Car Alarms: RE: 1996 Passat TDI alarm issues, power door locks, vw passat

Question
QUESTION: Hi I have a 1996 VW Passat TDI (turbo direct injection diesel).  Just yesterday my factory alarm wouldn't disable so I can't start my car.  I don't have any other alarm but the factory one.  Is there any way to disable the factory alarm and then buy another aftermarket alarm so I can still use my power door locks / windows and still have security?  Is it true that on this VW if you disable the factory alarm then you will lose the power door and window functions as they are tied into the factory alarm?  Basically I want to be able to start my can and use my power windows and door locks.  If I can disable the factory alarm and then purchase and install an aftermarket one then great.  Thanks

ANSWER: No sorry, the door locks and the factory alarm are 1 in the same.
You need to lock and unlock the doors remotely to arm and disarm
the alarm. So to answer your inquiry, no there is no real way
to seperate the 2 systems.

By getting the factory remote, you can solve this, or add an
after market keyless to it to control all. Either way does
what you are looking to achieve.

:>)

ALARMTEK
CARALARMSTORE.COM

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your response.  Just a few things.  The 96 never came with a keyless remote.  I disable and enable with the key.  Can I install an aftermarket alarm system and then use that to control the door locks / windows?  Do after market systems in effect 'take over' or 'supercede' the factory controls so I can use them to open the door locks and windows?  Also can I just disable the factory alarm altogether to get the car started?  If so will I forever lose the door locks/windows opening option? Right now I can open the doors but the light still blinks and the ignition is killed.  However when the alarm does sound and I manually disable it with the key the light still blinks but the car will start!  Basically I think the factory system is messed. Thanks Barry

Answer
The only real way to determine just what's
possible here is to have VW evaluate this.
My expertise is after market. I suspect
that your system needs to be inspected and reset before
adding after market equipment. VW's are odd birds.
I own a 99 Passat 20T, and I had intermittent problems that
were finally tracked to a looks ground strap under the
driver seat. VW found that, not me. It paid to have them
do it because they seem to be the only ones that understand
them!

Just an observation.
Try VW service first.

ALARMTEK