my Boxster is haunted

[boxsterboxster]

So I park my Boxster in the rain and several hours pass and all of a sudden the top decides to open.

I disconnect the the arms to put it manual mode, but the motor won't shut off. I remove the fuse and all is well.
Except, the backup lights won't turn off, the spoiler keeps raising, both windows lower two inches if I hit a bump and then go back up, and the alarm goes off if I remove the key.
Any thoughts?

[stateofidleness]

It's only funny when it's not your car. And I don't want to jinx myself lol!

Pretty much any time I've had "gremlins" like that (and after checking obvious things like fuses, connections, etc.), it might end up being the ignition switch. If your key is easy to put in and take out, then I'd probably look elsewhere, but that's where my head went first based on what you described.

[maytag]

Water on the floor behind and under the driver's seat.
Sounds crazy.... but check it out. Tell us what you find.


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[Starter986]

"... all of a sudden the top decides to open."

That begs the question:

How in the hell does the top, usually latched tightly shut, suddenly decide to open?

WTF am I missing here? It doesn't meet the acid test.

OP, you've some explaining to do.

I hope I don't come out smelling like an idiot.

I'm waiting.

[Bill Ladd]

I’m with @Maytag. Wet Immobilizer perhaps

Starter’s got a good point though…

[boxsterboxster]

I misspoke, more accurately, the top tried to open. The clam shell was half open and a passing neighbor thought it looked odd and raised the alarm.
As a consequence the top linkage is a mess, and I have a hole in the rubber pan surrounding the drain caused by the link that came off the ball joint.
Full marks to the wet floor diagnosis, The immobilizer is toast.
All of which leads me to two questions.
What are the pros and cons to removing the top linkage and using manual mode?
What should i use to patch the membrane.
I really appreciate the input ! Thank you all

[maytag]

I've never tried to reduce the top to manual operation, so I can't really help you there.

As far as patching up the membrane goes: this is the only thing keeping water from killing another immobilizer, so I would consider replacing it, even with used from a junk yard.

If that's just not in the cards, I'd look at sheet metal tape (not fabric duct tape, but rather the aluminized duct tape). It's durable and seems to stick to ANYTHING.

But surely replacement is a better idea.

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[Bill Ladd]

When I got my 2000s the previous owner had removed the rods to the top but left the ones to the clamshell.

Clamshell works as it should, just have to pause when it’s at full open to either manually open (or close) the top. Then proceed with automatic clamshell closure.

Works just fine that way.

[elgyqc]

Originally Posted by Bill Ladd

When I got my 2000s the previous owner had removed the rods to the top but left the ones to the clamshell.

Clamshell works as it should, just have to pause when it’s at full open to either manually open (or close) the top. Then proceed with automatic clamshell closure.

Works just fine that way.

This is what I did also. I can put it down while seated but have to get out to put it up. Likely someone with stronger arms could put it up while seated.
To fixed the pan (I think it is styrofoam not rubber) I used GOOP to glue a piece of flexible plastic over the tears... it is still OK 4 years later.

[redpepperracing]

For the pan, flashing tape would probably be ideal, wide, sticky, and designed for the purpose.

[maytag]

Originally Posted by redpepperracing

For the pan, flashing tape would probably be ideal, wide, sticky, and designed for the purpose.

Aw yeah! Bingo! Hadn't thought of that, but that's perfect.

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[boxsterboxster]

hi everybody
Great suggestions ! I was thinking of just connecting the clam shell , now I'll try it for sure !
Replacing the membrane is a possibility, I think I'll try Goop first,
Or, flashing tape, which I'm assuming is for roof flashing ?
Thanks again

[Dog'sLife]

Locate and properly clean your drain tubes. There's a few of them. The entire back window area is intended to drain to specific places that have drain tubes. These tubes can clog easily as they're tiny.

As a note this should be regular maintenance.

Until then don't park in the rain. You'll eventually fry the immobilizer that costs big bucks. And that's not why we drive these Porsche's.

[boxsterboxster]

Thx Dog's
Drain holes are are the agenda. There is a snake which is made to clean out trombones. I have one on order and will post an update on how it works.
Anyway to waterproof the immobilizer? Or add drain holes in the floor pan?
Thanks

[Dog'sLife]

I just read a post here or on Rennlist that said the company that does immobilizer work sells a box that seals watertight. Hope that helps. I need to look into that too. Worst design feature.

[Hasdrubal]

https://www.ecudoctors.com/collections/popular-products-1/products/waterproof-case-for-porsche-boxster-911-996-immobilizer-alarm-clu-computer#

[redpepperracing]

@boxsterboxster yes, builder flashing tape. It's mostly marketed for windows and doors I think, it's basically really sticky, very thick and wide tape. Here is an example

[boxsterboxster]

thanks for the clarification. The trombone snake is perfect for Porsche drains.
It's basically a miniature plumbing snake.
thanks again

[BFeller]

I used silicone caulk in the tears of my drain pans.

[MasterDesigner]

Some sell those aluminum sealed boxes for the computer under the seat and they are expensive, a friend of mine used a good quality tupperware box with lid and carefully cut the slots and holes needed for the cables and sealed with silicon, it seems to work.
I don't have the problem with water anymore since I have the 911 style hardtop conversion and that eliminates water issues (still need the drain pans to be in good shape with this hardtop)