No chimes on a 996.1

Hello! I've searched extensively across the forum and web but cannot seem to find any info or a comparable issue/solution. My new-to-me '99 996 headlight/seatbelt/ignition chime does not sound. Here's the deal: Suspected the instrument cluster, but the turn signals click, suggesting the speaker in there works. My mechanic couldn't trace. Not interested in cost of a new cluster over a doorbell. If the headlights are on, ignition off, and I turn the car over, the headlights completely cut out, and then come back on. Someone suggested I investigate the ignition switch, so I read those threads (key does stick a little), and nobody had the chime issue, but I have a switch on the way since the headlight symptom is consistent with that remedy. Everything else works perfectly. Other potential factors in the circuitry: the car has an aftermarket headunit (wiring is correct, I checked, but maybe...?), and aftermarket horns (no beep on lock, but that may have been coded off). If anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear, and I'll update once I try the new switch, either way. And I might see if I can source a replacement cluster speaker and give that a whirl. Thank you!

I vote headlight switch

I'll look into that as well, thank you!

I have a .2, and my turn signal audibly "clicks" as normal when engaged, but I had desoldered the chime transducer a long time ago due to an unrelated problem. Most likely your car functions in the same way. You could have a bad chime transducer. The chime transducer is soldered onto the back of the dash unit PC board. Also, note that the connector's retaining clips on the back of the dash break over time due to heat. This means that the connector plug could work its way loose over time (probably not your issue). If you pull the cluster unit, just be careful. The headlights (on my .2) will not turn on until after you start the car. The driving light will go on before you start. Is that what you mean?

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Thank you so much for the info and intel -- noted on the brittle connectors, will definitely be careful if I do pull the cluster out. My headlights go on and off through the switch as normal, regardless of whether the car is started. I pulled in the garage at night and cut the engine but realized I needed to pull the car up more, and the lights were on. When I started it the headlights went out, flickered, then came back on; I just recreated that and also noticed that the HVAC modulated too, which points to the ignition switch going from what I have read. So, I thought perhaps the chime could also be related since that switch triggers the electrical system. But, yes, like you said perhaps a de-soldering somewhere along the lines has cut the chime off. It just seems like a weird part/system to fail if it wasn't either intentionally cut, or accidentally affected by some other issue. On my old 986, you put the key in, door open, chime. Headlights on, chime. Seatbelt not on, chime. In the 996, nothing. It may amount to no more than an inconvenience and I have to be extra careful at dusk to remember to cut the lights. I'm just getting to know the car and am being extra conservative about potential electrical issues etc. Appreciate the response!

I've murdered the chime on about 1/2 the cars I've owned especially my trucks, sometimes I just WANT the dang Door open!!! With the engine running.

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Yes, this is definitely when it's most annoying!! Mostly I'm trying to avoid leaving the lights on, but really, I want to know that the chime will sound in the event I get a CEL or something while I'm driving and have eyes on the road. Which is what happens in all my other cars, I'm assuming this one would be the same. But maybe not?

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What? You don't look back longingly at your car one last time after you park it?

BTW, you said your alarm doesn't chirp.. its not supposed to, correct alarm operation is when all the items are within correct function and you lock the doors on the remote from the outside, no chirp and the sidelights flash twice, However if you hit the remote twice in quick succession you can disable the internal sensor inside the cabin and it will chirp to let you know its disabled, in addition anytime something isn't closed properly like the frunk it will chirp once to let you know, i think it chirps if the window is open but i'm not sure about that one. who knows it may chirp if you leave your lights on.. test it out. G

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This infatuated over-the-shoulder-glance is the only reason my battery hasn't died yet! :-)

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Thanks for this -- great to know and will mess around and test it out.

Well as much fun as it was turning upside down and into a pretzel it wasn't the ignition switch—but for anyone doing that repair, I used a small 1/4" ratchet with a very tiny screwdriver bit instead of a screwdriver to secure the ignition switch pins. By feel that allowed me to work the ratchet entirely from above though the driver's vent for both set screws, as opposed to inverting myself and resting my head on the clutch pedal. I also inspected the instrument cluster and everything looked intact. So, the search goes on. Will follow up if anything gets solved and thanks again for the ideas and info!

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I am thinking a Porsche PIWIS tool may be in order. See an independent shop that has one or your dealer. Even so, that may tell you what the fault is. Swapping the instrument console with a donor may be required, as debugging the issue at the board level is probably beyond anyone around here.

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Yep, agreed. I've chased this as far as my (lack of?) talent will take me, and I am going to be headed in that direction at a dealer. My indy's PIWIS was acting up. Will post back when/if I get any clarity. Thanks again!