TRW

Looking to buy a 96 or 97 993. I have been reading the Board and past threads. I did a search on the immobilizer issue and from what I read it sounds like it could be a major headache. I am curious is this just an isolated issue that some have experienced or is this a pretty common problem with the 96+ 993's. Should I consider a 1995 993 (with the wiring harness replaced) and avoid the immobilizer problem?

JC in NY

Sorry, what is the immobilizer problem? I don't know about it so I need to figure out what it is so I can start worrying about it.

ca993twin

I find the immobilzer to be a minor aggravation. To avoid the dead battery issue and trying to do that key code dance, I bought some fresh batteries for the fob at Radio shack, and put the old batteries in the glove box... for emergency use.
If you get a custom programmed ECU, you can have the immmobilizer disabled.
Honestly, though, once you figure out the sequence, it really is just a minor aggravation.

adsc4s

It is not a problem. I will live with the nuisance because I would rather have it be a problem for some thief.

swftiii

I agree with the others - the immobilizer is not a problem, but instead just something to deal with. It isn't challengin and once you learn how to disable it if the car has been sitting for a while there are no worries.

Tom W

A '95 will not change anything as they (can) have the immobilizer too. I do not find it to be any kind of a problem (other than the minor annoyance of having to lock/unlock the car after it sits in the garage at night.

ca993twin

On my early build 1996 TT, to start the car when the immoblizer is enabled, I put the key in the ignition, turn it until, the little key-fob warning light shows on the clock, press the immoblizer button on the fob, the light goes out, and the car will start. No locking/unlocking involved.