Dashboard Warning Message

Hi Everyone, I have a 2002 996 TT (6 Spd), that has been "resting" for a few weeks while there was salt down on the roads. I tried to start it this afternoon only to be greeted by the rather cryptic "Failure Indicator" dashboard warning message pictured - The dashboard warning lights all came on as usual, but the starter would not turn! The battery is kept topped up with a trickle charger and that shows as being fully charged, so that should be OK. I checked all the fuses - also OK - tried disconnecting the battery for a while to give everything a chance to reset. Still no joy. I have also tried searching the Internet for clues, but have only found one reference that suggests that an accessory tuning chip might have become "unsoldered" in the ECU. At the moment, I can't move the car, so getting it to a garage won't be easy, so any suggestions as to what could be wrong would be welcomed. Thanks! Jeff

Was there any audible click from the engine bay? Solenoid on starter motor? You could try putting it gear and rocking the car, then try again in neutral. Obviously diagnostics would reveal fault.

Jeff! Does the voltmeter in the instrument cluster show 12V? Do you have another key you could try? (In case it is an immobiliser problem).

Hi Everyone, Thanks for the suggestions! In answer to some of your points: The Voltmeter shows above 12V even when the key is turned There is no click from the Starter solenoid when I turn the key, nor is there any flickering or dimming of the lights I have tried a second key, with the same result I have also tried plugging in my EOBD Code reader which is "unable to communicate with the ECU" - worrying as normally it works OK with this car! Jeff

It does sound like an immobiliser issue (of sorts). The DME diagnostic line runs from the OBD2 port, via the alarm module, to the DME (on an aluminium platform under the carpet behind the rear seats). If there is a break in the line between the alarm module and the DME the immobiliser can't communicate. This would also explain why your code reader can't connect. I would start by unplugging the DME connector, and plugging it back in, as it may be a bad connection. There is also a large black 30-pin plug under the carpet in the rear passenger footwell. The diagnostic line runs through that connector, and I have known cases where the pins have corroded, giving a bad connection. It might also be a bad connection on the alarm module plug (under the left hand seat). Another thought. Is it damp under the passenger seat?

Hi Richard, Thanks for the suggestion! Probably a bit late in the day to start dismantling, but I will give it a try as soon as I can. Jeff

OK, I've checked for wet footwells and they are all dry. I have re-made all the electrical connections that I could find under seats and carpets. I also opened up the real load space and checked the cabling and ECU connections (I even checked inside the ECU to see if there were signs of tuning chips or other mods). There are a couple of non-porsche looking units under the ECU, but I would guess this was the Tracker? The bottom line is that none of the above has helped and the cryptic message still appears when I turn the key. Anyone know a good recovery service? Jeff

Not sure what those units are, but it looks a bit of a 'jiggle and dodge'. Most independents will have a recovery service they use. Where are you located?

Hi Richard, Near Taplow (Maidenhead). I usually take it to RSJ Porsche in Slough, but they don't offer recovery. Just had RAC Homestart to take a look at it in the hope that they would have better diagnostic equipment than I do. Their diagnostic reader could talk to the ABS and the PCM1 but nothing from the ECU. I assume that ECU's are coded to the vehicle, so not easy to try a swap? All starting to sound expensive. Jeff

I think the problem is communication between the alarm module and the engine ecu. That is causing the immobiliser to inhibit starting. You could try NineX in Maidenhead, or would you like me to pop round and plug in my Porsche tester? If so, drop me a PM with your phone number.

Is the car manuel/ tiptronic I remember years ago about the inhibitor switch on auto gear boxes they did the same. When you try to start the car move the gear stick slightly back and forward. Only if it's auto.

It's a manual. No tiptronic display on the right hand gauge.

