. Probably something to do with the system as a whole, such as a grounding issue.
Your 944 videos have been so well produced and informative that I have watched all of them. Keep up the good work. With such a well sorted car, I am curious what you have instore for a "winter project"
The list is definitely getting shorter. 🤣 I need to do a windshield replacement, but that will likely be outsourced to Safelite… and I need to replace the j-hangers on the glovebox door. 😴
It's a good idea that if you're going to jump the alarm module, remove it entirely and jump the pins from the front of the connector with short lengths of wire and male spad connectors. It's more secure and less likely to fall out of the connector. Great video though.
Probably a dumb question, but would the bypass jumper completely stop the alarm from working along with cutting power being drawn from the battery? I don't want to utilize the alarm system anymore and I don't want it to drain my battery at all. Is it as simple as just not turning it on?
The alarm control module uses a relay as a kill switch to prevent the car from starting when the alarm is triggered. The unit itself does have a small parasitic draw on the battery and there are reports on the forums of this draw being reduced when the alarm is bypassed, but I haven’t personally tested that theory. Removing the alarm relay (if your car has one) and the alarm control unit would prevent any further draw. Pelican outlines some steps at the end of their write up for removing the unit and jumpering the harness - www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Porsche_944_Turbo/36-ELEC-Troubleshooting_the_Alarm_System/36-ELEC-Troubleshooting_the_Alarm_System.htm
The alarm system immobilizer disables power to the fuel pump when it’s activated. If that is a suspected issue, the alarm bypass procedure should rule that out. No tach bounce would typically point to a speed/reference sensor issue, or the wiring harnesses leading to them.
As many have mentioned, your clarity and production is amazing. Thank you for what you’ve done for the 944 community.
I had a non start issue for a month - replaced DME, Speed and Reference Sensors, plugs, wires, distributor, fuel regulator, battery -
I watched this video, bypassed the alarm and it started. I don't know if I should laugh or cry:)
Your videos are amazing. Thank you so much.
Oh man! I’m glad you got it figured out. 😂 The circuitry on the alarm control boards is pretty shoddy by today’s standards. Some people will proactively bypass them even when there’s no issue at the time and never look back. I’m not sure why I went the restoration route on mine, but…. I will say that other Porsche guys I’ve come across are pretty impressed to see a working alarm on a 944. 😁
@@NC944erSomeday when I have a bit more time I'm going to fully go through it and do it factory correct.
Thanks again for the videos, you're a celeb in our house:)
You are a legend for releasing all of these videos! Just thought about doing this. See you got a new rain cover for your blower motor as well, looks good!
If you are ever around the New Bern area and see a grey 944 with a roof rack that's me!
Thank you and good eye! That rain cowl is indeed new to me, but from an ‘87 parts car, that I patched up and painted. I also have a “new” one on hand that I haven’t yet installed, but it’s the version from the 1993 968. It’s not an exact fit, very close, but it’s the only one still in production.
Wow - this video unraveled mysteries that have stumped me for years. Amazing work.
Simply amazing clarity in explaining the system and all of the components. I thought I had an issue with the alarm module when I had a no start condition when I bought my car. I figured it wasn’t worth worrying about it, but now I am excited to get the alarm system working again. Thank you for making the effort to share your knowledge!!!
You’re not alone, as most people simply bypass the alarm module and forget about it. 😂 I’ve really never used the alarm out in public for security, but I have showcased its operation to a few other Porsche fans, usually to their amazement in seeing a working OEM alarm system.
Was waiting for this
I’d like to say “as promised 3 months ago,” but it’s more like “as vaguely alluded to the possibility of...” 🤣
Anyway, may your wildest alarm system dreams come true! LOL.
@@NC944er lol. I’m not gonna mess with the alarm, but it’s very good info. Especially how it works and where everything is located. I have a more pressing issue of no wire present behind the driver door switch that I need to reconcile first before trying to get the alarm working
I really enjoy your videos. You're very thorough which I really appreciate. Keep up the great work.
