Dan Novreske

9 hours ago, JFP in PA said:

A Porsche specific scan tool should see something during crank over.  Removing the cam plugs will give you an approximation of the cam positions, but there are no marks, only the slots the cam bollocking tool fits into, which should be exactly vertical when the engine is at TDC:

 

Thanks JFP in PA, I will check this out over the weekend.  I have a Autel generic scan tool.  Maybe I will get the Durametric tool if it looks like this engine is not catastrophic failure.  Engine has <45,000 miles.  

1 hour ago, JFP in PA said:

I would be checking the output readings (cam angles and deviation values) from the sensor to see what it is telling the DME.

Engine only cranks, no start and backfires on drivers side.  Will I even get output readings during crank?  Does removing the green plugs allow me to visually see timing marks to determine if good or bad?

Ok, checked continuity of the 3 wires between camshaft position sensor 2 (hall sensor) and DME, all three are good.  No shorts to ground, no shorts to each other.  The wires harness and connectors look nice probably not touched since car was built.

What do you think, timing chain issue?  Should next step be check timing or something else?

1 hour ago, DBJoe996 said:

A quick Google search for P1397 got this

And you need to check your wiring harness for rodent damage.  Depends on where it was sitting for 7 years, but it is entirely possible that something has  chewed up your wiring....somewhere.

Thanks DBJoe996, pretty sure the harness is good because I have 5 volts and ground at the sensor.  

Car was in accident 7 years ago and not started since.   Driver side front damage and now will not start.  Fault code 1397 camshaft position sensor is active, checked and have 5v and ground at sensor connector so replaced sensor, reset code, still no start and 1397 is active again.  

Because power and ground is at sensor fairly certain wire harness is good between engine computer and sensor.  Any thoughts on next steps, internal engine issue???

Thanks JFP in PA, that helps a lot.  Air bags did not deploy.  Back to searching for the P1397 issue.  I might post separate question on this FC

Car was in an accident driver side front and now will not start.  Fault code 1397 camshaft position sensor is active, checked and have 5v and ground at sensor connector so replaced sensor, reset code, still no start and 1397 is active again.  I do not hear fuel pump when keyed on, I know some cars have inertia switch to shut off electric fuel pump when in accident hoping this has opened fuel pump circuit.  I read older model Porsche this fuel pump cutoff is performed by engine computer relay, but not finding info on 996.  During internet search Autozone sells a “Duralast Fuel Pump Inertia Switch SW1771” for model 996.

I am also hoping fault 1397 resets itself after engine start - this is still concern.

BTW, car was wrecked 7 years ago and not tried to start since.  

I have searched and not finding location of the 996 Fuel Inertia switch?  Model year 2000 996 convertible if it matters.  Thanks!