Electrical problem

[GregKelley]

Had the car in a small accident. I live 300 miles from the nearest dealer and since it isn't under warranty, I'm having it done at another mechanic who does specialize in sports cars and imports. Very competent.

While it was being worked on the battery went dead and had to be replaced. Its all back together, but there are the following issues:

-tachometer doesn't work

-climate control is unresponsive

-rear spoiler won't work with the switch

-while the warning lamps on the dash work, none of the LEDs work

-if testing the air conditioner manually, it will blow a fuse (E7 on the schematic)

Mechanic has traced and poked and prodded. He figures its either an undocumented fuse, the ECU or the final staging unit. Problem is, Porsche won't assist him in troubleshooting this. There is no documentation on the logic or how to troubleshoot these items. Has anyone had any experience with this?

[Tool Pants]

I doubt if anyone on the internet can figure out an electrical problem when your mechanic who has the car cannot. I never heard of an undocumented fuse. Why would such a thing exist on a car? The wiring diagrams are very detailed.

You say you had an accident which to me means simple body work. Did they mess around with any part of the car that would involve electrics?

A lot of older Boxster owners have replaced batteries with no problem and I disconnect them all the time when we work on cars. Was your car charged at a very high amp level and fry something?

You can always go to a dealer if all else fails. Maybe it is something the PST2 will pick up. Jeff

[GregKelley]

Thanks for responding, Jeff

Most of the work was body work. However, an AC condensor and a radiator had to be replaced as well. The mechanic did have to disconnect the outside temp sensor to perform the work, but I can't see how that would cook something.

The accident took place on a side street, therefore it was under 70. However, when inspecting the car, the rear spoiler was extended. Nothing was thought of it at the time, but now...

PST2 has not reported anything, but I'll verify that with the mechanic.

Yes, I can take it to a dealer, however, I live in MT. Nearest dealer is either Calgary (300 miles) or Spokane (about 360 miles).

I'm just wondering if anyone has had experience with this or experience with troubleshooting the ECU.

[Loren]

Here is my take on your problem...

All of the symptoms are consistent with the instrument cluster except for the climate control. Yes, even the spoiler switch goes through the instrument cluster. The climate control could be a broken wire somewhere from the accident.

[GregKelley]

So you are saying the instrument cluster could be bad? Could something have shorted it out?

Oh, more info on the AC. Mechanic wasn't testing it manually, I was mistaken. What happened was, when it was all put together, it didn't work. He found E7 was blown. He replaced it and it blew immediately. He has troubleshooted to the point of removing the instrument cluster and all relays. E7 still blows. E7 will not blow, however, if the climate control is removed or atleast the ground from the climate control is removed.

Thanks.