Technical Q&A
Welcome to PCA's source of expert advice, where our PCA National Technical Committee experts answer your questions about all things technical.
Hi George, I found out the hard way that my 1981 924 Turbo has an optimistic fuel gauge. I ran out fuel, and had the car towed home. I added fuel back to the tank, and can get the car to start easily-but it dies almost as soon as it starts. Car was running well prior to running out of fuel.
Wednesday 09/11/2024 | 1981 | 924 Turbo | Fuel System
Recently replaced plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter and air filter.
READ ANSWERWill one tank of unleaded fuel hurt my 67 911S?
Tuesday 09/10/2024 | 1967 | 911S | Fuel System
I by accident put unleaded gas in my 1967 911S. Will it hurt to car to use it or should I take it out before I drive it?
READ ANSWERFollow-up to hand brake warning light question ...
Sunday 09/08/2024 | 1972 | 911T Targa | Electrical
According to my ohmmeter, terminal 49a (not 'c') connects to the green/black/white wire. Sill no 12V though ... Fuse #2 measures ok. Since the flasher operates when the hazard button is pressed, I assume the relay has power. Safe assumption?
READ ANSWERWhat would cause distinct think/click from the area behind the passenger seat when slight turning of wheel torque load on chassis?
Friday 09/06/2024 | 2015 | Cayman S | Suspension
Porsche specialists not seeing any issues when on lift for inspection. Not hatch related.Please advise for resolution.
READ ANSWERConvertible top not closing
Friday 09/06/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Interior/Upholstery
Convertible top not closing. Per my mechanic the assembly is getting power, shafts are rotating but it appears to be a plastic gear that is broken/not engaging. Help please!
READ ANSWERMy hand brake warning light is never on.
Thursday 09/05/2024 | 1972 | 911T Targa | Electrical
It looks like either hand brake switch mechanism or the master cylinder switch (brown/yellow wire & brown/ white wire) and are connected to one terminal of the bulb socket and could provide a ground for the bulb and light it up. I see a multi-colored wire (yellow/black/white) connected to the other bulb terminal which I assume should provide the 12V. No power on mine. Where does it go?
READ ANSWERBattery issues
Wednesday 09/04/2024 | 2013 | Boxster | Electrical
We have a 2013 Boxster . If we do not drive for a week or so , the battery is dead . We then have to charge it get it working again. We have had a load test done on the battery and it passed with flying colours. We have taken to the Porsche dealership twice now and they could not figure it out and their answer was " if you don't drive a car for a week, expect the battery to need recharging" . Sounds more like an excuse than a solution , so hoping someone might be experiencing same issues and ...
READ ANSWERI modified a set of adaptive sports seats from a 997 to work in my 986. The passenger seat works perfectly, but I have been unable to make the lumbar support, and adjustable bolsters work in the driver's seat. Is it possible that the pump that inflates the lumbar and bolsters is defective?
Tuesday 09/03/2024 | 2000 | Boxster | Interior/Upholstery
This thread on Rennlist shows the process I followed for modifying the seats: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/1279635-18-way-power-seat-test-help-6.html There are several methods described in the thread and the one I used first appears in post #56. I have attached a wiring diagram for the seat.I can hear a click in the seat when I press the control for the lumbar support, but I don't hear the pump run. I had an upholstery shop replace the original pump with a ...
READ ANSWERAOS! Ordered new part how deep should I go after install before starting vehicle?
Monday 09/02/2024 | 2003 | Boxster | Engine
I went out for a morning ride, and what seemed like a catastrophe struck! I heard a high-pitched hum, followed by a huge puff of white smoke. I believe it was a catastrophic AOS failure. I pulled over immediately—temperature was normal, no warning lights came on, and the oil level dropped about half a quart. The condition of the oil appeared completely normal.If anyone has experienced anything like this, I would really appreciate your insight! ...
