Go Back   986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners > Porsche Boxster & Cayman Forums > Performance and Technical Chat

Post Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-19-2016, 07:49 AM   #1
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 210
Garage
Immobilizer (theft control unit) replacement question

Ok, so has anyone ever replaced a bad Immobilizer unit (theft control unit). I am getting conflicting account on whether or not a used one can be used. some say it should just plug in and be fine (paired to the key) other say it has to be programmed to the car and that once programmed to one car you can't re-use it.
I have noticed that most of the used ones on eBay come with the ECU, keys and door, ignition and even glove box locks. and even they state that it may have to be professionally programmed.
insurance is paying for it to be replace, but I would rather do it myself and save the $500 deductible. if I have to pay $600-$700 for the part, and another several hundred to have the dealer code it. I may be out more than that.

kiyakubuke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2016, 08:10 AM   #2
Motorist & Coffee Drinker
 
78F350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 3,653
Garage
Short answer, yes a matching set from a similar year/model will work. I put one in my 01 and everything functioned. The long answer is a bit more complicated. There will be some info in your DME that will be incorrect without reprogramming.
__________________
I am not an attorney, mechanic, or member of the clergy. Following any advice given in my posts is done at your own peril.
78F350 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2016, 08:14 AM   #3
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 210
Garage
Quote:
Originally Posted by 78F350 View Post
Short answer, yes a matching set from a similar year/model will work. I put one in my 01 and everything functioned. The long answer is a bit more complicated. There will be some info in your DME that will be incorrect without reprogramming.
did you replace your DME as well? if not, did that effect how the car ran, throw any codes etc...?
kiyakubuke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2016, 08:32 AM   #4
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: It's a kind of magic.....
Posts: 6,261
The DME has to be programmed to accept and work with a different immobilizer.
__________________
Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth. Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.” - Albert Einstein
JFP in PA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2016, 09:04 AM   #5
Motorist & Coffee Drinker
 
78F350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 3,653
Garage
Quote:
did you replace your DME as well?
Quote:
Originally Posted by JFP in PA View Post
The DME has to be programmed to accept and work with a different immobilizer.
Yes, if you go this route, you have to replace the CLU/immobilizer box, key (fob with transponder), and DME. The set you get all need to be from the same car and the same DME version as your car.
__________________
I am not an attorney, mechanic, or member of the clergy. Following any advice given in my posts is done at your own peril.
78F350 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2016, 01:39 PM   #6
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Bastrop, Tx
Posts: 2,643
If your deductible is $500 and your insurance will pay for a new immobilizer? I say take that deal! I sell a used immobilizer,DME,locks and key for $350. For $150 more you're getting a brand new immobilizer and reprogramming at the minimum from your insurance company. Heck you might get new key fobs and a DME out of the deal too. Consider yourself lucky though(that's if you like your boxster), a lot of insurance companies write off Porsches with wet immobilizers. Sometimes a wet immobilizer can take a lot of other electrical components down with it.
__________________
Woody
itsnotanova is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-19-2016, 08:01 PM   #7
Certified Boxster Addict
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
The DME, transponder (the little "pill" inside the key fob), and immobilizer all have to be programmed as a set. If you replace any single component of the set, then that component has to be re-programmed to work with the other two components.

It is often easier and cheaper to buy a replacement set of all three components and swap them all at one time.

You will also have to swap the key shank from the "old" fob to the "new" fob so the "new" fob will mechanically unlock the steering wheel lock.

I two complete matched sets and swap all three components (as sets) often in my Spec Boxster race car.
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor

Last edited by thstone; 08-19-2016 at 08:04 PM.
thstone is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2016, 08:00 AM   #8
inveniam viam aut faciam
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Arvada, CO
Posts: 440
It is also possible to transfer the information directly from the old damaged alarm/immobilizer module to a new or used module. You do not need to replace the key transponders or reprogram the ECU/DME. BTDT. Note that this is NOT something a dealer has the proper tools to do.

__________________
'03 S, manual, 18" Carrera wheels, PSM, PSE, Litronic, 996 Cluster, +
Qmulus is offline   Reply With Quote
Post Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:06 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page