Kessy dramas

[darrinsmith]

Hi

Today the Kessy system on my 2003 Cayenne Turbo died suddenly.

Then after getting in and out of the car a couple of times during the morning using the normal keyless entry and drive system, it suddenly died about midday.

We can use the car using the steel keys, but the enter and drive system is completely dead.

The key fobs will still activate/deactivate the alarm and lock/unlock the doors.

I ran the durametric software and found three very worrying errors in order.

The first two were "could not find rear bumper antenna and front bumper antenna respectively"

The third was that communication with the control module could not be established.

I cleared the diagnostic codes but the communication error remains.

Is there a specific fuse I should check? I checked the ones I thought were relevant but no luck.

Oh well it almost due for it's annual $10,000 spend..... :-(

Thanks

DS

Edited November 4, 2009 by darrinsmith

[wvicary]

Could you post the codes. There are several control modules and the exact codes will help us to pinpoint the problem.

[darrinsmith]

Here the log from the Durametric software...

--- Begin Log ---

Cayenne Kessy Selected

About to get fault codes

moduleType = CayKessy

DTC Count = 4

Fault Number:180

Description:Antenna front right/rear right

Repair Infomation:

Repair Infomation:Present

DTC Count = 4

Fault Number:181

Description:Antennas on rear bumper

Repair Infomation:

Repair Infomation:Present

DTC Count = 4

Fault Number:183

Description:Interior antenna

Repair Infomation:

Repair Infomation:Present

DTC Count = 4

Fault Number:3

Description:Control module faulty

Repair Infomation:

Repair Infomation:No signal / Communication

Repair Infomation:Present

--- End Log ---

After clearing the fault memory the last error #3 just repeats over and over.

Thanks

DS

[Loren]

Unless there has been some physical damage to the antenna area - then all of those point to a faulty control unit.

[darrinsmith]

Thanks Loren,

That's what I figured.

Do you know where on the car the unit is located? I might try to source a second hand unit and have it re-coded at at the dealer. I shudder to think what a new unit would cost.

I forgot to mention that my wife dropped the key in the dish water that morning, but it was recovered immediately and it didn't look like any water got in.

The key worked fine till midday when the whole system stopped.

The spare key also does not work.

Thanks

DS

Edited November 5, 2009 by darrinsmith

[Loren]

A low battery has been know to cause lots of odd problems in Cayennes. If it is more than 3 or 4 years old I would replace it first and see if the problem goes away.

Here is the controllers locations:

[wvicary]

If you are able to communicate with other control module then it sounds like a module fault. I'll have a read through some info and post any other ideas that might come to mind.

[darrinsmith]

Thanks Guys

Is there a part number or similar I can use to identify the module?

Also I assume this diagram is for a LHD car. Mine is RHD so I assume the module is located on the right hand side in my car? ie locations are mirrored.

Thanks

DS

[Loren]

Have a look at this TSB http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?a...nload&id=15

[darrinsmith]

Thanks Guys

After also looking at similar problems with VW owners I suspect the battery might be causing problems.

It is more than 7 years old so definately needs replacing.

After I replace the battery I understand the keys need relearning. I also understand the Durametric software cannot do this (yet).

I've seen VAG commander which boasts the ability to rekey the cayenne.

Can anyone comment whether it actually works? They are selling on e-bay cheaper than what the dealer charges for 15 minutes labour (their minimum charge to do anything).

Thanks

DS

[RFM]

VAG and PORSCHE use different diagnostic protocols.

[wvicary]

VAG or RossTech VAG COM can't be used on the Cayenne, it can cause false faults or the CAN-BUS to lock up.

[darrinsmith]

Thanks

So if I change the battery, I need to get the car towed to the dealer? or will it start with the steel Keys?

The dealer is on the other side of the city (about 40km) in a really PITA place to get to. They are the only ones in Western Australia with a system tester.

Thanks again.

DS

[wvicary]

If it cranks and runs now with the steel keys it should after the battery replacement. I have only change the battery in one Cayenne with the entry and go system and had no problems with the system after that I recall. Hopefully RFM will chime in as he has loads more knowledge then myself on these systems.

[RFM]

The car should start with the steel key's, most part of the Cayenne (Kessy) owners use only the steel key's instead of the plastic dummy, cause the steel one (with transmitter) is needed in the ignition lock area anyway, to start the car.

Off topic: Kessy and non Kessy Cayenne use the same control box, only the MY and programming is different (EU).

[darrinsmith]

Hi

Replaced the battery but no joy. Off to the dealer :-(

Cheers

DS

As a side note, the replacement battery recommended by the Australian Varta distributor was a AGM (Gel Matt) battery.

I have one in my camper they ae good, no venting required and can mount in any position.

They gave it to me at the same price as the wet battery (which was half price!) so I took it.

DS