READ ANSWERDiffferent front brake rotors on my 997.1
Sunday 09/01/2024 | 2007 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Brakes
I recently had my brakes redone on my 997.1 and noticed on the invoice that there were different part numbers (and costs) between the right and left front rotors. is there some Porshe reason for these differences?
READ ANSWERI've discovered that I have an oil leak on my MFI injection pump. It is leaking from the seal of the outer control lever shaft. Everything else about the operation of the pump is just fine, I have no complaints about the performance of the car. My question is, is it possible to replace only that shaft seal and associated gaskets without special tools? Is it possible to replace said seal while preserving the adjustments or will it require a full rebuild/recalibration? Thanks.
Thursday 08/29/2024 | 1973 | 911 Carrera RS 2.7 | Fuel System
READ ANSWERDoes my 2016 Cayman S have an active reversing camera?
Wednesday 08/28/2024 | 2016 | Cayman S | Electronics
I recently acquired a 2016 Cayman S. It has a backup camera installed above the rear license plate - camera appears to be matched to the body design - i.e. OEM. However, the PCM does not acknowledge the cameras presence - i.e. no means of activating or deactivating it. Am I missing something here? Does activation require dealer PIWIS intervention? Is the camera just plugging a hole and has no use? ...
READ ANSWERReplacing fuel tank - new Dansk tank outlets different from OEM
Wednesday 08/28/2024 | 1972 | 911T | Fuel System
Greetings -Car: 1972 911T with 1975 2.7S CIS motor. Sat for decades before I purchased it. Original gas tank is very nasty inside and the car bogs quite a bit under heavy throttle or when warm after lots of garbage is stirred up in the tank. The engine room fuel filter has been changed and fills up with gunk fairly quickly, so tank replacement is in order.
READ ANSWER
information on changing the shifter rod on a 1983 944 automatic transmission.
Tuesday 08/27/2024 | 1983 | 944 | Transmission/Clutch
Bought this project car with the shifter rod already removed. Looking for a video or instruction on how to replace it so the automatic transmission can be shifted.
READ ANSWERI have a friend who drives a 2006 base Cayman, Tiptronic. The car runs well but makes a pronounced tapping noise while running. Also uses oil but doesn't leave any spotting.
Monday 08/26/2024 | 2014 | Cayman | Engine
READ ANSWERdriver's seat not moving #2
Monday 08/26/2024 | 1986 | 944 Turbo | Interior/Upholstery
Follow-up question to earlier question and response today. I was impressed and grateful to the prompt response, and want to thank George for his answer. Right now I am trying to do this via I removed the front cover to seat mechanism, and can now see that the right side manual lever has become disengaged and is lying on the floor with its restraint. Thus, a mechanical issue. BUT I still cannot move the seat forward to unbolt the rear. Anyone with experience on how to address this? (I ...
READ ANSWERWhat short shifter is best for a 2005 997 ?
Monday 08/26/2024 | 2005 | 911 Carrera S | Cables and Controls
READ ANSWERPSM & ABS Lights both on iintermittently
Monday 08/26/2024 | 2002 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Electronics
02 911 4.Either both the ABS light and TPS light is on, or they're not. I would say about7/10 times that I drive it they are on and stay on. No check engine lights or any other lights and it seems to drive fine regardless if the lights are on or not. Ignore the parking brake light, the parking brake was on. I took the pic just after I started the car.
READ ANSWERDriver's seat will not move
Monday 08/26/2024 | 1986 | 944 Turbo | Interior/Upholstery
After returning from a long trip, I have found my driver's seat locked in the far back position. Being now only 5'6" (aging of me, not the car), it makes it almost impossible to drive safely in this position. While we were absent, a kind neighbor moved the car to higher ground when there were warnings about coastal flooding, but I have not yet asked him if he found the same problem, or noticed something happening. Based on a previous tech tip, I have raised the seat bottom using the ...
