Control Module (under driver's seat)

[Nate0125RS]

Well, the control module under my driver's seat is completely screwed.

I've been doing research on here to find out this is a very expensive problem.

Now, is this something I can order and replace myself, or are there other things that go with this animal i.e. new keys, reprogramming codes, etc.? Am I better off taking it to the dealer and getting charged whatever it is they see fit...thousands of $$?

996.618.260.05 is marked on the box...I assume this is the part number? Is this even a part I can find to order?

I'm kind of lost and I really don't want to take it to the dealer to get charged an arm and a leg if the labor is something I can do. Any ideas/help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

MY99 Boxster (non-S)

5 speed

[Nate0125RS]

Well, I thought I'd add an update for anyone who is following this project...or if anyone else has to replace this part.

I found the OEM alarm control module online at mileoneparts.com for $305.

Apparently the part number is now 996 618 260 07.

Hopefully everything will work as intended when I replace the box and I won't have to code/replace anything else. I still feel in the back of my mind that I'll end up taking the car to the dealer, but I guess we'll see.

But, as always, if anyone has any input...let me know.

Thanks.

[Loren]

996.618.260.05 has been replaced by 996.6182.60.07.

The MSRP for this part is $338.52 (as of May 2006) so someone like Sunset imports may be able to beat that $305 price.

A PST2 or PIWIS will be required to transfer the key and imobilizer codes from your old unit to your new one.

[Nate0125RS]

996.618.260.05 has been replaced by 996.6182.60.07.

The MSRP for this part is $338.52 (as of May 2006) so someone like Sunset imports may be able to beat that $305 price.

A PST2 or PIWIS will be required to transfer the key and imobilizer codes from your old unit to your new one.

Hey thanks for the info! I don't know what a PST2 or PIWIS is, but I assume it's a diagnostic computer that I would need to take the car to Porsche or and independent shop to recode. Is that correct? Will my original key still start the car, or is that part of the code stuff? I'd like to not have to tow the car all the way down there.

[Loren]

Yes, those are both Porsche system testers. They can transfer coding from your old control box to the new one as long as the old control box still responds to the tester.

I doubt your key will start the car if you replace the control box first - besides then they could'nt read the old control box codes first. A few independent shops have a PST2 and fewer yet have a PIWIS.

[Tool Pants]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s...hl=control+unit

[Nate0125RS]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s...hl=control+unit

Thank you guys again for the information. You've all been really helpful. I don't know how they will be able to xfer the codes since my old box is fried and corroded to the point where circuits and relays are falling off the circuit board. The metal pieces on the small fuse have completely burnt off and are stuck inside the unit.

I read that the Durametric tool can't do this...is that still correct?

I can't believe Porsche would place that box under the seat...especially in a convertable where people have the chance of accidentally leaving the top down in the rain (not that I did that).

We'll see what happens when I get the new box. Thanks!

Edited June 19, 2006 by Nate0125RS

[Loren]

The Durametric tool can only reset codes and read out actual values at this time.

The dealer can get your key code and imobilzer code from Porsche through their secure network.

[Tool Pants]

This will be even more expensive if the remote key codes cannot be transferred to the new unit, unless you have the paper tags. Without the tags and a fried unit you need to buy new remotes.

And it is a stupid design to have the control unit under the seat. You are not the first to find this out.

[Rom]

And it is a stupid design to have the control unit under the seat. You are not the first to find this out.

I'm guessing they did this as it's a "secure" location halfway between the engine and the ignition...

Out of interest, how did the module get wet...?

Thanks!

Shash

[Nate0125RS]

And it is a stupid design to have the control unit under the seat. You are not the first to find this out.

I'm guessing they did this as it's a "secure" location halfway between the engine and the ignition...

Out of interest, how did the module get wet...?

Thanks!

Shash

This is a fun story...

I purchased the car used from a non-porsche dealer last Oct. Once I got the car home, I noticed the security system did not work (everything else did). Since I had to drive a couple hours just to pick up the car, I wasn't in any hurry to bring it back so they could fix the problem and figured it was something I could live with in the mean time.

Well, two weeks ago my windows decided to not drop (http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=9447&hl=) I tracked this down to the control module. So, I removed my seat, pulled the module and cleaned out the inside with contact cleaner. I put everything back together and everythig worked as intended (except for the security system).

Well, last Thurs it poured rain ALL day long while the Boxster was sitting in the driveway (I was driving my other car). I didn't think anything of it since the car was all sealed up (top up, windows up, etc.) Well, Friday night I noticed the lights for the security system were ON. I got in the car and tried to start but it would not (like the kill switch was on). I could not disarm the alarm with the key or by putting the key in the door lock. Also would not disarm with the switch on the center console.

Saturday I figured I'd attempt to clean the control box again. When I went to open the drivers side door I noticed the window was cracked like I had unlatched the top. So, a small bit of panic swept over me knowing full well there was probably a **** load of water in there. Sure enough there was at least 6" of standing water on the floor...not just damp carpet like I had seen before. I sucked it out with a wet vac and filled the whole container! Once I got to the control box it pretty much fell apart in my hands and had corrosion all over it.

So, I don't know how the window dropped, but it did it by itself because the last time I left it, it was all buttoned up. Maybe the box got wet and in the process of frying itself the window malfunctioned. I'm not sure.

So, the car is now in my garage, seat out, awaiting parts (and probably still a tow to the dealer). :(

[Nate0125RS]

Just an update for anyone who is following...

I have replaced the Alarm Control Module. I was happy to see that everything works now, including my door locks which haven't since I purchased the car.

As you people who have helped indicated, the car still doesn't start due to the alarm codes not matching whatever it is they match...so it looks like I'll still have to tow the thing to the dealer for reset. Hopefully that won't cost too much (recode that is).

So, thanks to all for your help so far.

[Champcarracer]

Just send the Immobilizer to these guys.  Best 675 bucks you will ever spend. They emulate the immobilizer right at the ECU and completely get rid of that underseat  box.  If yo try to get a used Immobilizer from another Boxster you will need that ECU as well because they do a hand shake when you turn the key that says OK you are the right immobilizer and now we can share the 256 bit encryption codes between us.

 

Porsche BoxsterImmobilizer Removal (for Racing*)

WWW.ECUDOCTORS.COM

---

SERVICE Porsche Boxster Immobilizer Removal (for Racing*): The Immo Removal service is a software and hardware upgrade that we do on the ECU to emulate Immobilizer Box's (also called Alarm Box or CLU) "permission" to start the car. This is done by installing our proprietary...