Wet ECU / Blocked Drainage Channels

[BrotherBear]

Hi

Haven't posted on here before and annoyingly a problem is my first post.

Have a 2005 Boxster and the other night when I came home from work the alarm was going off, brake lights constantly on, horn sounding, windows going up or down, convertible top automatically opening/closing etc all without the key in ignition. Comically at 10pm on a wet night I was sat in the car with the roof down and horn blaring whilst all the neighbours peered out of their windows.

AA diagnosed the problem as water getting into the car by blocked drainage channels behind the rear window which has also collected into the ECU well causing it to malfunction. Apparently a known issue.

At present the car is sitting outside with a tarpaulin covering it with the battery disconnected.

Have managed to get the water collected in the well out but the carpet underlay is soaking wet.

Wondering if anyone else has had the same problem and how they sorted it?

Spoke to Porsche Stratford on the phone and they said without looking at it they couldn't accurately price up the job but said it could be up to £1,300. Just got engaged so terrible timing when supposed to be saving.

If I were to get it professionally dried out by an outfit that offers this service, and get the drainage unblocked, what are the chances that the ECU will need replacing? If so, is it possible to get someone independent to source and fit it rather than having my trousers pulled down by Porsche.

Thanks in advance

Glenn

[BrotherBear]

Meant to say am based in north London if anyone can recommend anyone to help.

Cheers

[edc]

You need to get the unit from under the passenger seat out, cleaned up and dried quickly before there is any corrosion. Get the carpets out and hung out in your garage for several days and perhaps with a dehumidifier. The carpets might feel dry now but they will still be sodden underneath. You need to get a camel back or similar and clean through the drain holes under the rear clam shell. Also do the front ones by the battery tray and you might as well check the front carpets and door card carpet to see if your door membranes are still intact.

[Nineexcellence]

One of my customers pointed me to your post Glenn.

Unfortunately it is very common. You can see from the photos below how bad this gets. From what you described it sounds like the rear main control unit is damaged. I think £1300 is pretty much the minimum....it is a labour intensive job. Porsche are not trying to rip you off here...it could be more and they are just covering themselves.

Ken

[artdon]

hi I had the same problem, I bought a second hand ecu and engine ecu also came with fob,both ecu`s easy to change and slid my old key into new fob worked a treat and only cost me about £200,hope this helps