98 Boxster Tiptronic No Start

[otisdriftwood]

New to the forum and looking for some assistance, as I've done about everything I can think of.

A little history of my problem first:

Well, for the past probably 6 months, the car would start fine, but the accessories wouldn't work unless you manually turned the key a bit back to the left, to the run position. Then it wouldn't start on the first try intermittently, and finally would not start at all. After alot of research, I felt it was the ignition switch that was the culprit, so I ordered the electrical part, replaced it, and it didn't work. I replaced the entire mechanical/electrical ignition part, disconnected the battery, took the dash apart per instructions, which was not that difficult, replaced the mechanical part which contained a new electrical switch. After putting it all back together, on the initial try, nothing happened on the initial try, but then it started probably a total of 4-5 times, turning it off, then back on. Then nothing. I replaced the battery with a brand new one, even took the new ignition out, replaced it with the old one with the new electrical part as a last ditch effort. Still nothing. Put the new ignition back in.

So thats my ignition failure story

Summary of what I've done so far, short version.

Changed electrical part of the ignition - didn't work

Changed the entire ignition assembly - started 4 or 5 times, now nothing. (all the dash lights, headlights, blinkers, stereo, ac all work) BTW, if anyone is going to do this, its very easy if you remove the left vent and the instrument cluster, which are both easily done.

Replaced the battery - Nothing

Replaced the DME relay - Nothing

Went throught all the fuses - All are ok

OK, pulled immobilizer module, no signs of corrosion, loose wires, etc. Fuse looked ok, but replaced it any way since it was out. Replaced everything after a good cleaning. Hooked up the battery, closed everything up. Turned the key on,, all lights working, stereo worked, blower, etc... but still nothing. Not a click, dont think I even heard the fuel pump.

Anyone have any other ideas short of taking it in? Hate to pay the tow, plus the labor.

Thanks to everyone in advance of any assistance or ideas. Just glad the weather here in Washington has allowed me to break out the ol Harley!

Jim

:troll: Doom Cyber Demon lol

[shlim8]

I've got a similar problem (well, similar after you've replaced the electrical part of the ignition switch).

It happened intermittently - turning the key to the on position, all the dash lights light up, stereo on. But when turning on to the next position to start the car, nothing at all...

Tried it many times and finally after about 20 mins it started and was fine after that, until afew days later... same thing happened..

In my case, pulling up the codes it showed "an unknown key error". I believe the led on the dash also flashed differently (multiple quick flashes before going to regular slow routine) when you locked the car - yes, the lock and unlock still worked.

My mechanic took apart the key fob and the tiny capsule (transponder) was dirty, cleaned it up and the car started but it didn't last long, the same thing happened after a while... Ended up buying a new key fob and reprogrammed the codes... has worked fine ever since.

Check the error codes to see if you've got the same problem...

You can also try using your spare key to see if it starts.... in my case every time the car can't start, my spare key was 300+kms away.

[shlim8]

Just re-read your post... if you changed the immobilizer, don't u have to re-program the keys ?? Just a thought...