New Idea: Porsche Boxster Immobilizer CLU Water-Proof Case

[ECU Doctors]

Hi everyone,

We need your opinion on a new product that we are working on for Boxster and 996s.

We know that 996s, and Boxsters more than anything, are prone to have the M535 Immobilizer get water damaged due to leaving the convertible top open during a rain, a flood, or just by the accumulation of water behind the convertible top rain drains. (We know, we have worked on 100's.)

The location of the Immobilizer in the case isn't good, and relocating the unit is too much hassle and can be very costly. (We've looked into it.)

We are in the process of making a water-proof enclosure in order to PREVENT the damage to this module if/when water gets into the vehicle.

We'd wanted to wait longer before announcing this but we thought that it would be good to get your feedback right now.

Here is a form that you can read a little about the project, and you can add yourself to a Waiting List for the Porsche Immobilizer Water-Proof Case.

https://ecudoctors.wufoo.com/forms/porsche-boxster-996-immobilizer-waterproof-case/

Please share this with anyone that could benefit from this project.

[thstone]

Funny how great minds think somewhat alike!

I have an immobilizer and an extension cable sitting here on my desk waiting to be tested. The idea is to pair the cable with a simple bracket to re-locate the immobilizer from under the seat to a safer location.

Plug and play cable and bracket kit will cost <$20 and install in 10 mins. Nothing expensive or time consuming about it.

[JFP in PA]

The five cent solution:

[thstone]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The five cent solution...

The $249 solution;

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by thstone

The $249 solution;

Plus $175 for installation by a factory trained technician..............

[epapp]

lol!

thread = hijacked

[ECU Doctors]

Hehehe,

The ziplock sounds simple enough but it isn't really a logical option since there are 2 wire looms that you can't water seal with this bag.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Plus $175 for installation by a factory trained technician..............

but you do get a 10% discount for being a PCA member :dance:

[Miata2Boxster]

Since my CLU just got toasted after a trip to my friendly Steam Cleaner I am all for such a simple yet ingenious solution.

[Tucker2]

Originally Posted by ECU Doctors

Hehehe,

The ziplock sounds simple enough but it isn't really a logical option since there are 2 wire looms that you can't water seal with this bag.

Lot's of hot-glue??????????

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by ECU Doctors

Hehehe,

The ziplock sounds simple enough but it isn't really a logical option since there are 2 wire looms that you can't water seal with this bag.

[husker boxster]

A guy over on P-9 took his Cayman to the dealer for service work. A day later when he came to pick it up, he found the floor had 2" of rain water from the storm that went thru the night before. The dealer had left his window down. His CPU is toast (it was already acting crazy when they pulled up to deliver the car). He would certainly be interested in something like an H2O proof case.

I think this would be a good idea if it works and is reasonably priced.

[seningen]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Zip lock baggie would work as long as there was a drain hole inserted below in the floorpan.

It's not that the box can't get slightly we -- it's the standing water and operating while submersed that causes damage and corrosion.

You could even surround the box with a sponge material as another line of defense.

The real problem is that once water gets under the seat -- it has no where to go.

Mike

[ekam]

Or here's an idea.

Don't leave your top down.

[seningen]

Originally Posted by ekam

Or here's an idea.

Don't leave your top down.

I've seen a multitude of issues.

Top down, back window leaks, door seals leak, drain plugs clog.

Most are preventive maintenance issues -- but a well placed drain hole would alleviate 99% of the issue.

Mike

[ECU Doctors]

seningen

As you know the intrusion of water can happen in multiple ways besides leaving the convertible top down.

The drain is a good idea as well, if the car is kept clean.

Otherwise small debris like receipts, loose coins, and others could potentially clog the drain from the top.

Another thing to consider is that the sludge and dirt from the road could also clog the drain from the outside.

I really like the drain idea, but we want to prevent this problem with a "bullet-proof" solution.

[mikeman]

Good idea indeed. I dig it.. Maybe a bit overkill for an old car though.

I was surprised when I pulled the carpet up on my 2000, which seemed dry inside, that the underpadding was completely saturated. It seemed like it was holding 3 pounds of water..

[ECU Doctors]

Yea mikeman the water "sneaks" up on you VERY easily. Thanks for your support!

[mikesz]

someone used a sealable Tupperware type of enclosure. Problem is the wire plugs. I used a plastic Tupperware with Velcro so it would stay fixed under the seat and put the ECU in it. not perfect by any means but it is better than nothing.

[patssle]

Does the immobilizer put off any/much heat where putting it in an enclosure might not be good for its health?