Is unlocking the doors using a key on a vRS supposed to disarm the alarm? It doesn't seem to on mine which seems really strange - what's the point of being able to open the car and get into it, but still have the alarm armed? What happens if you have a problem with your remote and have to use the key?

The reason I ask is that I was waiting for SWMBO to stop talking last night and went to the car park to get some air into the car before starting off. I decided the easiest way to do this was to unlock it using the key, and hold the key to get the windows to wind down. 10 seconds later the alarm started going off...

No, that's normal. I'm guessing the point is if you want to lock it with a child/dog etc in the car, you're not gonna want the alarm on so you lock it using the key, which doesn't activate the alarm.

I also think that if you open it as you did, then put the key in the ignition, it turns the alarm off - covering you if the fob does break. I'm not 100% on the last point, and have never tried it.

You have 30 seconds from unlocking the door to put the key in the ingnition which will turn off the alarm! It's a safety back up in case the fob dies on you

You have 30 seconds from unlocking the door to put the key in the ingnition which will turn off the alarm! It's a safety back up in case the fob dies on you

Blimey...

You live and learn. (Hi mate... )