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.
Car diagnosed with DME failure with no response from unit. Purchased matching, pre-owned DME for reprogramming but shop is still unable to get any comms from the unit. They're lost and I'm wanting to know what might be causing the ongoing problem?
Tuesday 04/14/2026 | 2003 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electrical
The car was running perfectly when stored for cold weather and connected to trickle charger. Called AAA to jump the car and after a bad battery test they installed a new battery. The new battery failed after a few months and a replacement battery was installed. The car started and ran for about 5 minutes and then quit. The car would not restart so the AAA tech attempted to jump the battery several times. The vehicle/dash lost all power and the tech assumed it was the anti-theft and attempted ...
READ ANSWERCan you recommend a shop to restore the vertical surface of my dashboard in the SF Bay Area? A previous owner installed wood veneer and I want to restore it to original.
Tuesday 04/14/2026 | 1973 | 914 2.0 | Body
READ ANSWERHow to reset service now light after a dead battery?
Monday 04/13/2026 | 2008 | Cayman S | Electronics
After reviving a dead battery, I've fixed all of the lights (PSM, airbag, etc.) but still have a 'Service now' message with a red exclamation light on the tach. The exclamation point goes away after signaling or using the high beams, only to return a few seconds later. The car is running fine otherwise. Any tips on how to reset the light without going to the dealer?
READ ANSWERI have a 2003 Boxster S with the standard manual seats that to me are extremely uncomfortable. Looking for an alternative genuine Porsche seat option suggestion.that
Sunday 04/12/2026 | 2003 | Boxster S | Interior/Upholstery
READ ANSWERConvertible top not working
Sunday 04/12/2026 | 2008 | Boxster RS 60 Spyder | Other
Perfect top-down weather so I decided yesterday to put down my top for the first time since last autumn. Just as soon as it started to go down, a loud "pop" sound. I would guess that a cable either broke or became disengaged. Any thoughts on this? Sounds like it's not a job for an owner with limited skills.
READ ANSWERI am trying to replace my air oil separator and I can't locate the part on my engine . My car is a 2007 911 carrera coupe 997. Even with a mirror and light I can't find it !
Sunday 04/12/2026 | 2007 | 911 Carrera | Engine
I like to do the work myself . I need to see the part I'm replacing in order to plan .I can't see this air oil separator to save my life . Where the hell is it ? I'm going to miss my track day if I can't sort this out .
READ ANSWER2013 981 dOOR cARD, lUXOR bEIGE
Saturday 04/11/2026 | 2013 | Boxster S | Interior/Upholstery
The door panel /card on my luxor beige driver's door was showing signs of delamination. Being a mechanic with a well equipped garage/shop, and having done some aircraft interior work, and after watching several YT vids on the subject, I decided to address this myself. You know the rest: Big mistake! Now REALLY looks bad. Of course prices for a replacent go from $2300 to about $3200 (from Porscche dealer). Now I am close to getting divorced, as my wife asked "You sure", and Mr Overconfide ...
READ ANSWERAny significant handling difference between 18 vs 19 wheels/tires on a 987 Boxster S?
Friday 04/10/2026 | 2005 | Boxster S | Wheels and Tires
My 2005 987 Boxster is equipped with Stark after-market 18" wheels ("fake Fuchs") and Michelin Pilot Sports (see photo). They feel good on the car, and I like the look. The previous owner (a local Pcar friend) is interested in trading straight across for a very clean set of 19" stock lobster claw Porsche wheels and similar Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Any insights on 18" vs 19" wheels for this car? Any handling considerations? Any opinions on the cosmetics or resale issues? Thanks for your vi ...
READ ANSWERPhotos for ads
Friday 04/10/2026 | 1983 | 944 | Other
I was looking at some of the ads in the market and I came across a bunch that the photos taken were just awful. Do you have suggestions for people taking photos of their cars?
READ ANSWERCan 1997 Boxster fit 18" Wheels?
Thursday 04/09/2026 | 1997 | Boxster | Wheels and Tires
I'm keen to find out if a 1997 Boxster (base was only version made) can fit a set of 18" BBS (OEM on later Boxsters and 911s) Carrera Sport Wheels? If not, please advise as to why. I have found various responses to the question, and hoping to settle the issue. Thanks>BB
READ ANSWERDo you have to replace your shock mounts when replacing your rear shocks on a 2004 Porsche 4S/
Thursday 04/09/2026 | 2004 | 911 Carrera 4S | Suspension
I have Bilstien B6s on the rear now, but they are too stiff, and I am replacing them with B4s.
READ ANSWERCan 1997 Boxster fit 18" Wheels?
Thursday 04/09/2026 | 1997 | Boxster | Wheels and Tires
I'm keen to find out if a 1997 Boxster (base was only version made) can fit a set of 18" BBS (OEM on later Boxsters and 911s) Carrera Sport Wheels? If not, please advise as to why. I have found various responses to the question, and hoping to settle the issue. Thanks>BB
READ ANSWERWhat is the real interval for PDK service. Some say fluid replacement at 40k, others say pan , filter and fluid at 12 yrs regardless of mileage. My 981 S is 13 years old with 41,600 miles.
Wednesday 04/08/2026 | 2013 | Boxster S | Transmission/Clutch
READ ANSWERWhenever it rains the carpet on the passenger side gets wet. It comes from the rainwater running down the passenger side kick panel. Clearwater Porsche replaced the sunroof drains with updated parts. But the leak is still there. Have you run into this situation before? Could the windshield be leaking? Or could rain be coming in through the Air duct to the odor and allergen filter, which was also changed by Clearwater Porsche. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Wednesday 04/08/2026 | 2018 | Macan S | Body
READ ANSWERI live in Calvert County, MD. I got my Boxster in Oct last year. Does anyone know of any local mechanics? If not I’ll use the Annapolis dealer. Thanks!
Wednesday 04/08/2026 | 2019 | 718 Boxster | Other
READ ANSWERHeadlights not working
Wednesday 04/08/2026 | 2013 | Boxster | Electrical
Hello. My headlights stopped working yesterday. On auto mode, the daytime running lights work, but the headlights and instrument cluster will not come on. When I switch to on mode, the instrument cluster will come on, but the headlights still will not come on. Is it the light switch? Thank you for your help.
READ ANSWERCode P0442- evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Small Leak). Replaced fuel cap . . . .still returns. Where should I look next?
Tuesday 04/07/2026 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Fuel System
READ ANSWERMy Porsche mechanic closed up shop last year looking for a new certified porsche mechanic to take my 2011 Boxster S to for service. Looking for somwone around Lake Geneva, Mukwonago, Delavan area can you help?
Tuesday 04/07/2026 | 2011 | Boxster S | Engine
READ ANSWERBest paint for Porsche 911 sc
Tuesday 04/07/2026 | 1982 | 911 SC Targa | Paint
READ ANSWER2009 Boxster S - Wheel size(s), width and off-set for 19" & 18"
Tuesday 04/07/2026 | 2009 | Boxster S | Wheels and Tires
Looking for the factory size wheel options for 18" and 19", Front and rear widths and off-sets.
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