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Which Immobilizer do I have

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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 06:11 PM
  #1  
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Default Which Immobilizer do I have

Hi Everyone,
I am hoping for some good tips on how to identify the Immobilizer system I have in my car.

I think it is the drive block system, but looking at all the explanations I am just puzzled.

Anyway, my car is a 1995.
When I got it I received a Keyfob from Porsche, which I use to lock and unlock the doors.
If I have not unlocked the door, or removed the key then after a few minutes the engine will not start (or turn) until I have pressed the remote.

I believe all of this drills down to that my car is delivered with the official drive-block system? Agree?

Here is now my problem: When trying to get an extra keyfob programmed for the car my workshop has more or less given up.
They are having a hard time understanding the signs from the car.

1: First of all I have a blinking remote in my dash-clock - This is here all the time when I drive - I believe this means that there is an error on the remote entry module, but where is that fault, or what could it be.

2: When they connect their Bosch tester they are unable to clear the errors on the alarm system. The bosch tester simply tells them that clearing stored alarms is not possible.
Should it be able to do this?

Anyway, due to condition 1 I think the programming fails, and also we can see there is some errors on the tester like open boot etc. but since we cannot clear the alarms can we then trust them?

Any advice greatly appreciated :-)

Nicolai
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 06:32 PM
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Any chance that somebody installed an after-market alarm system on the car?
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 06:35 PM
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Not much help here.

Sounds like you have the drive block/immobiolizer like on the 96+ cars - I have the same thing.

As far as your error, not sure. Check that all your switches (doors, glovebox, hood, engine lid) are good.

Where are you located and maybe someone can suggest a better shop for troubleshooting.

P.S. I had a recent flashing remote while the car was running and apparently it was due to low battery voltage.
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 09:39 PM
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You have Drive Block.
Early 95's (mostly basket handle cars) did not have Drive Block, which was introduced mid year, about the time the factory began building the 3rd tail light into the cowl above rear window.
Your car has the OBD-I.....make sure your shop is not trying to diagnose/clear using OBD-II.

Gordo
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 09:50 PM
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My car had basket handle, but has OBD I and Drive Block.
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 10:13 PM
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Hello. Sorry to thread jack but can immobilizer type be determined by build date? My car did not come with a key fob and I have no signs that I have one (at least that I'm aware of). My car has the basket handle and I believe the build date is July of '95.

Thanks,

Chris
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Old Dec 6, 2010 | 11:36 PM
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Yea, you have the normal 993 alarm system. Before you do anything, get the "key code" from the dealer.

Programing the key flob is a PITA, do a search, there are threads on this. It took me over an hour to get mine done, most of the time the alarm was going off. If you mess up programming the remote, the alarm light will blink in the clock.

Also if you have an aftermarket ECU CHip, & it's not for an immoblizer car, the light will blink in the clock.

You can not connect an ODB reader to the car, with the alarm armed, or in standby, Make sure the key is in the car, & you hit the remote before you connect the ODB reader.

Lastly, your alarm module may be going out, you do not want this, it's expensive.
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 09:46 AM
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Can you just call the dealer for the 'key code'?
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by deekay911
Can you just call the dealer for the 'key code'?
A reputable dealer won't hand it out that easy.

My local dealer wanted to see:
  • the car
  • the VIN plate on the dash
  • the VIN stamping on the body
  • the VIN on the door pillar sticker
  • my ownership
  • and photo ID

I then easily programmed in 4 remotes.

BTW, its always a good idea to create your own "custom" engine disable system on top of the immobilizer. Being an electronics tech has its advantages.
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 10:15 AM
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Hello again. I just checked the sticker on the drivers door (thanks to a Rennlister's advice) and it says my build date is 7/94. Does this change anything regarding the immobilizer? If my memory serves than I do not have the ype described above.

Thanks,

Chris
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 03:35 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by wolf76
Hello again. I just checked the sticker on the drivers door (thanks to a Rennlister's advice) and it says my build date is 7/94. Does this change anything regarding the immobilizer? If my memory serves than I do not have the ype described above.

Thanks,

Chris
If you do not have a remote key fob, to lock/unlock the doors, then you do not have it. It was a option on early cars, my 95 has it.
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by bart1
My car had basket handle, but has OBD I and Drive Block.
+1
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 04:08 PM
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My 95 has drive block immobilizer and basket handle. (build date ~1/95?) It also has a "Drive Block" decal on the rear side window. So that may also help identify if your car has it.

I can't offer much help on a blinking remote light on the dash except to concur with the idea to check all of the door, trunk, glove compartment sensors connections to the alarm module under the seat....

As far as the remote code (different from the key cutting code), I got mine from the dealer with a phone call. Of course I had taken the car in for service so they knew me as the owner.

wolf76 I would guess you don't have the immobilizer. 7/94 sounds like an early build 95.

nosolling, I can confirm if the alarm system senses any issues it will not allow the remotes to be reprogrammed. Those issues need to be resolved before the programing sequence can be entered.

Last edited by DanQ; Dec 7, 2010 at 04:26 PM.
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 06:04 PM
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Thanks for the replies. I didn't think I had one but since the post was started it can't hurt to ask.

Chris
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Old Dec 7, 2010 | 07:14 PM
  #15  
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Check section 90 of the Porsche Repair Manual for further info on the alarm/immobilizer system. There is a diagnosis section as well as a how-to program the remotes.

Those PDF repair manuals are floating around on the internet.
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