rkellison

I just got through with a full rebuild on my 996. The IMS bearing and shaft self destructed causing the rebuild. After getting it all back together, I started the engine and ran it for 20 minutes. Several stops and starts later I backed it out of the garage revved it a few times to 3000 rpm and the CEL came on and the engine shutdown. Now it will turn over but will not start. Here are the facts:

* It is a Tip so no clutch switch
* Engine turns over will not fire
* Battery is fully charged
* The fuel pump does NOT prime when the switch is turned on
* The fuel pump and relay are both good
* I used a PIWIS and no codes are present
* I can read the information from the DME
* The Air Bag light blinks then stays on

Any ideas are appreciated. I also posted this on RennTech.

logray

Wow. Well congrats on the rebuild. Hopefully it's minor from here on out.

Don't laugh, but someone here just finished his rebuild and it turned out his airbag warning system (steering wheel out) caused the same thing. Once the steering wheel was back in it fired right up.

Have you tried unplugging battery for a while, then starting again?

No codes from the DME, how about instrument, alarm, other modules?

Tested for fuel pressure from the fuel rail test port?

cardsrule

Do you have an air bag unplugged?

fpb111

Doesn't the variocam activate at ~ 3k rpm? Maybe the DME did not like the cam timing when Vcan activated?

rkellison

That was me with the air bag, so yea I did laugh. My forehead is still sore from banging it on the wall. Yes to the battery disconnect question. All air bags are connected. No codes elsewhere unless "Current Fault Codes 0 module failed to initialize" qualifies. I see that on all modules except the DME. And the variocam question, I do not know since it will not run and has no codes.

Keep em coming...

logray

Ahahahahah. You got us, again. How sneaky of you. Do that one more time and ...

"The Air Bag light blinks then stays on"

Hmmmm..... the smoking gun perhaps? What does your PIWIS or Durametric say about air bag module say - try entering that function and fooling around?

Seriously do you have a copy of the work shop manual? There is a very good chapter on Airbag system diagnosis. (diagnosis, part 2).

Unless you are a dealership or $$$ indy, you probably have a clone PIWIS... I've read they aren't always 100% reliable, perhaps it is not able to talk to your airbag module.

Perhaps did you activate the transport lock by any chance (disable the system while car is being transported).

All else fails, try hitting it with a BFH.

rkellison

I just remembered the AB light thing. If you are over 50, and I am, stuff happens to your memory.

When I read codes from the AB system I get "Current Fault Codes 0 module failed to initialize". The description is that either the module is not installed as an option in the car or that it has a bad connection. Has anyone heard of this? I do have the manual and will go through it tonight. I am inclined to pull the mudule out from under the seat and do a visual on it. It is a sealed unit so cracking it open is not an option.

I am in favor of the BFH right now.

logray

"module failed to initialize" doesn't sound like your computer can talk to the module.

Do you have a durametric also, or just the cloned PIWIS? I've heard bad things about the cloned PIWIS.

rkellison

I just have the PIWIS but the supplier says that it will work with all systems in this year model. I just got an email back fromt them and they are telling me to check the AB module for power, connectivity, etc... I am going to pull the drivers seat back out and check it out tonight.

logray

You have a Chinese PIWIS, which I've read about issues with - but it is possible the AB module is pissed - hey why did you have the steering wheel out again?

The real Porsche PIWIS is probably out of your budget.

rkellison

Did not have the Steering wheel back off. That was the first time. Right now I am heading toward a bad connection on the AB module. You are right, the real Porsche tool is wayyyyy out of the budget. The one that I have works pretty well though. Once I get the engine running I can tell better if it was worth the $$.

fpb111

Working under the premise Last touched 1st checked. Are you absolutely sure that the steering wheel connection is secure? Did backing out of the garage involve turning the steering wheel?

Check the fuses, B1, 8, C1,2,3, E1 etc...

rkellison

I will check that also. I did have the steering wheel back on it and actually used it. (None of the Vice Grip stuff here) I can pop the AB off and check the connection pretty easily.

logray

You said your airbag light keeps flashing or stops?



Also perhaps once you're able to communicate with the module, give this a try.

rkellison

I checked the connections to the Drivers AB and the AB control unit. Everything looked OK. I have not gone through the fuses again, but that is one of the first things that I looked at. When I put the key in and turn it to on, the AB lighe flashes and then stays on. So it does the "warning light flashes before locking" but it does not go out afterwards. So either it has a fault or it is not locking. I am not sure how to check that. Any ideas anyone?