Interior lights issue

[kimike]

I recently purchased a 2002 996 cabriolet and have an odd problem. The interior lights (reading lights, door lights, trunk light etc.) only function when the key is in the ignition and turn to the starting position. At this point if I close the door the lights fade out as expected and when I open the door, voila. However, if I take the key out and try to use the reading light...no luck.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Izzy]

Kim, when you lock and unlock the car with the remote, do the dome lights turn on with the remote unlock?

[Richard Hamilton]

I think Izzy is suggesting that the alarm system, which controls the interior lights, may be in energy-saving "transit" mode. If, as he suggests, the interior lights do not come on when you unlock the car with the remote, then this is likely to be the problem. Unfortunately, you need a PST2 and go through the handover programming routine to set the alarm system to normal mode.

[kimike]

I think Izzy is suggesting that the alarm system, which controls the interior lights, may be in energy-saving "transit" mode. If, as he suggests, the interior lights do not come on when you unlock the car with the remote, then this is likely to be the problem. Unfortunately, you need a PST2 and go through the handover programming routine to set the alarm system to normal mode.

Thanks to the both of you for the input! The lights do not turn on when I use the remote. I have the car in for service and will suggest correction via PST2.

Kim & Mike

[Richard Hamilton]

I'm sure they know, but they have to run the "Sports Car Handover" routine in the Special Functions menu. Good luck.

[Izzy]

Good deal. While you are at it, ask for other functions they can program, like automatic locking of doors after the car is moving, etc. Dealer would have a list of any other available customer preferences you can change or customize.

[Tool Pants]

Already covered, but the car is still in the transit mode, after all these years.

About 2 months ago a local owner bought a 2001 Boxster and had the same issue with the lights. With a PST2 I put it in the handover mode, and all the lights then worked.

What I do not get is how this step was missed during PDI when the car came off the truck, but it happens.

[kimike]

First, I am new to the RennTech forum and am amazed at the responsiveness and depth of knowledge! Thanks for all the info...here is where things stand:

- after getting the info from Izzy and Richard I called the Porsche dealer and the tech found that the alarm had not been coded and once done they said the lights work. Way to go on identifying the exact issue :-) !!!!

- Izzy, thanks for the tip on the auto door lock! They are doing that as well.

Thanks again, I hope I am able to return the favor with some gem of wisdom as I become more familiar with our new toy.

[Chuck Jones]

Kimike:

There are many of us on this forum who have save literally thousands of dollars by virtue of the suggestions, know-how, and input from other members or Loren. Other than maybe periodically providing some input to someone on a problem, the best way I've found to return the favor is thru a small contribution to RennTech to help keep this forum running. A contribution will also give you access to areas that you can't get to otherwise. Although it's not a requirement, I think that it's an excellent value for the money, and certainly supports a worthy cause.

chuck