goofy interior light behavior - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

junglegreen · 08-06-2021, 02:02 PM

I have a new-to-me 2000 Boxster base. The forum knowledge has been invaluable as I get to know my first Porsche.

The interior lights only come on when the key is turned. Searching the forum it appears that the cause is due to the car being in "Transport" mode. A scenario only a Porsche scan tool can remedy. The car was sitting for ~5 years and most likely the battery died so it seems possible that the car could have slipped back in "Transport" mode. It did not bother me until I installed a radio and the 12V apparently is interrupted since the radio memory is gone every time the car is turned off. I assume the two issues are related.

So, I take the boxster to the local indy and they tell me it is already out of "Transport" mode. My issue for the lights is due to central locking system errors. They can not explain the radio 12V issue.

Reading the error codes from my Autel DiagLink tool:
60 Central locking limit position Lock not reached
47 Control locking synchronization
61 Central locking limit position Unlock not reached

Is it possible that the interior light behavior is due to the central locking system errors?

Is the 12V radio issue related? (I can always re-wire to the 12V on the mobile connector in the console)

Did I waste my money on an indy mechanic that really does not have a Porsche scan tool?

Removing the door panels and inspecting the door lock mechanisms is in my near future.

Stl-986 · 08-06-2021, 02:55 PM

Doubt it is in transport mode.

Provide more details about the radio issue. With the doors closed and you turn the car off accessory power will be retained until you open the door. If your radio is turning off and/or it loses memory then it sounds like a wiring issue with the radio. 3 wires are needed. Ground, 12v constant(hot) and 12v switched. Each is their own wire from the radio and to the car.

junglegreen · 08-06-2021, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the help.

I used the Metra adapter wired to the Pioneer radio plug. It is possible I screwed it up. I'll pull the radio and verify if necessary.

When the key is turned to accessory, doors closed, the radio has power. As soon as I turn the key off the radio powers off.

Stl-986 · 08-06-2021, 04:09 PM

ok, that isn't really much of an issue. Does it just turn off or does it lose memory also?

Stl-986 · 08-06-2021, 04:12 PM

Just in case you need it:
http://www.metraonline.com/files/products/INST70-1787_web.pdf
and here:
https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=91425

ike84 · 08-06-2021, 06:14 PM

There is likely a constant 12v source required for your head unit to retain memory, which I'm guessing isn't wired correctly.

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dghii · 08-06-2021, 06:17 PM

Known issue on the cars radio wiring is that switched power and constant power (memory) is opposite of the wiring diagram. Using the Metra harness will connect as per the wiring diagram, hence your switched and constant power are reversed.
I’ve experienced this issue first hand.

junglegreen · 08-07-2021, 06:12 AM

Brilliant. Thanks for the insight on the 12v lines being swapped. I'll get in there with a voltmeter and verify (which I should have done on the install) and swap the connector positions.

Stl-986 · 08-07-2021, 09:12 AM

If you need help just shoot me a PM

junglegreen · 08-08-2021, 01:58 PM

Radio mystery solved. Pioneer and Metra are not on the same page with colors. I hooked red to red from the Metra Connector to Pioneer radio which was not correct.

On the Pioneer side red is switched 12V and yellow is 12V. I switched Pioneer red / yellow wire pins in the Metra connector and all is well with the radio now.

Onto the central locking issue. I need to find the time to pull the locking mechanism out of the door and see if there is anything obvious.

junglegreen · 08-11-2021, 08:37 PM

I replaced the left side door lock mechanism with the URO part (thanks Pelican) and now there are no faults in the Alarm system per the Autel scan tool. I have only turned the key ON and have not gone for a drive or put the top up since the lock install.

The lights still behave the same way. When I open the door the interior lights do not turn on unless the key is turned. Also, the radio turns off if I remove the key (doors closed).

Any thoughts on what else could be causing the interior light issue?