READ ANSWERI am a first time Porsche owner and thinking about purchasing the sports exhaust system. Just curious of pros and cons of this and whether anyone would recommend.
Sunday 08/25/2024 | 2014 | Boxster S | Performance Modifications
READ ANSWERApple Car PLay
Sunday 08/25/2024 | 2014 | Cayman S | Electronics
Porsche has come out with Apple Car PLay units to retro fit into older models --997 etc...but have not announced updates for 981 Cayman. Are you aware of any announcements in the near future about a release of an updated pcm?
READ ANSWERdoes anyone make a matching paint for tan interiors
Saturday 08/24/2024 | 2008 | Cayman S | Interior/Upholstery
the body shops around here swear no one makes a matching paint, even Porsche. If true, someone must have matched the color by now and made it available. I would like to purchase some.
READ ANSWERAfter AOS failure and replacement. Should I let the engine run and burn off the oil then change plugs and maybe MAF, or change parts before starting and then run engine?
Friday 08/23/2024 | 2005 | Boxster S | Engine
Hi. My AOS failed while on the highway and I didn't see the smoke right away. I was a few miles from home and noticed the smoke getting heavy and thought I could make it. Got off the highway and the car stalled and check engine flashing. A block from my house so I sat for a few and the car re started and I made it to the driveway. I replaced the AOS and have the parts to replace the plugs, coils and MAF. I haven't tried to start it yet and not sure if I should st ...
READ ANSWERBest backup camera for 2006 Porsche Carrera S
Thursday 08/22/2024 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S | Electronics
READ ANSWERRestore engine bay & some upholstery work in Phoenix AZ area
Wednesday 08/21/2024 | 1985 | 944 | Body
I would like to clean up, restore the engine bay. Specifically the material on the firewall melted as a result of engine getting too hot. see picture. I addition I need some minor work done on interior.
READ ANSWERBleeder valve seeps fluid since last fluid change
Tuesday 08/20/2024 | 2011 | 911 Carrera S | Brakes
my 997.2 carrera S has Brembo calipers with two bleeders per caliper. The inner bleeder valve on one of the front calipers seems to have been weeping for a while, leaving a puddle of brake fluid for 4 years. Some brake fluid also appears to have stained the wheel barrel. I changed the brake fluid myself last time, and am pretty sure I close the bleeder valve until firm contact, being careful not to overtighten. What could cause the bleeder valve to seep? What are some solutions to fix this if ...
READ ANSWERNo power to the top down, what could be the cause?
Monday 08/19/2024 | 1994 | 968 Cabriolet | Electrical
Also having difficulty with trunk release. The key does not work and FOB also does not work. The release inside does work when engine switch on.Both issues about the same time. Also the lock actuators want to cycle after unlocking the door. All seam related.
READ ANSWERI have an intermittant 'check engine' light and I am wondering what I should check to eliminate. I have checked all of the fluid levals./
Monday 08/19/2024 | 1994 | 968 Cabriolet | Engine
The front faring was replaced from being torn off by a high cement curb stop. Doing the intermittent on off since then.
READ ANSWERIMS reolacement
Monday 08/19/2024 | 1997 | Boxster | Transmission/Clutch
My car is still at the dealer in Ocala after they replaced the rear main seal as well as the clutch assembly and an LN oil feed IMS bearing. It's been 7 weeks now. They completed the work this past Thursday and took it for a shake down ride Friday, when they got back they found there was a small oil leak. They are going to take it apart again to see where the leak is. I'm afraid they will charge me for this additional work and I don't feel I should have to pay for it. Their mistake and th ...
READ ANSWER901 4-speed stuck in neutral.
