Porsche Immobiliseer

garethw · 12:24 PM

I have a problem with my 993 which I have owned for a few weeks - the factory fitted immobiliser has stopped recognising the key used to mobilise the car. It is the type that uses a small separate stubby black key which slots into the dash and the units emits a beep to say that it is mobilised (i.e. released). It worked ok until a few days ago and now nothing - no beeps etc. When I try to start the car nothing happens, no cranking etc.
I am sure this is an immobiliser problem but do not know what to do to fix it or even where the control unit is located in the car.
Can anybody help with this?
Thanks

RallyJon · 06-05-2007, 11:45 AM

What makes you think it's an immobiliser problem? Sounds like the immobiliser is working fine but your remote has died. Do you only have the one remote?

garethw · 06-05-2007, 12:27 PM

There is no remote, it is a little key that plugs into a slot in the dash. When it works ok there is a beep, an LED that flashes when it is armed changes to constant on and then you can start the car. Since the problem began the LED stays flashing, there is no beep and the starter will not crank. I think it can only be an immobiliser issue.
I have 2 keys and neither works now.

kurquhart · 06-05-2007, 12:50 PM

Have you verified that the car battery is not dead/dying?

garethw · 06-05-2007, 12:57 PM

The battery seems fine - plenty of life in the lights, fans, warning lights etc.

phelix · 06-05-2007, 02:07 PM

I'm guessing you're in the UK? Any idea what brand the immobiliser is?

garethw · 06-06-2007, 10:56 AM

I am in Ireland so you are not too far off. The immobiliser is a Porsche factory fitted one as far as I understand. The keys have "Porsche Immobiliser" on them.

phelix · 06-06-2007, 11:11 AM

I'm almost certain the immobiliser was installed at the time of importation into Ireland. The only factory system I'm aware of is the drive block system that uses a remote build into the switchblade-style of key. Try to contact Hamilton and Palmer in the UK to see if it's one of theirs; they provided/installed the PA1000 and PA2000 systems for Porsche GB. http://www.hamilton-palmer.co.uk

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

I am not aware (at least here in the States) of a factory immobiliser that plugs into the dash.

The factory immobiliser/drive block is an RF remote. Press a button to unlock the car and release the drive block.

From you description I have seen an electronic key that was used in an alarm installed by a dealer. But not from the factory....

garethw · 06-06-2007, 01:13 PM

Guys,
I am pretty sure it is Porsche system and that it was factory fitted. I think I have found the control unit - it looks like it is a black box under the passenger seat (lhs) located between the Motronic box and the centre tunnel. It is rivetted down, has a buzzer one side and has a proper loom going into it.
There is no remote I know of other than the key which fits into the dash.

phelix · 06-06-2007, 01:29 PM

Do you have any documentation for the alarm?

garethw · 06-06-2007, 11:50 PM

I got no documentation with the car for the immobiliser.

phelix · 06-07-2007, 01:01 AM

Can you post a photo of the electronic key?

garethw · 06-07-2007, 01:11 AM

I will post it later today as I do not have the key with me at work. It really is a very simple looking device - black, about 25mm long, about 5 mm thick and 10mm wide) rectangular with gold contact strips at one end (4 or 5 contacts I think).

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Yes, that's the immobilser box on the floor. But a key with contacts is news to me.

garethw · 06-07-2007, 12:35 PM

Here is a picture of the 2 keys I have for the immobiliser
.

phelix · 06-07-2007, 12:47 PM

Try posting your photo in the Porsche forum on www.pistonheads.com. I'm fairly certain this is a system fitted by the Irish importer. Is there any writing or part numbers on the control box?

The Porsche factory alarm/immobiliser system has the control box under the right seat and usually has a 928 part number.

garethw · 06-09-2007, 05:07 AM

It looks like I may have found the cause of the problem - after charging the battery overnight the immobiliser worked ok and the car started. Prior to that I thought the battery was ok as it was measuring 12.5 V and all other electrics seemed fine.
(kurquhart - looks like you were right - thanks)
I will now fit a new battery and see if the problem recurs.
Thanks to all for the interest and the help.

kurquhart · 06-09-2007, 07:09 AM

Glad to help. I had a slow drain that I was never able to find, despite all the good advice from this board. I finally ended up with a battery conditioner hooked up any time the car sits for more than about three days. No more battery problems for me.

johnhedge · johnhedge's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by garethw

Here is a picture of the 2 keys I have for the immobiliser
.

Hi List,
I have exactly the same little key on my 1990 964. I'm having problems. The car wont start easily or at all. Its cut out while I'm driving. Its either the immobiliser or petrol pump, not sure which yet. The car has just left on the back of a pick up on its way to the mechanic.
I imported the car from the UK. I'm in Sydney.
The mechanic doesn't know anything about the Porsche immobilisers fitted in the UK so any info would be helpful and appreciated.

TIA.

John