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 there - I have had to replace the driver's side convertible top transmission as a result of the plastic drive wheel breaking.

Tuesday 09/30/2025 | 2006 | Boxster S | Other

The installation was straightforward and the top is operational again but since installing the new CT transmission I have notice the passenger side of the clamshell is not flush with the rear quarter panel on that side, while the driver's side is flush. It is quite noticeable when the top is down (the clamshell is about 1/4in above the pax side hind panel when the top is fully retracted - see pic attached) vs when it is up (about 1-2mm above the pax side panel and barely noticeable). The od ...

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Steering wheel vibration between 75 - 85 mph and a vibration from the rear at around 65.

Tuesday 09/30/2025 | 1999 | Boxster | Other

Both (front and back) vibration seem to occasionally disappear and then come back. some days are worse than others. I've tried: Four wheel alignment. New tires balanced with a Road Force balancer, twice. New front PowerStop carbon ceramic brakes with matching rotors. Torqued all axle nuts to spec. Put a wrench on every steering/suspension bolt I could find to ensure it's all tight. Swapped wheels side to side. Checked runout and wobble on all wheels. Inspected steering and suspension, all se ...

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2004 996 x50 turbo replacement

Monday 09/29/2025 | 2004 | 911 Turbo Cabriolet | Other

I have to replace my lift side turbo . Is at the dealers for repair.. when they pulled the turbo it was a K 14 not a K 25 turbo model. Does anyone know why a k14 would’ve been put in an X 50 turbo was there a modification done to the turbo or the engine that did not require the larger K 25 turbo be installed at the time of manufacturer?

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how do I decode the paper sticker under the front hood? I want to know all the options as I don't have the window sticker

Sunday 09/28/2025 | 2002 | 911 Carrera 4S | Paint

I would like to know what each code is on the stickerThanks,

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Certificate of authenticity

Sunday 09/28/2025 | 1988 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Other

Hi,How do I go about getting an "authencity certificate"? I have a 1988 Porsche 911 Cab with the rare Metallic Diamond Blue color and marine blue interior but it's not an anniversary model. Definitely ordered from the dealer as a special request. Mark

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Windshield Replacement

Friday 09/26/2025 | 1984 | 911 Carrera | Body

I have an 84 911 with a windshield that has the defroster heater element incorporated @ the base of the windshield. I have a couple of chips, and the glass has started delaminating. Is it possible to get a replacement and if so, can you provide vendor info?

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Do after market ECU, "Tuners" really provide any benefit?

Wednesday 09/24/2025 | 2009 | Cayman | Engine

Being as an ICE is basically an air compressor and more air in and out would be required for an increase in performance, do the various after market ECU, "Tuners" or re-flash really provide any benefit and or, "Unlock" as they all claim additional motivation in an otherwise, bone stock engine?Is the juice worth the squeeze, as these so called, "Tunes" all hover in the $1k range.The car is plenty fast, with exceptional handling and brakes for the tight, twisty and tech ...

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Will a new, model specific replacement TPMS computer create fault codes on the dash?

Wednesday 09/24/2025 | 2009 | Cayman | Electronics

Recently, without any wheel or tire changes, (Stock 18") the TPMS function on the dash refuses to, "learn" or display any tire pressures.There are no ICar soft scanner codes displayed and after numerous attempts to re-set the system, including disconnecting the battery, the display is stuck on right side only 29F and 30R.No display for driver side.It is unlikely that all of the batteries in the tires suddenly expired and the TPMS system has always worked and quite accura ...

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oil testing services

Wednesday 09/24/2025 | 2002 | 911 Carrera | Engine

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If I replace the TCM with a used one, and go directly to do the calibration, will it have failure codes?

Tuesday 09/23/2025 | 2014 | Boxster S | Electrical

Purchased a low mileage boxster that was running but PDK was not working. Wanted to try to get it going. Made a few attempts to “calibrate” the PDK with my PIWIS 3 setup. I am getting a set of failure codes of no signal to other modules such as the DME. The car was totaled and I purchased it through Copart without inspecting. After receiving I realized it had two damaged areas related to the modules. Left rear where the TCM is and left front where the Gateway is. Front was m ...