Saturday 08/17/2024 | 1970 | 911T Targa | Transmission/Clutch
My wife was reversing out of a parking lot when the trans got stuck in neutral. Clutch is working properly. Working shifter left/right feels much tighter than usual "looseness" in neutral gate. Cannot move shifter to engage any gear. Inspected the shifter rod coupler, every thing looks in order, but it will not budge. Feels like it's stuck inside the case. Where do I go from here??Fred M
READ ANSWERCheck engine light came on today, car in limp mode, weak power, "reduced power" indicator on dash. Checked code after driving home 5 or 6 miles, p0303 , number 3 cylinder misfire. Plugs were changed 1000 miles ago and has ran perfect for over a year ownership. I read it could be bad plug, coil or maybe other different factors. My question is which may be most common cause of this code and if will damage engine if i need to drive 30 miles to porsche shop? Any thoughts? many thanks
Saturday 08/17/2024 | 2011 | Boxster | Electrical
READ ANSWERIf I turn on the ignition without starting my car the radio turns on. But once I turn on the engine it doesn't turn on.
Saturday 08/17/2024 | 1998 | Boxster | Electrical
READ ANSWERWhy is that as the outside temperature begins to get colder I have a hard time turning the ignition on my boxster
Saturday 08/17/2024 | 1998 | Boxster | Electrical
I have changed the ignition previously to no avail. As the outside temperature starts falling below 70 degrees I struggle to turn the ignition. If it gets to be 50s or 40s I can't the the ignition key at all. If the temperature in the car warms up during the day I may be able to start the car.
READ ANSWERHi Pedro. Replying to your questions as to what warning lights come on. It's the psm disabled, the engine fault light, and the start stop function disabled. My battery reads between 13.7 to 14.5 when started. Usually around 14.5. It disappears within a day and then comes back on around a week later. The battery is only a year old. Thanks
Friday 08/16/2024 | 2013 | Boxster | Electrical
READ ANSWERCan I add a rear camera to 15 Boxter? What is estimated cost?
Friday 08/16/2024 | 2015 | Boxster | Electronics
READ ANSWERTurn signals not working . The 4 way flashers do work only on the left side . Does the flasher for the 4 way also flash for the turn signals or is there a separate flasher for the turn signals? I can see and feel the 4 way working but do not see another flasher. Thank you Mike
Wednesday 08/14/2024 | 1971 | 911T Targa | Electrical
READ ANSWERI just purchased a low mileage 2000 Boxster S. I'm trying to find the original coolant, so as to not mix types and colors. All I find is the pink that is presently used. Can I use the pink? Will is be backward compatable?
Tuesday 08/13/2024 | 2000 | Boxster S | Other
READ ANSWERwindshield condensation
Monday 08/12/2024 | 2006 | 718 Cayman S | Heating and Ventilation
i have condensation issues on my windshield on driver's side. I recall an article in Panorama magazine in the last year or so describing this issue. I cannot locate this article. From what I recall there were two solutions, one some type of replacement that was several hundred dollars. The other fairly simple. How can I locate this article?
READ ANSWERSometimes when I’m taking off and first gear, it feels like the clutches slipping even though I have a PTK transmission. A couple of times I thought it was going to tear the transmission out of the car. I’ve taken it to the service center, and they said there’s nothing wrong with it. Doesn’t do it all the time but when it does it, it’ll scare you to death. It shifts Smooth silk through all of the gears.
Monday 08/12/2024 | 2009 | Boxster S | Transmission/Clutch
READ ANSWER2003 996 turbo transmitter sets alarm opens pass door wont open drivers door even manually with key I door
Monday 08/12/2024 | 2003 | 911 Turbo | Electronics
Recently having issues with transmitter opening drivers door even when used in door lock it won't open
READ ANSWERHow to support boxster s engine from the top while in service mode. How is it done?
Sunday 08/11/2024 | 2000 | Boxster S | Engine
I’ve seen video’s of the engine being supported from the top when the car is in service mode. How is this accomplished? Thank you!
