5 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHInstrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Leading reported evidence
Check fuses, all good
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Also checked all fuses, all good, disconnected battery for 20 minutes twice, didn't do any thing.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Frequently discussed work
Check 3 plugs
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I have just replaced the ignition switch but the AC panel is still not on when turn the key to on position or start engine, have to use the scanner to re-activate the cluster several times to get AC panel to turn on and there is no guarantee that it will turn on next time, so I will pull the cluster and check the 3 plugs to see if any pin is bent, maybe re-clean the 4 micro tact momentary push button switches, but I don't think those 4 switches has anything to do with the AC panel not turning on.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Read full discussion summary
Leading evidence: 'Check fuses, all good' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check 3 plugs' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Also checked all fuses, all good, disconnected battery for 20 minutes twice, didn't do any thing.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Test drag
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Originally I thought it is the connector A, so I bought a new set of connectors from Suncoast and de-pinned each pin on connector A, move all pins to the new connector and tested drag on each pin, all seems to be good so I think I can rule out the connector issue.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Check 3 plugs
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I have just replaced the ignition switch but the AC panel is still not on when turn the key to on position or start engine, have to use the scanner to re-activate the cluster several times to get AC panel to turn on and there is no guarantee that it will turn on next time, so I will pull the cluster and check the 3 plugs to see if any pin is bent, maybe re-clean the 4 micro tact momentary push button switches, but I don't think those 4 switches has anything to do with the AC panel not turning on.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Clean 4 micro tact momentary push button switches
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I have just replaced the ignition switch but the AC panel is still not on when turn the key to on position or start engine, have to use the scanner to re-activate the cluster several times to get AC panel to turn on and there is no guarantee that it will turn on next time, so I will pull the cluster and check the 3 plugs to see if any pin is bent, maybe re-clean the 4 micro tact momentary push button switches, but I don't think those 4 switches has anything to do with the AC panel not turning on.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Frequently discussed actions (10)
These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.
Check 3 plugs
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I have just replaced the ignition switch but the AC panel is still not on when turn the key to on position or start engine, have to use the scanner to re-activate the cluster several times to get AC panel to turn on and there is no guarantee that it will turn on next time, so I will pull the cluster and check the 3 plugs to see if any pin is bent, maybe re-clean the 4 micro tact momentary push button switches, but I don't think those 4 switches has anything to do with the AC panel not turning on.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Clean 4 micro tact momentary push button switches
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I have just replaced the ignition switch but the AC panel is still not on when turn the key to on position or start engine, have to use the scanner to re-activate the cluster several times to get AC panel to turn on and there is no guarantee that it will turn on next time, so I will pull the cluster and check the 3 plugs to see if any pin is bent, maybe re-clean the 4 micro tact momentary push button switches, but I don't think those 4 switches has anything to do with the AC panel not turning on.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Replace ignition switch
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
I have just replaced the ignition switch but the AC panel is still not on when turn the key to on position or start engine, have to use the scanner to re-activate the cluster several times to get AC panel to turn on and there is no guarantee that it will turn on next time, so I will pull the cluster and check the 3 plugs to see if any pin is bent, maybe re-clean the 4 micro tact momentary push button switches, but I don't think those 4 switches has anything to do with the AC panel not turning on.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Reset all fuses are
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
Another symptom is after cluster reset and car is running and AC is on, I shut the car off and locked the door, few minutes later the cluster is off, then I try to start the car, no click, AC panel is off, has to do another cluster reset, all fuses are checked fine, what the hell?
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Reset instrument cluster
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
So I replaced the tactile momentary micro switcheand restored the clock adjustment function, however, the instrument cluster is still acting wired, AC panel sometimes comes on and sometimes are not, car sometimes starts and sometimes won't start, have to disconnect and re-connet the connector A (green in my car) to reset the instrument cluster to get car started and/or AC panel on.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Reset instrument cluster (
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
So I think either the instrument cluster is bad or wire issue on CAN bus, but reset the instrument cluster (disconnect and reconnect the connector A) usually can get car started and maybe AC panel on, but even AC panel is on and AC is working, I still cannot communicate with the AC unit.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Test drag
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Originally I thought it is the connector A, so I bought a new set of connectors from Suncoast and de-pinned each pin on connector A, move all pins to the new connector and tested drag on each pin, all seems to be good so I think I can rule out the connector issue.
