P1117, P1121, Po131, Po151, Po137, Po157

[root_werks]

On my way into work this morning I noticed the CEL went out for a second, or part of a second, then back on. I've researched a little about bad grounds being issues. I've already cleaned the two back by the DME in the rear trunk, but know there is possible issues that might be coming from chassis to engine/trans. So I'll check those this week. I didn't have time this weekend to do anything to the little guy. I'll keep any updates posted as I can.

I'm still not ruling out a failed DME unit. I know capacitors can leak messing all sorts of things up. I'd rather not get another used DME unit. I sense frustrating times getting the immobilize-er(spelling?) re-coding done. Does anyone know of a place that rebuilds units? I don't mind having my Box out of service while the DME unit is rebuilt.

-Dan

[gschotland]

This place advertises in PCNA Panorama magazine:

PorscheDME.com

Ad says they rebuild all DMEs including Boxster. For '97s they repair yours for $675 or sell on exchange for $975. Spendy. Yikes.

Vertex (****************************************.com) offers rebuilt ones for $299-$759, no details listed on their site. Based on my experience with their customer "service" and feedback I've gotten from people in the know about their remanufactured mechanical/electrical parts, I'd try the guys above first. I like to go with specialists for that kind of stuff anyway.

[root_werks]

Thanks for the DME tip, I did find the website, yes, pricey, but 5 year warranty. Hopefully it isn't a DME unit.

I am running the CarCode OBD2 software which really isn't good for much of anything other than pulling the codes and clearing them. You can test the O2's which is nice, but I have noticed, the only O2 I can test is the one I replaced. Hmm, bank 1, position 1 is the pass, before cat right?

If that is true, maybe the 4 "new" ones installed just are not cutting mustard? I can smell it running rich at idle. Something isn't right. The one I did replace was direct fit Bosch from local parts store.

[gschotland]

Originally Posted by root_werks

I am running the CarCode OBD2 software which really isn't good for much of anything other than pulling the codes and clearing them.

Sounds like a Durametric would be a worthwhile investment. I got mine (haven't had to use it yet), the non-pro version that can only be used for three cars, on craiglist for $170 with 2 car slots left. If you ever sell your car you'll probably be able to recoup at least half of the Durametric's cost. Good value IMO.

[root_werks]

I've been eye-balling the Durametric for a little while now. Seems like a really useful tool.

I stuffed my big head under the Box last night looking for a ground strap I could clean contacts on. Couldn't find it? Maybe it's on the topside? I'll check that part soon. I've read here and there about ground gremlins causing all sorts of bizzare issues.

AOS tests good (Oil cap test) and is only 4 years old. Never smokes, ever that I've ever seen or could smell. But running a little rich. Could still be 3 bad O2's I guess? It doesn't make sense I couldn't test them, only the one I replaced could I test through the software.

[root_werks]

I added a ground strap last night from the tranny to the chassis. I didn't clear codes or test drive until I went to work this morning. I should have cleared the codes (duh). Not that I think I fixed anything, but with each change I should test to see if it's corrected my large swath of codes.

I did notice the car seems to be a little smoother now. Especially when it comes to very lightly on-off throttle. It's not "jerky" anymore. Not like it was, but it's smoother.

So the ground strap did good, just how much I still have to find out.

[paulv]

Dan,

Go to here for essential documentation:

http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums/f104/porsche-poses-2-42-install-cd-46838/

I couldn't get the system to install, but once the zip archives are unzipped, you can save all the English (EN) pdf's that are OBD2 related which contain troubleshooting information for all the codes -- stop searching in the dark and wasting your time!!!

BTW, don't ever clean a MAF sensor with soap/water -- CRC makes a spray cleaner for MAFs.

Regards,

paul