Runs/Drives, But no power, 5 mph max - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

dave_r · 04-15-2019, 08:19 AM

I have a 2000 Boxster. It currently runs and drives, but will only crawl around, 5 mph max. Won't rev over 1500 rpm or so.

6 months ago, the alarm under the seat got flooded. I have had battery drain issues ever since, so could be related. I disconnect the battery sometimes, I found disconnecting it every month or so would prevent battery drain issues. I cleaned the alarm module with alcohol after it got flooded, seemed fine, but something is off still.

No power issue might not be related to the alarm issue.

I am thinking maybe throttle body? I did a quick search for this issue, but I didn't find anything similar.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Anker · 04-15-2019, 08:40 AM

You need to read the codes, including the Porsche-specific ones and report which ones are triggered.

Starter986 · 04-15-2019, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_r

I have a 2000 Boxster. It currently runs and drives, but will only crawl around, 5 mph max. Won't rev over 1500 rpm or so.

6 months ago, the alarm under the seat got flooded. I have had battery drain issues ever since, so could be related. I disconnect the battery sometimes, I found disconnecting it every month or so would prevent battery drain issues. I cleaned the alarm module with alcohol after it got flooded, seemed fine, but something is off still.

No power issue might not be related to the alarm issue.

I am thinking maybe throttle body? I did a quick search for this issue, but I didn't find anything similar.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Who are you? An intro would be nice. Maybe a pic.

JayG · 04-15-2019, 11:22 AM

Sounds like limp mode

dave_r · 04-22-2019, 07:02 PM

Yeah, I googled around, I'm thinking definitely limp mode. I didn't even know that was a thing.

It had a P 1502 code I believe, throttle body spring or something like that, so I put a good used throttle body in it from DC Auto. No change, so I googled more and found out about limp mode.

How do I get it out of limp mode? I'll start looking for answers now as well.

husker boxster · 05-01-2019, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_r

It had a P 1502 code I believe, throttle body spring or something like that, so I put a good used throttle body in it from DC Auto. No change, so I googled more and found out about limp mode.

Have you rechecked for codes? Going off memory is not very accurate.

dave_r · 05-09-2019, 05:26 PM

Throttle Issue - Pelican Parts Forums

I found this post, basically the same issue. The local European car specialist couldn't figure it out, so I am back on the case.

It could be the "throttle accelerator sensor" or the pedal.

I am starting to think it might be the mass airflow sensor

dave_r · 05-10-2019, 09:04 AM

I unplugged the mass airflow sensor, it ran normally. I think I put the wrong one in 6 months ago.

I need to get a 996.606.124.00, right now it has 986.606.125.01

I might also be this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-986-Boxster-996-911-00-04-Accelerator-Gas-Pedal-Cruise-Control-Man/152622830858?hash=item238907950a:g:EAkAAMXQVT9S7dn W

below is a quote:

If you are replacing your sensor, it is extremely important that you get the proper one for your car. There are two basic types, one for the cars that use a traditional throttle cable (up to 1999), and one for cars with an E-gas electronic throttle (2000 and later). In addition, the later-style E-gas sensor has been updated at least twice as of this moment. Porsche updated the sensors in the Boxster in mid-2000 and also released a new version of the DME software that is a required update if you are going to use this new and improved sensor (see Porsche Tech Bulletin Boxster 1a/00 2445). Here is a chart that shows the differences between all of the sensors:

If you own a 2000 Boxster or 2000 Boxster S, then you need to make sure that you have the proper sensor installed. Much confusion lies in the fact that most people don't know if their car has been updated by Porsche or not. If the old sensor that you removed is 996.606.124.00, then you need to replace it with the same part number (or have Porsche update your DME software to accommodate the newer style sensor: see Technical Service Bulletin 1/00 2445 Air Flow Sensor -- dated 4-18-00). If the old sensor you're removing ends in 125.00 or 125.01, then replace it with 986.606.125.01 (the latest version available).

piper6909 · 05-10-2019, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_r

I unplugged the mass airflow sensor, it ran normally. I think I put the wrong one in 6 months ago.

I need to get a 996.606.124.00, right now it has 986.606.125.01

I might also be this

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-986-Boxster-996-911-00-04-Accelerator-Gas-Pedal-Cruise-Control-Man/152622830858?hash=item238907950a:g:EAkAAMXQVT9S7dn W

below is a quote:

If you are replacing your sensor, it is extremely important that you get the proper one for your car. There are two basic types, one for the cars that use a traditional throttle cable (up to 1999), and one for cars with an E-gas electronic throttle (2000 and later). In addition, the later-style E-gas sensor has been updated at least twice as of this moment. Porsche updated the sensors in the Boxster in mid-2000 and also released a new version of the DME software that is a required update if you are going to use this new and improved sensor (see Porsche Tech Bulletin Boxster 1a/00 2445). Here is a chart that shows the differences between all of the sensors:

If you own a 2000 Boxster or 2000 Boxster S, then you need to make sure that you have the proper sensor installed. Much confusion lies in the fact that most people don't know if their car has been updated by Porsche or not. If the old sensor that you removed is 996.606.124.00, then you need to replace it with the same part number (or have Porsche update your DME software to accommodate the newer style sensor: see Technical Service Bulletin 1/00 2445 Air Flow Sensor -- dated 4-18-00). If the old sensor you're removing ends in 125.00 or 125.01, then replace it with 986.606.125.01 (the latest version available).

