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Howdy gentlemen,

It's been a while since I have posted here, but I've been busy working on my 2001. Finally was able to get the new engine installed, however, when I go to start it, NOTHING. No Crank at all. It's a manual so, I bypassed the clutch switch and still no crank/start. My key still locks and unlocks the doors, and if I jump the starter relay, the car will crank but of course not run. I have 12.8 volts at the battery. The car ran before removing the old engine.

Not sure if having the car sitting for the last several months, battery hooked up, then disconnected, then hooked back up, over and over would have caused an issue with the immobilizer. Trying what I can before having the car towed to the dealer (an hour or so away) and dropping a few house payments on the fix LOL

1. Is this a key that has lost its programming?
2. Could it be a faulty immobilizer under the seat?
3. ???

I was thinking immobilizer before you mentioned it. I wonder if there might be an issue with the ECU speaking to the new engine, though.

What part of the country do you live in, Brian? Is there no decent independent Porsche mechanic in your area? I'd be really reluctant to take a 2001 to a dealer, not just for the cost, but because they really haven't been focused on 996 service since probably 2010. I'm sure they will work on it and have at least one tech with 996 experience, but they're busy worrying about 991 warranty work and now the 992. I don't know that I'd even take a 997 to a dealer anymore. But, I may be a bit biased because we've got a really top notch indy here in KC - he's Raby certified and everything and very reasonably priced. And a good guy - he's a regular at our local PCA breakfast every Saturday morning. Unless it is for key programming (which you might end up needing), or a recall, I'd stick with an indy. Plus, you won't be tempted by all of those shiny new cars sitting in the showroom!

Do the interior lights work? I assume that when you jumped the starter relay that you were using the car's battery? If those two are true, then even if you don't have a full battery you should at least see signs that it is trying to crank. Making sure the battery is good and has a full charge are good things to do, but if those answers are "Yes" then the charge is not your current problem.

Does the console and dash light up when you turn the key to ON or START? If it doesn't then I would start with:

1) New battery in the key fob.
2) Check/replace the ignition switch as they are almost consumables.
3) Diagnose the security system/immobilizer.

I'd be shocked if the security module failed as long as you didn't let water get to it, unless it got shorted due to a bad connection. I would start looking at all your electrical connections and sensors that were and were not replaced. Make sure all the sensors test correctly and plugs are correct and fully seated.

If the dash & console light up I would guess the security system is OK. Same as above, start with re-checking all your wiring connections and sensors.

I haven't thought about changing the battery inside the key head, that is an easy fix. The $10 ignition switch is next on my list, and might be able to get that done this weekend if all goes well.

I live in the Phoenix, Arizona area, and have a several awesome indy shops in my area, if I can't figure this out in the next few weeks... I will tow it over.

When it comes to Diagnose the security system/immobilizer, anyone have some tips, diy links, etc?

Brian Minson wrote: ↑Thu Oct 31, 2019 8:09 am When it comes to Diagnose the security system/immobilizer, anyone have some tips, diy links, etc?

Other than verifying that you plugged everything back in correctly and completely and verifying all the sensors involved with your work are testing ok, not really. When it comes to testing the security module itself I believe you are going to need a PIWIS which means a dealer or an Indy that does enough Porsche specific work to have invested in the tool (and yearly subscription). The Durametric can't help here to the best of my knowledge.

Brian Minson wrote: ↑Thu Oct 31, 2019 7:08 am Finally was able to get the new engine installed, however, when I go to start it, NOTHING. No Crank at all.

You're POSITIVE all of the grounds got properly reconnected when the new engine went in?

Pull and clean the ground strap as well as the battery terminals.

Don’t forget to use the chicken bones.

Guys sorry not getting back to you sooner, but freaking LIFE and COVID! The issue turned out to be a bad immobiliser under the driver's seat of the car. Sent it off to get repaired and it started right up after installing the rebuilt unit!

Just wanted to update everyone in case anyone was having the issue in the future.

Brian

Thanks for coming back to post the resolution.
Glad you got it fixed. Don’t be a stranger!