P1117, P1121, Po131, Po151, Po137, Po157 - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

cvhs18472 · 01-24-2010, 03:37 AM

I am only someone who has little true knowledge but two things stick out. One, couldn't water getting into the electrical system via cleaning the MAF with water be a place to start and , two- I have had repeating codes that would occur when I was trying to sort out a problem and they never came on in 5 minutes of driving. I thought it would have to go through a certain # of drive cycles. I have tried to locate problems, clear the codes, drove it once and when I got back I would read pending coded. It would not as yet show up as a CEL but it was logged in. The short version is that it might be a DME problem. Ed

root_werks · 01-24-2010, 02:02 PM

I took a look at the DME box today and cannot find any indication of water damage. I know it doesn't mean there isn't any or the DME box doesn't have issues, but it did make me happy everything around the DME and inside the rear trunk is really, really clean and no signs of water. I did remove it and plugged it back in some 30 minutes later. I haven't driven the car again yet, but I believe that resest codes by removing power from the box. Mostly I wanted to reseat the main DME connection. I'll drive and report back.

root_werks · 01-24-2010, 08:39 PM

Re-seating the DME didn't do anything.

There are a couple DME units for sale, $200-300. I certainly don't mind paying for one, but the dealer asspect worries me a little. How much could they charge for re-coding it to match the car? Yuck.

I'll keep posting findings, or lack of.

Topless · 01-25-2010, 06:16 AM

If your car is running well and no CEL with codes just drive the car to see if they re-appear. The DME is just a computer and like any computer it may go bezerk if water temporarily shorted your O2 sensor wires, but as it dries out it may be fine. Your unplug and reset may be all that was needed. You had several "short to ground" codes so water is a likely source of the problem.

root_werks · 01-25-2010, 04:31 PM

The CEL did come back on after about 10 or so minutes of driving. I'll keep checking and posting updates.

I worry about the water damage, although I haven't found any evidence of it, I know it could be there.

-Dan

root_werks · 02-01-2010, 07:26 AM

On my way into work this morning I noticed the CEL went out for a second, or part of a second, then back on. I've researched a little about bad grounds being issues. I've already cleaned the two back by the DME in the rear trunk, but know there is possible issues that might be coming from chassis to engine/trans. So I'll check those this week. I didn't have time this weekend to do anything to the little guy. I'll keep any updates posted as I can.

I'm still not ruling out a failed DME unit. I know capacitors can leak messing all sorts of things up. I'd rather not get another used DME unit. I sense frustrating times getting the immobilize-er(spelling?) re-coding done. Does anyone know of a place that rebuilds units? I don't mind having my Box out of service while the DME unit is rebuilt.

-Dan

gschotland · 02-01-2010, 04:20 PM

This place advertises in PCNA Panorama magazine:

PorscheDME.com

Ad says they rebuild all DMEs including Boxster. For '97s they repair yours for $675 or sell on exchange for $975. Spendy. Yikes.

Vertex (****************************************.com) offers rebuilt ones for $299-$759, no details listed on their site. Based on my experience with their customer "service" and feedback I've gotten from people in the know about their remanufactured mechanical/electrical parts, I'd try the guys above first. I like to go with specialists for that kind of stuff anyway.