Lock Issue

[bottman5684]

Hi all,
I have a fault in my locking system. When the engine is running, a red light is engaged on the 'lock' dash button, and once the engine is off, when I lock it, the horn beeps twice. The manual says to bring to dealer to fix - which I don't want to do. Any thoughts on how to repair myself?

Thanks!

[JFP in PA]

First, you would have to know why the MIL is on, that would require either the Durametric software or a trip to the dealer................

[thom4782]

A dealer can use the Porsche diagnostic tool to locate the problem's root cause. It should be able to do this in 30 minutes or less. Once you find the cause, you can decide who fixes it. Some independent shops have sophisticated diagnostic tools that can also find the problem's root cause. If you or a friend have a Durametric tool, you can read the codes and gain some insight as to the nature of the problem.

Best guess is that likely one of the sensors in one of the door lock mechanisms failed. A code that says the locking system isn't synchronizing would be an indications. Without being able to actuate the locking mechanisms, however, its hard to know lock is failing. In my car, which had similar symptoms, the red light would pop on in the center console when someone pulled the outside passenger side door handle. No problems since I replaced the locking mechanism.

[Aerkuld]

I had a similar problem with my 996. After extensive investigation I found it to be the door lock/latch mechanism that's bolted to the inside of the door. There is a microswitch built in to the latch which is actuated by a cam. I can't remember exactly, but I think it engages the switch when the door is latched (closed). However, the mechanism inside the assembly had worn to a point where the switch would sometimes engage and sometimes wouldn't. Consequently the car would sometimes think the door was not latched even when it was. The light on the lock button on the dash did what you are describing, horn beeps and all. Sometimes it would be on, other times it would be off and that could change while I'm driving without touching the door. It also confused the window mechanism that lowers/raises the window when the door is opened/closed.

It's relatively easy to replace the latch mechanism in the door and that cured my problem.

Now I'm not saying your issue is definitely the same, so it depends whether you want to fiddle with it or take it to the dealer for diagnosis. Alternatively, buy a Durametric and do the diagnostics yourself - look on it as an investment. Well worth the money IMO!