Troubleshooting / diagnostics help

[Travis Boyle]

The backstory - picked up a 98 986 MT.  Charged battery, put key in ignition, turn to start, no start.  Dash lights all light up, but at start no response (no dimming of lights, no audible starter solenoid click, etc).  

 

Have already shipped key, immobilizer box, and ecu to ecu doctors in FL.  Immobilizer box was OK, ECU was water damaged and replaced.  Per ECU Doctors, the parts were bench tested and swapped into known working car, verified functional.  

 

I've reinstalled the verified parts, same behavior on my car.  Turn key to on, all lights work.  Turn key to start, nothing.  I've pulled the electrical portion of the ignition switch, and while it appears to be fine (no corrosion, good contacts, etc.) I'll still swap it given the common point of failure and the low parts cost.

 

What I'd love to be able to do is the following:

• Test the induction ring around the ignition, verify that I'm getting signal from the fob RFID
• Test the transceiver, verify that a signal is being sent to the immobilizer 

 

Any suggestions for checking the induction ring and fob, or the transceiver? 

 

 

[Loren]

I assume you pushed the clutch in when trying to start?

Also, even if you did do that - check the continuity of the clutch lock-out microswitch.

[Travis Boyle]

Sorry, yeah - I've ruled out the clutch switch - verified continuity both at the switch and at the relay.  

[Loren]

These 9x6 series cars have a history of ignition switch failures. That would be my next choice for probable failures.

[Travis Boyle]

New ignition is in, no change.  

 

Any source for access to the full OBDII diagnostics PID's?  I've got a scan tool, but the car isn't throwing any "standard" codes.

[Loren]

There will be Porsche specific fault codes that are not likely to be in a generic scan tool or may not even be the same number.

Best to to buy a Durametric or find a shop that will let you use their PIWIS, PST2, or Durametric.

 

If you plan on keeping the car or getting another Porsche it will be a great investment.