Need help identifying what this is.. - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

janfigueroa · 09-01-2013, 04:50 PM

I noticed this coming out of the front bumper ( passenger side) Of my 99 boxster. It is not connected into anything. Does anyone know what it is, what it does and where does it connects to? Thanks everybody

steved0x · 09-01-2013, 04:55 PM

I believe it is the outside temperature probe. It is described in this Pelican parts article:

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Front Bumper Removal - 986 / 987

Steve

kjc2050 · 09-01-2013, 05:19 PM

It is the external temp probe. There's a small circular grommet that it supposed to be inserted into. Look on the left side grille.

kjc2050 · 09-01-2013, 05:31 PM

Here you go...

Timco · 09-01-2013, 07:33 PM

That is the time sensor. Porsche gauges are so accurate, the sensor reads the actual time to within minutes, not just time zones like most clocks, and adjusts in real time. Very accurate.

particlewave · 09-01-2013, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timco

That is the time sensor. Porsche gauges are so accurate, the sensor reads the actual time to within minutes, not just time zones like most clocks, and adjusts in real time. Very accurate.

FYI: it also compensates for spacetime distortions caused by varying speeds, even taking the rotational speed of the earth into account.

The technical term for this sensor is cronograv accelerometer. Very expensive to replace, so be careful.

Eric G · 09-01-2013, 08:16 PM

Actually, it is a flux capacitor. All those micro switches to open the top are actually calibration sensors to make this thing work. A side feature to hide its real purpose is a temperature probe. You get to choose which one works for you best!

particlewave · 09-01-2013, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric G

Actually, it is a flux capacitor. All those micro switches to open the top are actually calibration sensors to make this thing work. A side feature to hide its real purpose is a temperature probe. You get to choose which one works for you best!

You just won't let up, will you?

Spreading incorrect information doesn't help anybody. "Flux Capacitor" is just a slang term from pop culture. Yes, it can bend the spacetime continuum, but operating it in that way voids the warranty!
Every time I try to clear the air about the sensor, you have to pop in with your flux capacitor bs

I'm not going to have this argument with you again! I'm out

Nine8Six · 09-02-2013, 12:05 AM

Excellent info, I didn't know this. Was convinced it was simply a temp probe. Mine is dangling inside I believe, just resting on the side of my aftermarket fiberglass front bumper. We might have to change that sloppy set-up next time we clean the radiators :/

Very informative, thank you

Homeboy981 · 09-02-2013, 05:27 AM

My Flux Capacitor did not fit it in and stay secure either. And I hate dangly bits, on my car!

I ended up placing a rubber grommet on the outside to bind it in there. Was afraid of pushing too hard and breaking the plastic. The outside grommet was from a ¼" rubber washer that is stretched to fit.

Is there a trick to it?

tanque55 · 09-02-2013, 04:35 PM

I was told it was the temp sensor and it has something to do with the function of the air conditioner.

Okanebm · 09-02-2013, 04:40 PM

Correct on both counts. It's a temp sensor for the Alcubierre Drive. Google it!

Eric G · 09-02-2013, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by particlewave

You just won't let up, will you?

Spreading incorrect information doesn't help anybody. "Flux Capacitor" is just a slang term from pop culture. Yes, it can bend the spacetime continuum, but operating it in that way voids the warranty!
Every time I try to clear the air about the sensor, you have to pop in with your flux capacitor bs

I'm not going to have this argument with you again! I'm out

...damn...

silver-S · 11-28-2013, 07:42 PM

I recently put the OBD II external temp gauge on my Torque Pro dashboard, but nothing registers.

Seems to me that the onboard computer would have that value, even if it's not displayed on the instrument panel.

Has anyone been able to access the value returned by the temperature sensor through the OBD II interface?

particlewave · 11-28-2013, 07:58 PM

I've never tried that, but the outside temp can be read on the cluster once the clusters on board computer has been activated.
In other words, as far as I know these sensors are always on and giving a value, it's just not accessible on all models without the activation. Theoretically, the value should be there to be read unless there's a bad connection or broken wire somewhere.