Hi Richard, Thanks for the offer, but I suspect I would be wasting your time! So far three code readers have failed to get a response from the ECU and I know that my own reader has been able to communicate with it in the past, so sadly I think it may be an ECU fault (A wiring fault would be cheaper, but I am at a loss to know how to test for one) I will phone around next week and see if I can find someone who can take it in to have a look at it (You mention Ninex - they are local, so I'll see if they can help!) Jeff

The Porsche tester will be able to connect to the alarm module, which other readers won't. If it is an immobiliser issue, as I suspect, the alarm module will have a fault code stored and would confirm a lack of communication with the engine ecu. The offer stands, so if you want me to plug it in give me a call in the morning on 07860 561543.

Jeff if I were you I would take up Richards offer, he is extremely knowledgeable on these cars Richard once again you go over and above for members of the club. It is people like you that make the club ??

I visited Jeff yesterday, and the PIWIS confirmed that the W-Line (the diagnostic and immobiliser wire between the alarm module and DME) is open circuit. Hence the DME is not receiving the immobiliser signal from the alarm control unit. This also stops any diagnostic tester from communicating with the DME, because it uses the same line. My strong suspicion is that there is a bad connection at the plug and socket joint under the rear footwell carpet, and I let Jeff to decide to either tackle it himself, or have the car recovered for a specialist to do it. It is a bit of a grovel to access it, and not the best of weather conditions for working outside, so I wouldn't blame him if he decides on the easier way out.

My job for this morning! (Now it's warmed up a bit!) And thanks again to Richard for taking the time to come over and help - much appreciated! Jeff

Next step: I've removed the passenger seat and stripped back the carpet. The connector was actually on the pillar below the seatbelt reel, but still a pain to get to! I checked all visible cable runs for damage and re-made all connectors (with a squirt of contact cleaner) but no change. Very frustrating!

As you have disconnected the DME and re-connected it, the only other connection you can try is the plug on the alarm module under the passenger seat.

Sorry, already tried that one! The wiring and connectors generally look to be in good condition, although there are signs that I wasn't the first person to pull up the carpets. I also checked each of the connectors in case any of the pins had been pushed back, but as I said, it all looks to be OK. Jeff

You could try running a wire from the Alarm unit Plug A Pin 23 to the DME Plug A Pin 3, just in case there is a break in the wire somewhere. Other than that, I think that maybe those additional boxes near the DME might be something to do with it. Can you see if they break in to a green wire (the W-Line) in the loom? If not, then perhaps the DME has failed, which would be highly unusual. Did you check fuse C1 when you did your initial fuse checks?

Hi Richard, Thanks again - I'll give that a try! Question - Is it possible to test for a signal on that line at the DME with something like an oscilloscope? (or do I risk damaging the DME). Just a thought, as if it's a digital signal, it may be too high a frequency for a scope anyway?? Jeff

Probably easier to unplug Plug A from the alarm module, Plug A from the DME, and do a simple continuity check between pin 23 on the alarm plug and pin 3 on the DME plug. Also check that the wire doesn't go to ground.

I had to put this on hold for a couple of weeks while I dealt with some other non-car related problems, but finally got around to it again. I eventually had to get the car collected by Ninex Motorsport and after testing, they diagnosed that it was indeed the DME that had failed! This is apparently a VERY rare occurrence and there is no indication of why it may have happened. However, it's still not totally straightforward to fix as the car has the X50 option pack, which means that it needs a special software map, which Ninex are currently in the process of obtaining from Germany. It's been a couple of months since I drove it last and now I can't wait to get the car back!

That's a bit of a shocker - very rare indeed. The fuel maps are stored on the PIWIS tester, but you need the security codes from Porsche to load them on the car. The X50 map also needs a special programming code to transfer it. I would have thought they should be able to get the codes from Porsche GB, but I'm sure NineX know what they are doing.

Well, I finally have a running car again - Yayyy!!!!! Ninex fitted a new DME (£Ouch!) and had a bit of a battle getting the X50 unlocking code from Germany, but were persistent and got it sorted in the end - Thanks Andy! Still a few other jobs to be done on the car, but I'll drive it for a while and look at them later.