Swap DME set in 2000 Base Boxster

[markskyline]

Hey everyone

Been having some throttle cut out issues and I've been told by 2 different shops that my DME needs to be replaced.

I've tried serching for DME threads and just wanted to make sure I can swap a DME set that I found on ebay.

2000 Porsche Boxster 986 Engine Computer Security Immobilizer Set Key 2 7 51 067 | eBay

The only difference is my box is a tiptronic and this is from a 5 speed. My box is a 2000 and this set is also from a 2000.

Am I ok to do a straight swap without any extra programming? I just don't want to do the swap and try to start the car if it could cause more damage.

Thanks for your input/advice.

[Loren]

MY 2000 and newer use DME 7.2.

Any swap will REQUIRE programming both the DME and drive block/alarm controller to work together. The car would not likely start with a direct swap and no programming (that is what drive block is for).

Likewise the transmission type will need to be coded into the replacement DME.

You will need a Porsche PST2 or Porsche PIWIs tester to do this.

You will also need the IPAS codes from both your car as well as the donor car.

I would get a third opinion - we have not heard what your fault codes are or what has already been done -- but a bad DME is fairly rare.

[markskyline]

Hi Loren

Thanks for the reply. I consistently get these codes even after I had my local shop replace my complete throttle body.

P1506: Porsche fault code 413 - Throttle adjuster

P0121: Porsche fault code 117 - Throttle valva Signal implausible

P1122: Porsche fault code 431 - Throttle position sensor Signal implausible

P0507: Porsche fault code 32 - Idle air control system exceeds limit value

P1121: Porsche fault code 430 - Throttle position sensor Signal implausible

On my last fault code check it also showed:

P1504: Porsche fault code 410 - DVE fault: necessary intake air position Signal implausible

When I clear the fault codes, these 3 pop up immediately:

P0121: Porsche fault code 117 - Throttle valve Signal implausible

P1122: Porsche fault code 431 - Throttle position sensor Signal implausible

P1121: Porsche fault code 430 - Throttle position sensor Signal implausible

When I accelerate to 4000 rpm (in any gear, tiptronic regardless if I shift manually or not) the throttle will cut out but the engine will still be running. I then put the car in neutral and start the car again and the throttle comes back. If I don't clear the codes the car's idle will eventually become erratic and fluctuate up to 2k and then back down to 800. If I clear the fault codes the idle goes back to normal.

In my research I found someone with a similar throttle cut out problem and he said it was a MAF ground problem. I've checked the connection at the MAF and at the DME and it seems ok. I've opened the DME to see if there's anything out of the ordinary and all the components look ok as well.

Any advice you could give would be totally appreciated. I'm at my wits end trying to fix this. I'm really trying not to bring this to the dealer but although drivable under 4000 rpm, I'd really like to have the throttle issues resolved.

Thanks again

Mark

Edited March 18, 2014 by markskyline

[Richard Hamilton]

I don't know if it will help, but it wouldn't cost anything to remove and clean the throttle body. If you remove the cover on the body (black iirc) you will see the track and wiper which reads the butterfly position. They often get dirty, so clean it and lubricate with a switch contact cleaner spray.

My brother had a similar problem some years ago when he had a 'dead spot' on the pedal of his 996 C4. If the throttle body is dirty, it can also make for an erratic idle, so give it a good clean with carb cleaner.

[Dennis Nicholls]

so give it a good clean with carb cleaner.

They probably get US spec "carb cleaner" in BC which is pretty drastic stuff. Better to use throttle body cleaner which is not destructive of organic liners put into throttle bodies as a butterfly seal. Is this stuff called "carb cleaner" generically in the UK?

[Richard Hamilton]

If you can get a product specifically for throttle bodies, so much the better. Yes, I was using 'carb' cleaner as a generic term.

[Loren]

It is always wise to remove the throttle body from the car for cleaning.

Many carb cleaner,choke cleaner, and throttle body cleaners contain varying amounts of alkyl esters (lacquer thinner) depending on your countries VOC requirements.

All will cause damage to paint and all are flammable - so always best to remove the throttle body to a well ventilated area for cleaning.

[JFP in PA]

Hi Loren

Thanks for the reply. I consistently get these codes even after I had my local shop replace my complete throttle body.

P1506: Porsche fault code 413 - Throttle adjuster

P0121: Porsche fault code 117 - Throttle valva Signal implausible

P1122: Porsche fault code 431 - Throttle position sensor Signal implausible

P0507: Porsche fault code 32 - Idle air control system exceeds limit value

P1121: Porsche fault code 430 - Throttle position sensor Signal implausible

On my last fault code check it also showed:

P1504: Porsche fault code 410 - DVE fault: necessary intake air position Signal implausible

When I clear the fault codes, these 3 pop up immediately:

P0121: Porsche fault code 117 - Throttle valve Signal implausible

P1122: Porsche fault code 431 - Throttle position sensor Signal implausible

P1121: Porsche fault code 430 - Throttle position sensor Signal implausible

When I accelerate to 4000 rpm (in any gear, tiptronic regardless if I shift manually or not) the throttle will cut out but the engine will still be running. I then put the car in neutral and start the car again and the throttle comes back. If I don't clear the codes the car's idle will eventually become erratic and fluctuate up to 2k and then back down to 800. If I clear the fault codes the idle goes back to normal.

In my research I found someone with a similar throttle cut out problem and he said it was a MAF ground problem. I've checked the connection at the MAF and at the DME and it seems ok. I've opened the DME to see if there's anything out of the ordinary and all the components look ok as well.

Any advice you could give would be totally appreciated. I'm at my wits end trying to fix this. I'm really trying not to bring this to the dealer but although drivable under 4000 rpm, I'd really like to have the throttle issues resolved.

Thanks again

Mark

A quick question, you said this is a 2000 base Boxster, what scan tool are you using to read the codes you listed?

[markskyline]

I used a Durametric to scan and clear the codes.

[JFP in PA]

I used a Durametric to scan and clear the codes.

Are you sure you have the Durametric set for your model DME?