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Both lowering and raising the top on my 2014 Boxster S cannot be accomplished without rocking the switch back and forth a couple of times to get the stalled process moving again. The dealer believes the latching mechanism must be replaced at a cost of about $2,300, but I read somewhere that such a fix does not always fix the problem. Advice??

Monday 09/22/2025 | 2014 | Boxster S | Electrical

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The top edges of both plastic interior door panels on my 2014 Boxster S have slightly separated from the underlying door panels right at the top. The official dealer solution is to replace both door panel at a cost of $ 3,000 per panel, plus labor, but they are suggesting that we could possibly remove the panels and apply some epoxy that will take several days to fully dry. Has anyone tried working some epoxy up under the top edges without removing the panels at all?

Monday 09/22/2025 | 2014 | Boxster S | Interior/Upholstery

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2000 996 Cabrio only starts after battery disconnect/reconnect

Monday 09/22/2025 | 2000 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electronics

Hi, my car recently developed an issue where it will start and run fine, but once the ignition is turned off I must disconnect and reconnect the battery to make it start again. This happens 100% of the time. I mostly use the car for autocross during the summer, but I took a season off. During that time the car was kept on a trickle charger. I started to drive the car again a few months ago and all was fine until CEL code P0605 popped up. The car seemed to run fine, so I cleared the code. A fe ...

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Can you recommend grill screens for the opening in the bumper for 2003 911 Carrera

Monday 09/22/2025 | 2003 | 911 Carrera | Body

Looking to protect the radiator and condenser for damage/leaves.

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How do I remove the MAF plug?

Friday 09/19/2025 | 2004 | 911 Carrera | Engine

There must be some simply way to remove the MAF plug. I seen some write-ups on it, but I still have not been successful to get it to unplug. Please advise. Thanks!

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What size turbo twist wheels will fit my 87 944 turbo

Wednesday 09/17/2025 | 1987 | 944 Turbo | Wheels and Tires

I’d like to get some hollow spoke turbo twist wheels for my 87 944 turbo. Not from the later year Boxster but from a 911. There seem to be (too) many options. I was looking for 17” because I’ve read conflicting reports that 18” are too large.Any recommendations for best fit and possible sourcing would be appreciated.

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2006 Cayman S with 'big red porsche' front brakes

Monday 09/15/2025 | 2006 | Cayman S | Brakes

I am the 5th owner of my Cayman S as of summer 2024.Someone along the line has upgraded my front brakes:Per some facebook forums, I identified the calipers as 'big red porsche' calipers, and I'm assuming the matching rotors of whatever size.I had been watching videos on front and rear brake work for my car, but these calipers didn't match anything I was looking at on youtube.I'm told the brakes were standard equipment on 993 cars in the mid to late 90s. Both the c ...

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What is the best aftermarket sport exhaust for a 2000 996.1? I am looking of for a higher pitch whine, not a raspy or bark like sound?

Monday 09/15/2025 | 2000 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Performance Modifications

Currently have original factory stock exhaust. I am looking for better sound, not necessarily power increases.

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High oil level warnig

Saturday 09/13/2025 | 2014 | Boxster | Engine

Hello,The high oil level light comes on after I have driven the car for a while. If I check the level before that happens, it shows one bar below full. Could there be a problem with a sensor?Thanks!

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Power Convertible top latch (right side only) does not un-latch reliably.

Saturday 09/13/2025 | 1988 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Cables and Controls

My power convertible top does not reliably un-latch from the top of the windshield when opening. Right side only. Latch motor runs but the cam hangs up during the un-latch sequence. I can usually get it to unlatch by hitting that latch area with the palm of my hand during the sequence. The top closes and re-latches as designed. Is this just a lubrication issue or could the motor or latch mechanism be failing?thank you. ...

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