98 Boxster Tip No start update

[otisdriftwood]

First off, I'd like to thank everyone that has so unselfishly gave me advice and insight into my problem. This board is the best Porsche board I've found.

Ok, its still not running, (lol) and this is what I've done so far:

Changed electrical part of the ignition - didn't work

Changed the entire ignition assembly - started 4 or 5 times, now nothing. (all the dash lights, headlights, blinkers, stereo, ac all work) BTW, if anyone is going to do this, its very easy if you remove the left vent and the instrument cluster, which are both easily done.

Replaced the battery - Nothing

Replaced the DME relay - Nothing

Currently have the front seat out, removed the immobilizer. No water, no corrosion on the terminals, will replace the 15 amp mini fuse after work

Went throught all the fuses - All are ok

Will double check the seating of all the relays under the dash before I put the seat back in.

If this doesn't work, any other ideas short of taking it in? Hate to pay the tow.

Thanks again to everyone for all the support that you've given me over the last month. Just glad the weather here in Washington has allowed me to break out the ol Harley!

Jim

[otisdriftwood]

OK, pulled immobilizer module, no signs of corrosion, loose wires, etc. Fuse looked ok, but replaced it any way since it was out. Replaced everything after a good cleaning. Hooked up the battery, closed everything up. Turned the key on,, all lights working, stereo worked, blower, etc... but still nothing. Not a click, dont think I heard the fuel pump either.

[Dale_K]

I read a post somewhere about one of the large independent Porsche specialist who can reprogram the DME to completely ignore the immobilizer. I don't know if that's actually your problem because I'm not an expert here but just a thought since you've not gotten to the bottom of it yet. I guess you've already tried different keys.

[mikefocke]

Pedro provides the ignore the immobilizer service, no idea who his source is. Sure it isn't cheap.

http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site_2/TechnoChip.html

[wvicary]

All this replacing of parts to find the problem is the wrong way to go about repairing your vehicle. If it's not cranking you need to follow the path of power through the circuit and be familiar with the components in play. I highly recommend taking it into qualified garage or OPC as in the long run it's the cheaper route to follow.

If this is not an option I would check the operation of the multi function switch on the transaxle and then testing at the starter unit.

[otisdriftwood]

My mechanic is about 60 miles away, and the only reason I havent taken it yet is transportation. Does anyone have any experience transporting their boxster using a u haul car hauler? I'm talking about the trailer, not the little two wheeled thing.

I agree that replacing parts is not a very effective way to fix a problem. I'm not that good with electronic stuff, but I am beginning to believe that either the solenoid or the starter is the problem. I was just going by alot of research done in numerous forums with people having the same issue as me, and trying solutions that worked for them.

[wvicary]

Do you have access to a voltage meter? You need to test the voltage during cranking at the starter solenoid. It's the smaller wire you need to measure with it still connected to the starter. The rule of thumb is approx 10 volts during cranking.

[otisdriftwood]

Have a volt meter, will try to check as suggested when I get back from fishiing today. Thanks

[otisdriftwood]

Quick update, I surrendered and had the box taken via flatbed to my mechanic. This thing was taking up way too much of my fishing time. I'll post what the problem was when he finishes with it.

[otisdriftwood]

If anyone is interested, the box is home. Bad starter relay was the culprit. Thanks to all for the help and advice.

Jim

[otisdriftwood]

Ok now still having some issues. starts when it wants, after turning the key a few times. I hate to take to a certified Porsce mechanic, but I need this thing to be dependable. Any ideas before I head to the stealership?

Jim

[RFM]

The brake light switch on Tiptronic cars has also an immobilizer function (double contact switch), maybe is the resistance between the contact points too big (burned or corroded) or a partial broken wiring. A brake light switch is a cheap part.