Volkswagen: 99 Jetta Security Alarm, kerry kerry, vw dealerships

Question
QUESTION: A couple of years ago we bought our daughter a 99 Jetta (newer style) sedan.  It came with the switchblade key/remote.  So that she would have a spare, we bought her an extra switchblade key w/o remote.  For the most part, this has been a great car for her, however, recently she is having problems with the alarm system shutting off when the car is unlocked.  I have called a couple of VW dealerships and the VW helpline for some help with this and have been told that since it is no longer under warranty, they can't offer any help.  The batteries in her remote have been dead for a while, we have tried replacing them in hopes of fixing the problem, to no avail.  What steps do I need to take to get this fixed, right now she can't even drive the car, it just sits parked.  We live about 200 miles from the nearest dealership.

ANSWER: Kerry, let me see if I can dig up info on your alarm for you.  1999 is a split year with three different alarm systems and they are similar, but different enough I don't want either of us confused.  I'm going to ask that you send me a reminder in a couple of days since I'm off for the remainder of this week.  Sorry for the delay, but my wife is having surgery and I just won't make it by work.
thanks,
shad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Shad - I hope your wife is better.  Any luck on this problem.  It has been suggested that I either disconnect the battery and/or the alarm system and just go with that.  Any help will be appreciated.  - kerry

Answer
Kerry...you said the "the alarm system shutting off " when the car is unlocked.  Can you explain what you mean again because the alarm IS suppose to turn "off" when the car is unlocked. Do you mean the alarm remains "armed"?  Also,.. is the alarm going off? Meaning is the horn sounding?  Let me know these first.  Also,... turn the key to "on", the position just before "start" and tell me if a key icon/light illuminates on the instrument cluster.
thanks,
shad


hey kerry, actually what you are describing sounds like a drivers side door lock actuator, but the above is to check some background stuff first..