Take it easy on me - Need Immobilizer/restoration advise

[cmolina]

A little background first: 1999 Boxster (986) Base. Replaced top with a glass top. Glass broke somehow while driving. Filed insurance claim. Insurance has been a PITA to deal with so I parked the car.

Car got wet, so I'm sure you know where this goes. I have a new/used immobilizer from eBay on its way. I've been reading as much as I can... and it seems there's some programming that needs to be done.

Is it economical to just replace the immobilizer and have it towed to the dealer to reprogram? The keys I have are apparently original but neither of the remotes has ever worked (one didn't have the transmitter, the other one has a bad switch).

I'm also considering pulling a full set (immobilizer, ECU, Ignition Key switch, immobilizer, door lock)from a local parts car.

I do have some concerns.

First, what's the most cost effective way to approach this?

Second, would I lose the "low mileage" from my car when I replace the ECU from another car?

Third, Is there a "consumer" tool that can allow me to reprogram the keys and ECU so I don't have to take the car to the dealer?

Thank you for your recommendations.

[BYprodriver]

I would 1st call "ECU Doctor" too talk to them, much better if they can restore your original. Put rice in your original "wet" ECU to absorb water & dry it out.

[cmolina]

Thanks for the reply. I'm a little confused. There seem to be two ECU doctors. one in FLA and one in CA. But I still don't know if I have to take the keys, the ignition switch ECU and immobiliser to ship to them...

[Brian Minson]

I have a whole video on how it works using ECU Doctors in Florida. Easy to work with and fast turn around time.

https://youtu.be/BOB2cL2J6XU

Brian

[cmolina]

Thank you Brian,

That video has been most straight-forward and informative. I just hope I don't have to sink $1000 into it.

Thanks again!