Immobilizer

[78F350]

I just checked two boxes from an '01 base and one from an '02 S. They all had an 01 date stamp and were part number: 996.618.262.01.

My guess is that your original module had water damage and was replaced with a new one from the factory. If the Immobilizer unit is replaced, the DME has to be re-programmed for it, or both replaced as a set along with the key.

[BOOTLEG]

That does make sense. Bought this car with the rear window missing and bad motor. I have dewatered it now and am considering my next moves. Finding the IM treading water was a disappointment. Thinking that buying a motor with ECU, IM & instruments might work. Also considering the Renegade LS swap. Advice?

[78F350]

Originally Posted by BOOTLEG

That does make sense. Bought this car with the rear window missing and bad motor. I have dewatered it now and am considering my next moves. Finding the IM treading water was a disappointment. Thinking that buying a motor with ECU, IM & instruments might work. Also considering the Renegade LS swap. Advice?

If the carpet was soaked, then the immobilizer is probably bad. It is possible to open it up and clean/dry it, but usually they are corroded beyond what a simple repair can fix.
The Immobilizer, ECU ('DME' in Porsche terminology), and key-transponder all have to match. The DME is the re-programmable part.
I expect that even with an LS swap, you will want to replace the immobilizer to get the locks, trunk latches, and alarm systems to work.

How do you know that the engine is bad?

I am by no means an expert, but somehow I managed to take a flood damaged '01 with a bad engine (rod poking out through the case) and make it into a decent car. All it takes is stubbornness, a large set of tools, and a small stack of $100s.

[BOOTLEG]

I did open it and it was UGLY! It was so bad I just assumed it could not possibly have worked. But, after reading your post, I realized my rear truck latch had worked and my top goes up and down. I had assumed these functions were outside the control of the IM, but now am eager to reconnect and try.

Do you know if my air bags will trigger with the seats out and the IM installed with the key on?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by BOOTLEG

Do you know if my air bags will trigger with the seats out and the IM installed with the key on

Yes..................

[78F350]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Yes..................

I'm thinking that "Yes" means that it will trigger a fault and your SRS module will require a reset, not that your airbags will explode. I bet that your SRS module already needs to be reset.

I'm pretty sure that I have powered it up without seats, but then again, I may have had them plugged in, but not bolted.

Disclaimer: JFP is a Pro and knows this stuff. I am more of a trial-and-error guy. Don't put your face or any sharp objects in the line-of-fire just in case.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I'm thinking that "Yes" means that it will trigger a fault and your SRS module will require a reset, not that your airbags will explode. I bet that your SRS module already needs to be reset.

I'm pretty sure that I have powered it up without seats, but then again, I may have had them plugged in, but not bolted.

Disclaimer: JFP is a Pro and knows this stuff. I am more of a trial-and-error guy. Don't put your face or any sharp objects in the line-of-fire just in case.

You are correct, I meant that it will force the car to code for an airbag fault.