Where to start

[lucky14fc]

Update 5/17

Found the error code:

P1571 Immobilizer - Open Circuit / No Signal


Original post 5-12

Working on a 2001 Boxster S 3.2 with 106K on the odometer. Car has run great until recently. One year ago the water pump went out and was replaced.

Last summer the car was hard to start 1st time after refueling. Took about 25 seconds of cranking for the car to start. Car started normally every time after that until next refuel.

Then an intermittent howling/whistling sound when driving was coming from the fuel refill area. Replaced the two vapor valves underneath the fender liner and the howling was gone!

A week later after a short drive came back to the car and it would not start. Cranks strong but does not sound like any fuel is making it to the engine. CEL is on.

I am ordering a Durametric cable this week (will be able to see the CEL code soon). Also after reading the forums on here I am thinking I should replace several sensors just for general maintenance (Car has only had Oil changes and Tires done since it was bought by 2nd owner with 32K (and the water pump)).

While waiting for the Durametric cable I am going to look at the fuel pump and see if it is bad.

Any other suggestions on replacement items that should be done on a car with 106K or places to look before I get the cable?

Thanks!!!

[Wayne 962]

The fuel filler problem is a common one on these cars. The valve breaks and then causes issues with fuel pump pressure and creates starting problems. There's a bunch of info on this in the archives of this forum, you might want to look there first. When you get the code reader tool, it should also tell you exactly what is causing the car to not start, so you also might want to wait...

-Wayne

[JFP in PA]

Take a look at your crank position sensor, when they crap out, the computer does not see the engine turning and shuts the fuel off, often without throwing a code..........

[lucky14fc]

Bosch Digital Motor Electronics Motronic 7.2
Module Identification



Part Number 986.618.661.04
Supplier Part Number 004157029000


Current Fault Codes

P1571
Porsche fault code 39 Immobilizer

[lucky14fc]

Ok so took the seats out. No loose wires checked and rechecked wire connections.

Replaced the gas cap. Engine cover is off, I can smell gasoline when I try and start the car.

Idea's???

[lucky14fc]

Okay still not running.....

Did the fuel pump test and it worked. Ordering a new relay fuse. Will try that next.

[j911brick]

Did you actually test the fuel pressure? Are you getting spark? Did you try starter fluid?

[Wayne 962]

Sorry, I got lost here. Is the starter actually turning over the motor?

-Wayne

[lucky14fc]

Have not tested fuel pressure. Did test fuel pump and pump is working great. Installed a new fuel relay and car still will not start. It does turn over. Starter is very strong. Have not tried starter fluid or tested for spark (would need to research how to do these two items).

Connected the durametric and got the following:

Short Test

Bosch Digital Motor Electronics Motronic 7.2


No Faults Found



Airbag B05

Current Fault Codes
3:
Supply voltage



Automatic Air Conditioning H01


No Faults Found



Alarm I32

Current Fault Codes
49:
K lead
Status: not present
Occurance Counter: 5
This fault is displayed for informational purposes, it is not an indication of a problem and no repair is needed.

33:
Interior sensor faulty
Status: not present
Occurance Counter: 17
This fault is displayed for informational purposes, it is not an indication of a problem and no repair is needed.

60:
Central locking limit position Lock not reached
Status: not present
Occurance Counter: 10
This fault is displayed for informational purposes, it is not an indication of a problem and no repair is needed.

21:
W lead (DME immobilizer)
Status: not present
Occurance Counter: 1
This fault is displayed for informational purposes, it is not an indication of a problem and no repair is needed.



Seat Memory


No Faults Found



The following modules were not found in the vehicle

Tiptronic - G40
Xenon Headlights
Park Assist


Any suggestions?

[Wayne 962]

Okay, clear all of the codes out, then try to restart the car and see which ones (if any) reappear. Some of those codes are nonsense, they don't help. If the car wasn't turning over at all, then that could be an immobilizer problem. But the starter should not turn over if the immobilizer is not functioning properly.

Indeed, you might want to hotwire the fuel pump to run it continuously, as detailed in my article here: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Fuel Pump Replacement - 986 / 987

-Wayne

[lucky14fc]

Cleared the codes and tried to start. Car still turns over but would not start. Removed the fuel relay and tried to start would not start. Ran Short test on durametric and got the following:


Short Test

Bosch Digital Motor Electronics Motronic 7.2

Current Fault Codes
P1124:
Porsche fault code 167 - Fuel pump relay below limit value
FREEZE FRAME INFORMATION




ABS/PSM 5.3

Current Fault Codes


Instrument Cluster K21


No Faults Found



Automatic Air Conditioning H01


No Faults Found



Alarm I32

Current Fault Codes


Seat Memory


No Faults Found



The following modules were not found in the vehicle

Tiptronic - G40
Airbag
Xenon Headlights
Park Assist

[JFP in PA]

I would also test the fuel pressure and delivery rates; the pump can run and still not supply enough pressure and/or volume.