C2S won't start

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: dereksharpuk

Well I have now read thoroughly my Cobra VTS service booklet and owners manual and nowhere does it say they could immobilise the vehicle. If you come to think of it, that would be very dangerous. The OPC that told you that must be pulling your leg!

Not sure about Cobra, but iMob trackers do have an immobilisation option. But safe because they only immobilise a non-moving vehicle (system checks the GPS for vehicle speed, or ignition off on cheaper versions). It lights up the hazards at the same time.

 

[yan]

ORIGINAL: dereksharpuk

ORIGINAL: Jamie Garside

You haven't cancelled your sub for the PVTS with Cobra have you?

I did that last year, went to a meeting at a motorway service station. When I got back in the car, it wouldn't tick over but the dashboard was lit up. After 6 hours of recover to Porsche Centre - they ascertained in 30 seconds that Cobra had immobolised my car by mistake. Big compensation!

Well I have now read thoroughly my Cobra VTS service booklet and owners manual and nowhere does it say they could immobilise the vehicle. If you come to think of it, that would be very dangerous. The OPC that told you that must be pulling your leg!

Latest VTS has the ability to be immobilised remotely when engine off so can not be started (event: theft) - by Police I understood but not sure if in effect that means Cobra pressing the necessary...

Wouldn't seem appropriate however if you didn't renew your contract with Cobra that they would trigger an immobilise and rather concerning that their controls don't prevent such mistakes.

 

[zyquix]

A story with a happy ending. Thanks to everyone that contributed. Following extensive reseach, I ordered a Varta (aka Bosch) silver 85Ah (shortcode F18), arrived next day "wet"- not cheap at £110, but should do the trick. Followed everyone's advice and fitted it in about 10 minutes in the dark! Started first time - of course!

Two follow ons. The battereis are heavy and of course located in the centre of the car - I am fiarly large (over 6' 3"), but mind your backs, this a dead weight of over 20KG. Secondly, my PSM light now won't go off! Tried "weaving" then moving in a straight line (as in the manual), but no good. Beginning to think it's me...

 

[2fast4u]

Ahhhh forgot about that...........I recall my OPC did warn me about the PSM light and said that could happen and to drive the car around for a few miles and it would reset.

Hope you're back to trouble free driving soon!
Kim

 

[dereksharpuk]

ORIGINAL: J

Latest VTS has the ability to be immobilised remotely when engine off so can not be started (event: theft) - by Police I understood but not sure if in effect that means Cobra pressing the necessary...

Wouldn't seem appropriate however if you didn't renew your contract with Cobra that they would trigger an immobilise and rather concerning that their controls don't prevent such mistakes.

Yup, I stand corrected. It appears that the latest Cobra PVTS can immobilise your Porsche, that is why it is the only Thatcham 5 system. Is this good or bad?

 

[Hasan]

Hi Kim,

When did you buy your battery?

I've just been quoted £158.25 inc VAT for one from OPC Hatfield which is £40 more...

 

[Black80XSA]

ORIGINAL: zyquix

A story with a happy ending. Thanks to everyone that contributed. Following extensive reseach, I ordered a Varta (aka Bosch) silver 85Ah (shortcode F18), arrived next day "wet"- not cheap at £110, but should do the trick. Followed everyone's advice and fitted it in about 10 minutes in the dark! Started first time - of course!

Two follow ons. The battereis are heavy and of course located in the centre of the car - I am fiarly large (over 6' 3"), but mind your backs, this a dead weight of over 20KG. Secondly, my PSM light now won't go off! Tried "weaving" then moving in a straight line (as in the manual), but no good. Beginning to think it's me...

PSM light will go off with use - you have to attain certain steering angles so that the computer sees suffieicnt difference in road speed fromt he various wheels. Mine went off just manouvering on the driveway.

 

[2fast4u]

ORIGINAL: Hasan

Hi Kim,

When did you buy your battery?
I've just been quoted £158.25 inc VAT for one from OPC Hatfield which is £40 more...

Hi
I bough mines 8th May 2008
Here's the info on the invoice if its of any help!!

X P999.611.070.20 Battery C40501 £99.85
X P999.901.052.40 Acid B32B 2 x 6.43 £12.86

Plus VAT of course and if your OPC gives you 10% discount as your a PCGB member get that off the cost too!!!

Kim

 

[Black80XSA]

How much it will help now i have a Bosch fitted rather than the 'troublesome' Mahl Porsche battery i don't know, but i just bought a CTEK battery charger/maintanier and the optional ciggy lighter plug for £53 delivered. Sticker price on the boxes were £59.95 and £6.95 so a decent discount for internet sale.

http://www.motaman.co.uk/productDetails.aspx?nPId=552

 

[Jamie Garside]

Sorry, not been on the forum for a few days.

As you have already concluded, immobilise is a function of PVTS. They press a button and it shuts down the car at the next safe opportunity i.e. when the car is stationary, it kicks in then.

When I was recovered to the OPC, the first thing they asked me was did I PVTS and they suggested i call Cobra which i did and within 30 seconds the car was working again!

 

[spyderman]

ORIGINAL: Hasan
I think my battery could be on it's way out soon, but with the Costco option and buying Bosch, am I not covered then with the extended warranty I have?

If so then I'll have to buy a Porsche one from an OPC!

Good point. They might insist that any replacement part - even if it is considered a consumable - has to be a Porsche or Porsche-approved part. In which case, your stuck with the naff one you have now!

 

[Rob Edwards]

Hi
I had exactly the same symptoms with my C2S about 7 months ago when it was 3 yrs old. Battery was on the way out so would energise the electrics but not start the car - came up with error messages on the computer.
I replaced the battery with a Bosch Silver 85ah (BMW branded for some reason I think!) for £75 and it worked brilliantly.
No problems since and I wouldn't be worried about it affecting your warranty unduly, as a good 'branded' one need only be the equivalent of the Porsche one and be installed to the same level as would an OPC to ensure warranty is not affected.
If your OPC get funny about it, they would need to prove that the battery or the installation was of a lesser quality than you would have had at an OPC using a porsche approved part, and as they use many Bosch components, they might very well be on very weak ground. If they did get peculiar about it, i would ask them to put it in writing and then forward a copy to Bosch and ask for a reply from them.
I don't think my OPC has noticed or even cares - at least they didn't make any mention after it's 4 yr major service 4 weeks ago.
Good luck.
Rob

 

[okellyt]

Rob

Wait until the new warranty comes in - if a non OPC body so much as loosens a wheel knut they will try and claim the warranty is void.

Not that they are feeling the pinch on revenue or anything

 

[Black80XSA]

Was in Costco yesterday getting 4 tyres for the commute mobile - checked the battery racks, Bosch Silver Series S5 batteries still for sale at £52.94 incl VAT.

 

[Hasan]

Wow!
Will ring OPC Cambridge to see if they're ok with me fitting one of those and not effecting my extended warranty.
My sister is a teacher so has a Costco card.
(My current one is a bit weak)