Beware: Electric problems galore.

#1

So when I first received my car in February (2002 Porsche Turbo) I noticed that the key fob worked okay but sometimes I would have to get closer, and sometimes it just wouldn't want to work so I used my key manually into the door to unlock or lock. I coincidentally had a problem with the ignition switch that was a little sticky and would sometimes not let the headlights, windshield washers, etc work. So I went to Porsche and purchased a brand new ignition switch mechanism. Everything began to work perfectly except for the keyless entry... the keyless worked exactly as before, off and on.

I replaced the battery and it seemed to work "better" until about a week went by and once again the same would happen except now it was more frequent for it not to work. I honestly just got very busy and didn't pay any attention to it and began getting used to the old school manual entry. I replaced the battery again, used the polar reset you guys recommended and once again it worked on/off eventually trailing to not working again.

Recently its very annoying to unlock the car manually when I leave my office with things in my hands and having to stick the key in the ignition quickly before the alarm activates, ESPECIALLY late night or early morning when occasionally I don't do it fast enough and I wake everyone up at home. One day I get home early from work I go home and relax. When going back out to the car to pick up some groceries I realize my door lights inside are on. Weird. I check both doors, trunk, hood... all closed properly. I get in the car, close the door, turn it on and the door lights stay on but no open door warning comes on. Get to the supermarket and I manually lock the car again... SAME **** still on.

I get back home and I disconnect the door lights for the meantime cuz I don't want the battery to drain. I originally thought my fob was a problem but now I'm starting to think that there is a problem with the door latch... causing both of these stupid problems. Is it possible the whole latch mechanism and sensor is shot and needs to be replaced? Anyone have such an experience? I'd love to avoid the dealer, I am very handy.

Every time I manually lock the car it has always done the alarm chirp once. Think it could be something else?


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#2

Driving one day I realized my signal lever would not spring back into place. I have to click it back after turning or it just stays on. Seems fairly simple, just replace the full steering switch assembly... I was told its about $280. But I looked deeper into the actual unit and I think I only need the little round black plastic donut with the connectors correct? It looks to me that the spring back switch is there.

Any help would be great.

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#3

My passenger door hasn't been closing properly. I thought there was a problem with the latch but it works just fine. Then I thought maybe the hinge was a tad off and therefore the door was misaligned. That is not the problem at all. I took a good look at how the window goes all the way to the top. When you close the door the window does not do the up/down seal alignment like the driver's door. I thought it was weird. I put the window back down and then again up but not to the maximum the switch would let me, just a bit open. As I did that I noticed when I closed it the up/down seal alignment would activate again and the door closed perfect. I checked the little rubber covering towards the sideview mirror and it had been pierced by the window. So technically the window goes up past its original point. Is there a sensor, bushing, or switch that stops the glass at a perfect point? This is retarded, I know I have to take the leather card off in order to investigate but I'd like some info before getting there.

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I'd appreciate any help guys.

 

I spoke to my service advisor about it - he and I think it's a battery issue. But I'll be keeping a close eye on it given what your experience is.

I realized after I bought my car last March that it sometimes has these irritating glitches. One I've noticed in hot weather is my seat emitting a very loud groaning sound when it's moved backwards, like the car needs beano or something. I had it checked out and they re-greased one of the cables under the seat, but the sound has come back. Anyway, I'm just putting up with it for now.

It seems Porsche primarily focuses on engine, transmission, and suspension in their cars. And given the excellent results in those areas, I'm willing to put up with some of the less prominent gotchas. I can imagine, though, that an alarm going off in the late evening or early morning is extremely irritating.

Good luck with your difficulties.

 

I can't offer any fixit advice.

Best of luck to you.

 

You can download the Porsche parts books https://techinfo.porsche.com/techinf...ue_content.htm

I think you'll find that the small part you need is not serviced (sold) separately. You will need to order the entire switch assembly.

Cheers,

 

WhippieDaddy, I agree exactly with what you said, it seems like there wasn't focus on much else. Which is fine of course, the car performs like a beast. The car is still a bit raw although its a "refined performer" which I love because overly refined cars aren't really fun either. I will check out the battery again and see if I find anything suspicious. Since the alarm chirps as it should when locked that tells me the alarm is probably working properly. The fob blinks red too and used to work just fine. My hunch is in the latch, I am gonna investigate to see what it actually consists of and see if I can figure something out. Thanks.
The most embarassing part of the fob is when I take a date out in the Turbo after manually opening it and quickly inserting the key in ignition I still have to unlock her door from the inside. You get that look like WTH? lol

Fred R. thanks for info. Yes Porsche doesn't sell the individual piece. Somehow I got lucky and located that black donut with the spring back for cheap. Let's hope that works now =)... BTW NICE collection my friend

 

There is a TSB on 'inadequate remote distance operation'... not sure what years, but it involves separating the antenna from the main wire loom to allow it to better receive the signal.... renntech has TSBs if you are member (does membership here with Internet Brands gain you access to tsbs, service documents, etc????)

No help on the other items....

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