If I ever get up to NC, I’m gonna bring you a gift. A set of Wire strippers /cutters / crimpers (;
LOL! Thanks, I’m cheap with certain things… I have too many kids. 🤣
@@NC944er hahaha. They’re not cheap. Kids, that is.
well done!
Awesome! About to buy an ‘88 turbo S with alarm system issues. I know this isn’t the exact same but definitely helps!
Sweet! Well… about the Turbo S, not the alarm issues. 🤣 Alarm components should be pretty much the same. Best of luck!
you are a life saver, very useful video.
Thanks man! There really isn’t a nicely consolidated source of information on the alarm system, I guess because most people disable them and move on, so I tried to make this one more comprehensive.
@@NC944er i just noticed that mine doesnt have alarm relay in the fuse box. Weird, but it has the alarm module
I mean it came out of the factory without one i think, could it be that way ?
@@snopdd Hey, yes! What year is your 944? Porsche didn’t add the relay to the fuse panel until model year 1988.
@@NC944er 1987
Great video as usual!
Great video, very clear. I believe this is my issue and will be working through this tomorrow!
Thank you and good luck! 👍🏼
Great video! I got, what looks like a same alarm system on my 1985 924 and it's not working. I'll use this as a guide, thanks!
Excellent! Thank you!
Nice video! I haven't gone about servicing this system on my own 944 yet. My only interaction with it thus far has been to disconnect the under hood switch completely, as it was causing a battery killing draw with the hood open.
Yeah, unfortunately that’s another part that is no longer in production, but 944Store has some refurbished ones available. Part # - 92861317300
Good to know, though by the behavior, I'm thinking the switch itself was in working order, as the draw didn't exist with the plunger depressed. Probably something to do with the system as a whole, such as a grounding issue.
awesome video!
Your 944 videos have been so well produced and informative that I have watched all of them. Keep up the good work. With such a well sorted car, I am curious what you have instore for a "winter project"
The list is definitely getting shorter. 🤣 I need to do a windshield replacement, but that will likely be outsourced to Safelite… and I need to replace the j-hangers on the glovebox door. 😴
very useful info, thank you!
Excellent
It's a good idea that if you're going to jump the alarm module, remove it entirely and jump the pins from the front of the connector with short lengths of wire and male spad connectors. It's more secure and less likely to fall out of the connector. Great video though.
Pro tip, thanks for sharing! 👍🏼
Does this factory alarm also render the ignition inoperable?
The alarm disables the DME/Fuel pump relay and grounds the field lead on the alternator to prevent the battery from charging.
Thanks! I think this will be my next little project. I hope you had a great day today. 😊
@@rossstoneman832 You too man, happy holidays! A working alarm system on a 944 will put you in the top tier of 944 owners, such is the rarity of it. 🤣
Could you do a video on digital guages for this car?
I’ve seen some of the digital gauges installed on the 944, and while I can appreciate the uniqueness of the mod, I’m more of an analog guy.
Probably a dumb question, but would the bypass jumper completely stop the alarm from working along with cutting power being drawn from the battery? I don't want to utilize the alarm system anymore and I don't want it to drain my battery at all. Is it as simple as just not turning it on?
The alarm control module uses a relay as a kill switch to prevent the car from starting when the alarm is triggered. The unit itself does have a small parasitic draw on the battery and there are reports on the forums of this draw being reduced when the alarm is bypassed, but I haven’t personally tested that theory. Removing the alarm relay (if your car has one) and the alarm control unit would prevent any further draw. Pelican outlines some steps at the end of their write up for removing the unit and jumpering the harness - www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Porsche_944_Turbo/36-ELEC-Troubleshooting_the_Alarm_System/36-ELEC-Troubleshooting_the_Alarm_System.htm
Mine is am 86 so it should have the relays. Thanks for the info
If the alarm comes on, on a no start will you get tach bounce?
The alarm system immobilizer disables power to the fuel pump when it’s activated. If that is a suspected issue, the alarm bypass procedure should rule that out. No tach bounce would typically point to a speed/reference sensor issue, or the wiring harnesses leading to them.
@@NC944erok just clarifying I have tach bounce etc but the car cranks but doesn't turn on im bypassing the alarm let's see if that changes anything