97 Golf Alarm/electrical problem

[capt19]

Please help.... I'm a first time VW owner, and have just recently encountered problems... whenever I insert the key into the drivers door, the alarm sounds (am not able to disarm it). i can no longer lock/unlock doors, cannot access rear hatch, the sunroof no loner works, interior lights don't work, and cannot start the car - all was working fine less than 12 hrs ago? WTF?? any help would be greatly appreciated.

[veedubmechanic]

Open the hatch and on the right side pull back the carpet behind the taillight and there is a foam box. Thats your vacuum pump control module. Disconnect it and check the wires for green fuzzy stuff and the brown ground wires going to the body. Try starting the car with it unplugged-if it starts then time for a new module (500.00). IF that doesnt work then I would have to say your alarm control module is faulty (behind left dash where lights switch is)

[capt19]

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

Open the hatch and on the right side pull back the carpet behind the taillight and there is a foam box. Thats your vacuum pump control module. Disconnect it and check the wires for green fuzzy stuff and the brown ground wires going to the body. Try starting the car with it unplugged-if it starts then time for a new module (500.00). IF that doesnt work then I would have to say your alarm control module is faulty (behind left dash where lights switch is)

Veedub...it was the alarm control module. I disco'd it completely by unplugging the two terminals (t6 & t10). i then re-routed the ckt back to the starter by running a jumper wire b/t slots 5 & 6 of the t6 terminal.
a few hrs later, and all is working well - except that i no longer have automatic door locks/alarm. but i can live w/ that. thanks for your reply - your expertise is very appreciated on this board.