To make a long story short, I had an airbag light come on, car wouldn't start. Then it started. I cleared the code, Car ran, now it doesn't.

Where should I take it?

Mantis?
Hunter?
Zorotech?
Chariots of Simcoe?
Dealer?

I'm going to need a tow.

Any advice would be great.

Car has 78K.

Will likely be for sale soon.

 

I've heard good things about Zorotech, and I know the owner of Mantis so I can say I would trust them. Dead 996 for sale? Hmm... colour me interested

 

I visited Brent Hunter earlier this spring for a PPI. He was down on technicians and couldn’t do it. Completely backed up at that time (March). I am not saying he can’t look at it now, so you should check for sure if you’re in the west end

Good luck. Keep us posted

 

Given your proximity, first bet is Hunter. If you cannot wait, Mantis. I hope it's nothing serious.

 

what code was it?

 

I have had a variety of codes.

3 DTC Power Supply

39 DTC Signal Converter

25 DTC Terminal 86 S not detected

I have cleared them.

now just showing

25 DTC Terminal 86 S not detected.

I ordered a booster and will try boosting it. Battery is only showing 12.2 volts. Could it just be a battery?

 

Yes, could be just the battery, 12.2 volts is too low,
I would buy a new battery as a first step.

 

Clean the terminals and clamps at the battery is where I'd start.

 

did that and changed out ignition switch too just in case….

 

I would never boost a modern car especially a 996 due to age. Electronic systems can fail easily. Just charge it over night.

 

They are all inter-related and might indicate your Alarm control unit is faulty. I've attached the relevant pages from the factory manual with the workflows for the three codes. I would start with code 25 diagnosis.

-Todd

 

Thanks for this.

If the alarm control unit is faulty, I guess that would cause a no start condition?

 

This happened to my 986 Boxster. Previous owner left the top up and it rained, causing the alarm control module under the driver's seat to flood, rendering the vehicle undrivable and inoperable. The module itself was irrecoverable so the only option was to swap one in from the junk yard and have it reprogrammed by a Porsche dealer (DFC.) Hopefully this isn't the case for you.

 

yup sounds like alarm module, unbolt the seat and pull of the module, open it up and see if there's corrosion or water or burnt connections

 

If this is a cabriolet could also be blocked drains causing water pooling under seat carpet and guess what sits right there under the drivers seat. Expensive lesson on my 997. Get those drains cleaned regularly!