Locks: Description and Operation
96 Immobilizer/Central Locking
Ignition Lock With One-key System
The ignition key of the 911 Carrera/S (997) has been redesigned and its ergonomics optimized. The buttons to unlock the vehicle and the luggage compartment lid retain their functions. They are made of durable ABS plastic and offer improved stability.
The transmitter of the remote control possesses an increased range, enabling the remote control to be used from any angle. The 911 Carrera/S (997) has an electronic ignition lock and an electromechanical steering column lock for increased anti-theft protection.
Immobilizer/Electromechanical Steering Lock
The electronic immobilizer is intended to protect the vehicle from unauthorized use. In order to achieve a higher degree of security, the immobilizer is distributed over several components:
- Vehicle key
- Driver authorization controller (PAS - Porsche Access System)
- Electromechanical steering lock
- Engine control unit
Mode of Functioning Via Key
NOTE: The individual components cannot be replaced at random, but go together to form a system in the course of assembling the vehicle. Individual system components can only be replaced at the workshop using the PIWIS Tester and the access code assigned to the car.
Once the key is inserted in the ignition, the data is read out via an inductive radio link. It is encrypted and transmitted to the driving authorization control system, where it is evaluated. Following a positive result;
- the power supply for Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is enabled,
- communication is established with the electromechanical steering column lock and another exchange of encrypted data takes place with the driving authorization system. The steering column is unlocked if the key is positively identified. If the steering wheel is under tension and blocks the electronic lock from releasing, a warning is displayed in the instrument cluster and the driver is asked to move the steering wheel so that the strain can be released and the steering wheel unlocked.
When the ignition key is turned clockwise, communication is established with the engine control unit (Motronic) and the key is identified once more. If the key is positively identified, the immobilizer is deactivated, the ignition switched on and the engine functions released. When the key is rotated to the start position, the starter is activated and the engine starts. In order for this to happen, the clutch pedal must be depressed in vehicles with manual gearbox or the brake pedal depressed and the selector lever set to "P" or "N" in vehicles with Tiptronic S. The key returns to its initial position once the starter is actuated. When the engine is running, the status of the immobilizer is no longer evaluated. It is not possible to influence running of the engine.
Electromechanical Steering Lock
The electromechanical steering lock serves to block the steering by mechanical means in order to prevent unauthorized use of the vehicle. The lock is installed in the steering system and can only be removed after dismantling the steering system. Removal is only possible in unlocked state.
When the driver parks the vehicle, the electromechanical steering lock is locked upon deactivation of terminal S, or at the latest when the vehicle is locked from outside via remote control.
Anti-theft Alarm System
NOTE: The alarm contact for the storage compartment in the center console is no longer required since it is now linked in to the central locking system.
The 911 Carrera/S (997) is protected by an anti-theft alarm system with interior surveillance as standard equipment. The anti-theft protection system is essentially the same as in the previous 911 Carrera (996) model.
Interior surveillance is now executed using a radar sensor instead of an infrared sensor. The advantage of the radar sensor is that it is insensitive to reflections from particularly bright interior leathers. This means that interior leathers in colors to sample can be used without encountering any problem.
Radar stands for 'radiation detecting and ranging'. Radar is a method of locating objects in space with the aid of concentrated electromagnetic waves which are emitted from a transmitter, reflected and rendered visible on a display unit via a receiver or evaluated in a control unit.
As well as unlocking via remote control, the car can also be unlocked via the door lock cylinder. The driver's door is then opened mechanically. Only the interior surveillance system and the door contact on the driver's side are deactivated, however - not the anti-theft alarm system.
If the ignition key is not inserted and successfully identified using the transponder housed in the key within 15 seconds, the alarm will be triggered. If the door on the 911 Carrera/S (997) is not opened within 20 seconds of being manually unlocked, it is automatically locked again and all alarm contacts and interior surveillance activated.
Comfort Functions
One-touch Operation
NOTE: If a door window is blocked during closing, it will stop and then open again by several centimeters. This does not apply if the rocker switch is pressed again within 10 seconds of the window being blocked. The windows close with the full closing force.
Press the rocker switch upwards or downwards to the second level. Window moves to its final position. Press again to stop the window in the desired position. One-touch operation for closing the passenger's window is available once the window is approximately half-way closed.
Comfort Function When Unlocking The Vehicle
Press button 1 of remote control (at least two seconds) until the windows have reached the desired position.
Battery Status Monitoring For The Remote Control
The battery of the remote control is monitored in the key itself. During actuation of a button on the remote control, the battery voltage is measured and compared against a programmed threshold value. This value is communicated to the driver authorization control unit (Porsche Access System).
On the control unit receiving a "battery low" signal from the key, this status is indicated by the warning message "Replace battery" and a key symbol in the instrument cluster.