READ ANSWERHello. I have a 2013 base boxster that recently keeps giving me psm disabled, engine fault, and the start stop disabled warning lights. It comes on in the morning and disappears that night or the next day. It then reoccurs a few days later. I have heard that it might be the battery, but my battery reads between 13.7 to 14.5 everyday. Does anyone know what might be wrong. Thank you.
Saturday 08/10/2024 | 2013 | Boxster | Electrical
READ ANSWERCan I remove rear half of transmission case with the transmission in the car
Friday 08/09/2024 | 2004 | Boxster | Transmission/Clutch
Leaking around the bronze bushing.
READ ANSWERHad a Battery/Generator Warning on the instrument panel. Durametric code is "P1698 Open circuit in line between generator and vehicle system". Do you know what wire/line it is referring to so I can inspect/tighten? Any other troubleshooting advice is greatly appreciated for this situation. I drove the car about 5 miles after the message came on with no issues. Afterwards, I checked the battery voltage and it was good at 12.4V, engine off. Engine on, RPM 2000, it was below 12V and decreasing.
Friday 08/09/2024 | 2008 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Electrical
I have the detailed fault information from the Durametric if that helps troubleshoot. (Fault system, fault status, etc.)Thanks for the assist!
READ ANSWEROil change
Friday 08/09/2024 | 1997 | Boxster | Engine
I just changed the oil in my boxster and added the recommended 8.25 liters. The dipstick is showing a quarter passed the minimum level. No leaks present. Should I add more oil based on n the dipstick reading? Would I be overfilling since the manual states 8.25 liters with a filter change is the recommended amount?
READ ANSWERIs it possible to remove and replace rear transaxle cover with it in the car? I have read that it is but I don’t know.
Thursday 08/08/2024 | 2004 | Boxster S | Transmission/Clutch
Leaking around bronze shaft bushing. Or maybe it’s just the seal. It shifts fine doesn’t grind or pop out.
READ ANSWERPorsche wilmington new rates?
Thursday 08/08/2024 | 2009 | 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | Other
Not sure if this is the right place to ask this question but has anybody run into new increase pricing for Porsche Wilmington example I called to get my plugs replaced in my 09 c4s. And I was quoted $1540..00, 550 for oil change, used to use Import Performance a few years ago, so naturally, I called there to get a their pricing was what I expected, which was what Porsche was charging last year for plug replacement $600.00. is it just time to go back to import performance … is th ...
READ ANSWERHello. I have a 2013 base boxster. The psm , auto start stop, and sometimes the engine fault warning lights comes for a day or two and then it disappears. It has happened two or three times within the last few weeks. I have heard that it might be a battery issue, but my battery generally reads between 14.2 to 14.5 range. Does anyone have an answer with this issue? Thank you.
Thursday 08/08/2024 | 2013 | Boxster | Electronics
READ ANSWERAre used 914 (4)s with replaced EFI with single or dual carbs problematic?
Wednesday 08/07/2024 | 1973 | 914 1.7 | Engine
My search for a used 914 shows most have had their fuel Inj systems replaced with carburetors. Some also have had newer fuel inj systems, Some are single carb , or even dual carb conv. (1) Question - was this done to avoid rare parts when maintaining these older vehicles? I've read some threads elsewhere that if Fuel Inj (keep it that way). My PCA noted mechanic says these historic cars were heavily modified, etc. (I'm more concerned about rust and overall daily reliability.) (2) Question - i ...
READ ANSWERI installed a Sony double DIN radio that works perfectly. I'd like to remove both the CD changer and the navigation system. I bought a bypass for the CD changer and wondered if there is any trick to removing the navigation system and if any bypass is necessary. I've searched around and don't see anything regarding it.
Monday 08/05/2024 | 2006 | Cayman S | Electrical
I installed a Sony double DIN radio that works perfectly. I'd like to remove both the CD changer and the navigation system. I bought a bypass for the CD changer and wondered if there is any trick to removing the navigation system and if any bypass is necessary. I've searched around and don't see anything regarding it.
READ ANSWER