switch
 

I will check it today. Is it possible to bypass this switch ?


sam

Yes. You can just disconnect the leads to the switch and short them by running a wire between them. It's actually better for the engine to not press the clutch in while starting anyway so I've got my switch bypassed on all my cars.

Just make sure you don't have the car in gear when you start it.

switch
 

Okay, I'm going to bypass. If this is not my problem, is there anything else you can think of? I'm running out of ideas. I'm wondering if my immobilizer is shutting me down and I just don't see any damage. Perhaps after sitting so long w/o any battery juice, the system no longer recognizes my key?

sam

Have you tried bypassing the ignition and running power directly to the starter? Easy test with a set of jumper cables.

I connected the posts at the starter/solenoid and the engine cranked like a champ.

The history:

Battery: replaced AND charged for 24 hours.
Ignition switch: replaced.
Clutch switch: checked, appears to be going in and out and clicking accordingly.
Fuses: all appear good.
Relays: seem okay. switched out relay with same #, still no crank.
Immobilizer: opened box under seat; no obvious sign of any damage of any sort.
Starter: tested, spins fast.
Solenoid/Starter: Cranks engine hard and fast.
Analyzer readout: no problem codes.
Key: appears good; "capsule" inside appears fine.

Sorry I missed that part. Sure sounds like an immobilizer problem.

Bypassing the switch will at least disable your cruise contol. Bypass it to test or use a VOM, if bad replace it.

I assume this problem started BEFORE you replaced the ignition switch?

ign switch
 

Yes, the problem started before i replaced the switch. The switch was very sticky and stubborn, so I was hopeful that this was the problem. An fyi for other readers, while Porsche would only sell me the whole assembly for $160, Audi sold me just the switch for $40.

A silly question I imagine, but can the immobilizer be tested? can it be by passed? Or am I stuck going to the dealer on this one?

sam

I never noticed, shows how much I use the cruise control.

Other than reading the codes, which you say you have none, its off to someone that has the correct Porsche tester.

My dealer reprogrammed my key for free, when my immobilizer threw a code saying the transponder code was wrong (new key).

dealer time
 

Well, then, if it's not my clutch switch, I suppose I'm off to the dealer to handle this. Can independent Porsche repair places reprogram keys and immobilizers, or is this strictly a dealer function ?

sg

Only the dealer has one of the codes for your car.

How's that work for you in the winter?

I don't follow the question.

switch
 

It appears there are two switches on the clutch pedal. I'm assuming one is for Cruise Control, one is for starter. Of course, i have no idea which is which. I'm hoping Paul or Blue can answer this question.



sg

Here's the switch, disconnected and the shorted wires.

immob
 

Well then, it must be my immobilizer, as i connected the wires as you showed me and still no cranking.

I'll have to tow to the dealer this week and see if they can reset whatever it is that's shut me down.

I'll update everyone when i get this figured out.


thxx !

sam

Here in Wisconsin when it's -20 or colder, no one would ever try to start a manual shift car without kicking in the clutch first.

Are you saying when it's cold out, the drive wheels are somehow mated to the flywheel while the car is in neutral? Not the case.

Maybe I'm still not understanding the question.