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"An important security feature has also been added to prevent someone from "demobilizing" a car simply by turning the unit on (or plugging one in) - the unit has to be "activated" by a FOB unlock."
To confirm, if I'm away from home and my fob battery dies, I'm still mildly screwed. Correct?
Only if the car was locked by the FOB. If the car was left unlocked by the FOB and the FOB dies, all you need is the key - technically forever (or until the car battery dies).
I think I'm also one of the few that would like to hardwire it and hide it, leave it off all the time (even without the FOB unlock portion if thats possible).
Same here. The choice of OBD2 is good, though - there are plenty of low-profile OBD2 splitter cables available that should make it possible to permanently place the device in the center console and still have access to the port for diagnostics.
Same here. The choice of OBD2 is good, though - there are plenty of low-profile OBD2 splitter cables available that should make it possible to permanently place the device in the center console and still have access to the port for diagnostics.
Interesting thought about the splitter, Ed, thanks. (Example from Amazon below). This would certainly allow running the demob and another device at the same time. However, it's pretty easy to unplug the OBD2-style demob and plug something else in, no? On the other hand, if the goal is to "hide" the fact that that you're running a demobilizer, or you just don't want to see a cable, installing the unit under the carpet is the way to go (ala prototype#1). Just to be clear: the "footwell" and "ODB2" versions work identically. The difference is ease of installation and more flexible operation (switch back to immobilize mode).
I'm happy to leave mine on all the time, but realize ease of installation may be more important to others.
Thanks. I would prefer to see an option which is more 'hidden' or more 'factory', I'm not keen to see a OBD cable hanging there permanently. It would be nice to have a hardwired option if possible please. Thank you!
Honestly, I'm not crazy about the look in the "cable down" orientation either- at least not with cashmere. The "cable-up" orientation below is less obtrusive and might be a better choice. The carpet is glued to the frame in that area but with a little effort it should be possible to bury the upper section of cable under it to make it even less visible. You can't really see it in the picture but the cable is tucked in just underneath the edge of the console and routed down. It goes in and out in a few seconds by hand so it would be easy to unplug the unit and stow it under the seat or behind the console.
As the owner of a 96 model, I just want the thing gone and forgotten. The most hidden method possible, if it takes an extra half hour to install it no problem.
So, does this work w a 95 with the obd2 shaped port?
The schematics show identically-pinned and wired immobilizers in all Drive Block equipped 993's from "mid-95" onward - all of which also use the square 16-pin ODB socket. "Mid-95" is defined as VIN 21453 for coupes and VIN 41224 for CABs. (source: Bentley's). So the Demob should work in all of these. You can check your VIN but the fact that you have the square ODB socket means you're probably in the "late 95" category and will be OK.
Early 95's were fitted with a different immobilizer and round ODB socket. Unlike later models that just block the starter signal, early units blocked the ignition and fuel injector signals instead - an approach that never really made made much sense. (The ECU is a better place to do this and is the method Porsche switched to mid 95). Will the Demob work in early 95's? Maybe. Nothing in the schematics rules it out, but a test needs to be done to see.
The schematics show identically-pinned and wired immobilizers in all Drive Block equipped 993's from "mid-95" onward - all of which also use the square 16-pin ODB socket. "Mid-95" is defined as VIN 21453 for coupes and VIN 41224 for CABs. (source: Bentley's). So the Demob should work in all of these. You can check your VIN but the fact that you have the square ODB socket means you're probably in the "late 95" category and will be OK.
Early 95's were fitted with a different immobilizer and round ODB socket. Unlike later models that just block the starter signal, early units blocked the ignition and fuel injector signals instead - an approach that never really made made much sense. (The ECU is a better place to do this and is the method Porsche switched to mid 95). Will the Demob work in early 95's? Maybe. Nothing in the schematics rules it out, but a test needs to be done to see.
Barring any unexpected distractions I expect to have a handful of pre-production Demobilizers put together by the end of next week. The units are in the form-factor shown below, which mount to the ODBII port and connect to a wire under the carpet in the driver-side footwell. Hand assembly is tedious so the plan is to only make a small number to beta test in MY98's, MY97's, MY96's and late MY95's (post VIN 21435). Testing on early 95's will be put off til later due to immobilizer differences, as well as on ROW cars.
BTW, for those that expressed a preference for a unit that mounts out of sight, the final configuration will include additional wires in the cable that will give the user the option of installing it either way. This avoids the requirement for 2 different models and also makes it possible to switch back and forth at any time.
If interested in being a beta tester, let me know.
10-17-2019, 12:22 AM
