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also amazing that there are NO DIY videos or even written instruction regarding this issue. pelican parts says it is a common issue, yet has no video or instructions on a 997. they have 996, but it was a different system............
Most problems that are electrical related throw a code. You are spending quite a bit of time and effort without reading the codes. Most times they will tell you what exactly is wrong. You can buy or borrow any scanner or stop in to any Autozone and they will read the codes for free.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
Last edited by Bruce In Philly; 08-02-2024 at 09:06 AM.
Also, please disregard the earlier information and picture I shared. I tend to jump around on RL and forgot that Porsche changed the ignition switch on 997 and 987. Porsche eliminated the 3-part system and went with a self contained ignition switch (i.e. control unit - part#1 in illustration). You still have a steering lock module and of course an immobilizer that is separate. And, unless I'm mistaken, the 997 ignition starter switch (ignition control unit) is still responsible for transmitting the RFID code to the immobilizer.
If this car is a Tiptronic, the ignition switch works with the gear shifter to allow the release of the key. In other words, the car has to be in park for the key to be removable. There is a microswitch in the gear shift that tells the car "it's ok, now you can release the key". Here is a good video showing how to remove the ignition switch control unit:
While I had a little time at lunch I looked into the 997 shop manual and didn't see anything related to the problem you're having. All it shows is standard service procedures like removal and installation of the ignition switch control unit. As you can see in the video on my last post, the 997 ignition switch control unit has a solenoid that electrically locks and unlocks the key. I assume this is controlled by the security module and ECU? At this point, unless someone else has any additional advice, I think the next step is to take it a Porsche shop that is knowledgeable of these issues. I've noticed from past threads, you've dealt with lots of electrical gremlins. What's the history on the car? Ever flooded?
Did every suggested fix. New switch from Australia, new battery, no fault codes.
Did you mean Spain instead of Australia? It was the Bosch factory in Melbourne, Australia (Clayton) that produced the first versions, which have proven to have faulty contacts internally over time, or were fault-prone from the start. One symptom was not releasing the key or no-crank situation. The replacement version is from Bosch Spain, and ends with 07 (I recall).
Most problems that are electrical related throw a code. You are spending quite a bit of time and effort without reading the codes. Most times they will tell you what exactly is wrong. You can buy or borrow any scanner or stop in to any Autozone and they will read the codes for free.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
Here are the codes.mostly C1 41
AC unit C1 42, C1 31
POSIP C1 41
SEAT C1 02
INST CLUSTER C1 41
GATEWAY C1 41 AND C1 02