New member (not new owner) - Copart '02 Boxster S

[ClagMagnet]

Hi everyone,

Two years ago I purchased a 2002 Boxster S 6-speed from Copart auctions with the intent to drive it down the Pacific Coast Highway (I live in Texas, so this is a bucket list item). I owned a Cayman at the time, but wanted a convertible for this specific trip. The car has ran great for over 2 years now, and in June my wife and I will finally get to do our trip down the PCH!

About the car: I lucked out scoring this 986 which had been lightly rear-ended. I knew I was getting a set of genuine BBS LM wheels, but it wasn't until I got the car that I found everything on it was working perfectly AND the car has a ton of other goodies... the Michelin tires were only a couple months old, it has aftermarket exhaust, Kenwood Bluetooth touchscreen radio, LN filter adapter, new rotors and brake pads, the convertible top operates without issue etc.

All that said, I'm pretty sure my immobilizer just got fried I've had the car parked outside for a couple of weeks and found the battery dead last week. Replaced the battery and the windows and lights started going crazy and the engine wouldn't start... that's when I noticed the water under the driver seat. So now I've come back to it this week and the new battery is also dead.

Any advice on replacing the immobilizer will be greatly appreciated!

[78F350]

IMMEDIATELY remove the immobilizer box and dry it. They can often be recovered with a careful cleaning. Search the forum for details from others doing it.


I'm not sure if he still does it, but forum member Qmulus repairs these or transfers your car's data to an undamaged box for a very reasonable price. 986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Profile: Qmulus

ECU Doctors repairs them as well and has a good reputation: https://www.ecudoctors.com/collections/porsche-boxster2000-2004#

You can buy a compatible (same year range and model as yours) set of Key Fob+Immobilizer Box+DME (engine computer) and replace what's in your car to make it work. The issue with that is that the replacement parts will not have the specific identifying information for your car which will cause problems for dealership/professional servicing.

I do have parts available that may be the correct year if needed.

[ClagMagnet]

Thanks for the help! I sent Qmulus a PM over 8 days ago, but no response yet.I removed my immobilizer that same day and opened it up so it seems to be completely dry now. Think I should try to plug it back in to see if it works or best not to?

Originally Posted by 78F350

IMMEDIATELY remove the immobilizer box and dry it. They can often be recovered with a careful cleaning. Search the forum for details from others doing it.


I'm not sure if he still does it, but forum member Qmulus repairs these or transfers your car's data to an undamaged box for a very reasonable price. 986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Profile: Qmulus

ECU Doctors repairs them as well and has a good reputation: https://www.ecudoctors.com/collections/porsche-boxster2000-2004#

You can buy a compatible (same year range and model as yours) set of Key Fob+Immobilizer Box+DME (engine computer) and replace what's in your car to make it work. The issue with that is that the replacement parts will not have the specific identifying information for your car which will cause problems for dealership/professional servicing.

I do have parts available that may be the correct year if needed.

[ClagMagnet]

Thanks for the help! I sent Qmulus a PM over 8 days ago, but no response yet.I removed my immobilizer that same day and opened it up so it seems to be completely dry now. Think I should try to plug it back in to see if it works or best not to?

[78F350]

Originally Posted by ClagMagnet

... Think I should try to plug it back in to see if it works or best not to?

It may work if you plug it back in. Did you open the cover and take a close look at the circuit board?
Here's a pic of one that's pretty badly corroded, but was repairable:


If everything looks intact, I'd go ahead and give it a try. If there is 'light' corrosion, I'd get some "CRC Electronic cleaner" (spray can) and gently clean any visible corrosion with a soft brush - I use a toothbrush.

[itsnotanova]

I have Qmulus's phone number if you want it? Text me at 512-925-9171. I think I have a complete set for your car if you want to go that route and I live in Bastrop