Instrument cluster and related issues - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Coverage and how to read this overview
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
5 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
986Forum: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T191851Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
2001 base, the instrument cluster clock adjustment isn't working, thought it was a broken stem so I bought a new pair, remove the cluster and disassembled it, found out that the 2 stems are fine however, the 4 side standing tactile momentary push button micro switches are all corroded, there are rusts on the metal casing of all the 4 switches, I initially dabbed few drops of household vinegar on to the switches, used a tooth brush trying to brush out the rusts on the casing but didn't work, then I sprayed some CRC electric contact cleaner and then put everything back together and put back in the car.
Now the cluster has some odd behavior, the clock adjustment is still not working, however, more serious problem is AC/climate control panel has no power (it is not turning on) and the in the center LCD screen it displays range left rather than trip meter, also, has to make several try to turn on the engine, sometimes need to twist the steering wheel left and right to start the engine.
I then use a scan tool to activate the instrument cluster (OBC I guess?), now the center LCD display is cycling from outside temperature to trip meter to range left and then it stays on range left. I did instrument cluster activation few times and sometimes AC panel is on and working just fine, however, my scan tool cannot connect to climate control module, when AC panel is not powered on, instrument cluster has error code 9115 which is missing AC unit or something like that.
Did I screwed up the instrument cluster? I also think the ignition switch might also has some to do with it, because like I said it won't start the engine, no click, nothing, but few tries it can be started. Another symptom is after pulling out the key, the instrument cluster are still on, lock the door won't make it to turn off, but few minutes later it turns off.
I ordered Deoxit D5 and should be arriving today, I will do another cleaning and will also test those 4 side standing tactile momentary push button micro switches as well as the 2 other tactile momentary push button micro switches that the rock arms activate when push the the 2 instrument cluster stems.
Also checked all fuses, all good, disconnected battery for 20 minutes twice, didn't do any thing.
Any comments on my issue with the instrument cluster and related problems?
The instrument cluster is
mostly
just a display — it doesn’t directly control engine functions. I’ve personally run my car without the cluster, replaced it, and tinkered with it without any issues starting or driving.
However, in some cases, removing or tampering with the cluster can break part of the CAN bus communication loop. When that happens, it might prevent the immobilizer from properly talking to the DME (engine computer), which can cause a no-start.
Yes, scan the code on instrument cluster, got "AC unit is missing" code, also the scanner not be able to communicate with AC control module, aka. Klimatronik. I have just replaced the ignition switch but the AC panel is still not on when turn the key to on position or start engine, have to use the scanner to re-activate the cluster several times to get AC panel to turn on and there is no guarantee that it will turn on next time, so I will pull the cluster and check the 3 plugs to see if any pin is bent, maybe re-clean the 4 micro tact momentary push button switches, but I don't think those 4 switches has anything to do with the AC panel not turning on.
So I replaced the tactile momentary micro switcheand restored the clock adjustment function, however, the instrument cluster is still acting wired, AC panel sometimes comes on and sometimes are not, car sometimes starts and sometimes won't start, have to disconnect and re-connet the connector A (green in my car) to reset the instrument cluster to get car started and/or AC panel on. Originally I thought it is the connector A, so I bought a new set of connectors from Suncoast and de-pinned each pin on connector A, move all pins to the new connector and tested drag on each pin, all seems to be good so I think I can rule out the connector issue.
There are 2 codes, P1601 CAN BUS timed out on instrument cluster and P9115 no AC unit, trying to communicate with AC unit directly but failed, I can clear P1601 code but P9115 AC code is a hard code, cannot be cleared. So I think either the instrument cluster is bad or wire issue on CAN bus, but reset the instrument cluster (disconnect and reconnect the connector A) usually can get car started and maybe AC panel on, but even AC panel is on and AC is working, I still cannot communicate with the AC unit.
Another symptom is after cluster reset and car is running and AC is on, I shut the car off and locked the door, few minutes later the cluster is off, then I try to start the car, no click, AC panel is off, has to do another cluster reset, all fuses are checked fine, what the hell?
Okay so since AC control unit is missing on the CAN bus, I took it out to check, and found out there are only 2 connectors connecting to my AC unit, the large black and red connectors, missing the small black and beige connectors, there are 4 plug wells in the back of the AC unit, and I watched couple of YouTube videos and they all have 4 connectors, mine is installed in the bottom of the center dash so I removed to top CD holders and side panels trying to find the 2 missing connectors, but I cannot find them so mine just uses 2 connectors?
I printed out wire diagram of 2001 Boxster and control unit is labeled as M573, all I see are pins for connector B (red) and D (large black), don't see any pins for connector A (small black) and connector C beige, my AC unit part number is 99665310107.
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
