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Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHInterior lights don't turn on when unlocking door
Reported or suspected cause
alarm module located
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
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0
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Reported cause
In the end, it was the alarm module located under the seat, which also has the immobilizer.
Leading evidence: 'alarm module located' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'alarm module located' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check but it does require porsche programming' (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.
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Suggestion
It is a rather simple check but it does require Porsche programming.
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Suggestion · Original poster
I also had to replace an "immobilizer" and purchase a new key, that was expensive.
Use piwis (porsche integrated workshop information system) tester, you must
Suggestion or failed attempt
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Suggestion
To remove Porsche transport mode using the PIWIS (Porsche Integrated Workshop Information System) tester, you must
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10 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
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1. A year ago I purchased a 2004 996 convertible Porsche from a used car dealer, it was 2pm in the afternoon and there was no reason to think the interior lights would not work. I learned later that when turning the ignition switch to the first detent the interior lights turn on. But not when unlocking the door or opening the door. What is the problem? Any ideas?
Another question off the primary topic:
2. I also had to replace an "immobilizer" and purchase a new key, that was expensive. But I only have one key now. Another key is $500, it there any place that you can purchase key for less?
Howdy neighbor.
The interior lights should not be turning on when you go to start the car. Do they come on at all when you remove the key from the ignition?
I just worked on a boxster that had similar issues to yours. The door locks wouldn't work (totally wonky), the interior lights would stay on, the remote would open the frunk if you hit the rear trunk button, etc.
In the end, it was the alarm module located under the seat, which also has the immobilizer. If you have a cab, you might have water ingress down there. His module was easy to pull apart and I could see a water line on it. I tried cleaning it, but it didn't help. You would want to drill a 1/4" hole in the floor adjacent to it if you do find this for future drainage. There is a splash panel under the car, so it won't get water in it from the bottom.
He bought a new module and sent it off with the ECU and his existing keys to have it programmed. Works like a champ now.
Best of luck.
interior lights according to the manual should come on when opening the door are pressing the unlock switch on the key, they do not turn on neither do they come on when I shut the car off and remove the key. Only when I turn the key ignition to the first detent of the ignition switch do they turn on.
Its all controlled by the immo unit under the seat so i would send it off to ecudoctors for a health check. Its $99 and will keep u from wasting a lot of time. The only other possibility is that the headlight switch is acting up. Its a common issue that causes weitd electrical glitches. Do a search, lots of threads on the symptoms and how to replace.
I have a 1999 and have the same problem, I bought the car 10 years ago and at that time I did a lot of research to find out why the interior lights would only come on with ignition key on when the door was opened. It was determined that the ECU is in what was referred to as transport mode and only Porsche Dealer could reprogram the car out of transport mode. When I inquired about reprograming the Control Module with local Porsche Dealer they were not too sure what I was talking about and if I wanted them to try and figure it out, well you know where that was heading, so it’s mostly a track car and I don’t really need the interior lights to come when opening the door.
A knowledgeable dealer or indy can check if the ECU is in transport mode and get it out of transport mode. Transport mode is set in the ECU/DME when it leaves the factory. This is to prevent draining the battery while the car is transported to it's destination. When the car arrives at the dealer, they take it out of transport mode. I have heard that some dealers have forgotten to do that. It is a rather simple check but it does require Porsche programming.
Find someone who has the bootleg PIWIS 3software and ask them to help you out. Get to know people at cars and coffee, local PCA events, etc. So many people now have this since it is available for free. If you have any PC skills and an old windows 10 laptop, you can find the details here on rennlist to get the software for free and where to order a cheap interface. Then follow these steps to get a car out of transport mode:
To remove Porsche transport mode using the PIWIS (Porsche Integrated Workshop Information System) tester, you must
perform a "Vehicle Handover" procedure. This deactivates the transport mode, restoring full electrical functionality.
Prerequisites
PIWIS Tester (II or III) connected to the vehicle.
Ignition must be switched on.
An external battery charger should be connected to the vehicle to prevent voltage drop.
Procedure to Remove Transport Mode
Start Diagnostics:
Connect the PIWIS tester and start the diagnostic session.
Navigate to Vehicle Handover:
In the main menu, select the
"Maintenance/repairs"
tab or press
F7
to open the additional menu.
Select Function:
Choose the
"Vehicle handover"
menu item.
Deactivate Transport Mode:
Select "Deactivate Transport mode" and confirm by pressing
F8
.
New Vehicle Query:
When asked if it is a new vehicle, select
"No"
. This avoids a full, unnecessary, and lengthy commissioning process.
Complete Handover:
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
Power Cycle:
Turn the ignition off, wait approximately 30 seconds, and turn the ignition back on.