Thanks for posting the solution.

Just out of curiosity, did it run poorly immediately after you installed the wrong MAF 6 months ago, or did it creep up later?

KRAM36 · 04-22-2019, 08:49 PM

This person was having the same fault code. You can read through the whole thread, but this was the ending.

Quote:

Okay, Time for an update.

Sent my DME unit as well as the security(?) box (under the seat) off to Specialized ECU Repair. ECUdoctors.com. Excellent group of people.

They checked my system and told me that they could not get it to replicate the condition on their system. I rec'd everything back yesterday afternoon, reinstalled the boxes, turned on the key, performed the throttle adaptation, and problem gone.

The only thing that I can think of is that there may have been a loose or bad connection on the box under the seat. And looking back, the problem started when my girlfriend was taking it to the store. So maybe when she adjusted the seat up, a connector was just loose enough to cause an issue?

I wish I had a definitive answer, I do not like intermittent problems. But for now my trips to project meetings will be a lot more enjoyable.

Thank you everyone for your input!

https://www.renntech.org/topic/40618-fault-code-p1502/?tab=comments#comment-220763

beavis0076 · 04-23-2019, 07:32 AM

alarm under the seat got flooded? you mean the ECU? that is under the seat, and if it gets wet, you would have all kinds of issues. if it is actually an alarm, and it got wet, again, you would definitely have issues.

dave_r · 05-01-2019, 08:52 AM

Yeah, the alarm module under the seat got flooded, I took it all apart, soaked/scrubbed it in first aid alcohol and it was fine except for intermittent battery drain issue, so really not fine, but the car ran normally.

I was disconnecting the battery at night because of this annoying issue (trying to save $1,000 to have the alarm module gone through by ECU Doctors) and then the car starting do the limp mode thing one day.

I put in a good used throttle body, new spark plugs, new spark plug tube seals, good used coil packs (I try to be thrifty with this car, it makes it more fun), still the same issue.

I am now thinking it's the gas pedal potentiometer, but I should probably send the alarm unit to the ECU Doctors. I am also having a shop look into the issue. The alarm module under the seat on the floor in a convertible is a massive design flaw in my opinion, they should have put it somewhere else or at least a drain the floor, I added a drain.

This forum gave me a great tip on getting the spark plug tubes out, that was great, transom plug with some sand paper, grabbed the plug with pliers on the stuck ones.

dave_r · 05-01-2019, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beavis0076

alarm under the seat got flooded? you mean the ECU? that is under the seat, and if it gets wet, you would have all kinds of issues. if it is actually an alarm, and it got wet, again, you would definitely have issues.

I completely agree

piper6909 · 05-31-2019, 12:49 PM

With sadness, I'll have to agree with Dave on this. Maybe not necessarily the IMS, but I wouldn't rule it out. All that glitter and metal chunks in the oil don't bode well for the health of the motor.

maytag · 05-31-2019, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piper6909

With sadness, I'll have to agree with Dave on this. Maybe not necessarily the IMS, but I wouldn't rule it out. All that glitter and metal chunks in the oil don't bode well for the health of the motor.

Yeah..... that's kinda what I was getting at too. I just see so much blamed on the IMS...
From everything I've read (and im glad that's the only experience i have with failed IMS) the first indicator is invariably the NOISE it makes.

None of the typical IMS failure symptoms were described in this thread.

But yeah, the pretty glitter in the pan is no bueno.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

maytag · 05-31-2019, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piper6909

All that glitter and metal chunks in the oil don't bode well for the health of the motor.

Wait..... it just occurred to ne that I just agreed with piper!
SWEET!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

piper6909 · 05-31-2019, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maytag

Wait..... it just occurred to ne that I just agreed with piper!
SWEET!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

HAHA!!

I think the Devil needs a parka!

blue62 · 05-31-2019, 02:44 PM

I would have to open things up just to prove to myself where the metal came from.
But that's me.

At any rate lotsa metal in the oil is not good.

dave_r · 06-03-2019, 08:33 AM

Yeah, it's bummer for sure, but I enjoyed it for 3.5 years and learned a lot about them. Gotta move on.

I am trying to sell it as is now. Newer top with glass window, I bought it like this, so I am not sure exactly what it is from. Rims are cool, but not perfect, corrosion and stains on them, fabspeed exhaust.

Model year 2000, roughly 150,000 miles.

What should I do with this thing? I am planning to put on here in the classifieds. Any other ideas? I don't feel like fixing it. How much is something like this worth?