mynet60

What does the “system failure” message mean in my 2005 997S?

TheBruce

I would call your indy and flatbed it over for any ominous message like that. Thats not one I would play guessing games with. Keep us posted.

OnlineAlias

Did you recently wash it or otherwise get it extremely wet? Check for water around the wiring and grounds around the computer, which is on the passenger side in the trunk. Make sure there is nothing obvious going on with grounds and/or water anywhere in the trunk or around the battery, and correct anything that's amiss. Clear the code if you have Durametric or whatever...it probably won't come back.

This is a known problem on early 997's. Don't worry.

Petza914

How about a picture of the error message so we can see the graphic that accompanies it

mynet60

Petza914

You should be able to pull a Porsche specific code from that message, and I'd bet it says the front module has failed - see how it looks like a lightning bolt? This module can fail from static electricity (people waxing their cars or polishing their headlights and generating a static charge). I'd almost bet that's the message you get and why the front lights are working properly now, but you'll need a Durametric, PIWIS, or iCarSoft, or similar to pull the Pcode.

LAPorscheGuy

Front End Control Unit is most likely faulty. When hooked up to the PIWIS you will find a front latch fault and communication faults in other CU's with the Front CU.
Does the battery also drain down? Sometimes another symptom of the Front CU.