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.
Need a new engine for my 996.1
Wednesday 04/16/2025 | 2001 | 911 Carrera 4 | Engine
AOS failure led to a blown spark plug that damaged the cylinders I need a new engine but am on a budget. What are best options?
READ ANSWERGood oil choices for twenty fourteen cayman s 3.4 liter manual transmission
Monday 04/14/2025 | 2014 | Cayman S | Engine
Hi everyone, I am hearing at local P.C.A meetings that Motul 5w-40 synthetic oil is good for my, california car, 2014 Porsche cayman S 3.4 liter with manual transmission.I am currently using mobile 1 5w -40 full synthetic.If the Motul 5w-40 synthetic oils a good choice, is part number 102051 the correct part number?Thank you very much,David Zoom Loux
READ ANSWERTires for my 1988 944 Turbo S
Monday 04/14/2025 | 1988 | 944 Turbo S | Suspension
I'm having trouble finding tires for my 1988 944 Turbo S. The sizes I need are 225/50/16 and 245/45/16. I recently purchased Yokohama A052 tires, but they ride terribly. I've checked all the major manufacturers and haven't been able to find a suitable match for both sizes – only racing tires are available. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!
READ ANSWERfoggy screen on CDR 24 Becker radio, possible to replace just the Screen on radio?
Saturday 04/12/2025 | 2006 | Boxster S | Accessories
READ ANSWER968 Maintenance Issues
Saturday 04/12/2025 | 1995 | 968 | Other
We are thinking about buying a 968 and are looking at maintenance areas. If these engines are well maintained, how many mile can we expect? Are the 944 Turbo engine mounts a good choice for the 968? Here's what we have so far. Any other recommendations?Cam chain and pads should be replaced by 100K milesChange timing and balance shaft belts every 5 years, replace rollers every 10 yearsPeriodically check water pump for leaks, ...
READ ANSWERclunk in right front suspension
Wednesday 04/09/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S | Suspension
sutle clunk when driving slowly over speed bump/driveway entrance.
READ ANSWERHow "rare" is the 6-speed manual 997.2 C4S Cabriolet?
Wednesday 04/09/2025 | 2009 | 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | Other
Good day, I am contacting you in the hope that you may be able to provide a definitive Porsche answer to the question - How "rare" is the 6-speed manual 997.2 C4S Cab? I purchased one last year because I have always wanted a cabriolet and plan to keep it for a long time. During my research I came across all kinds of forum and website chatter claiming that these 997.2 6-speed manual cab's are considered to be rare because Porsche manufactured ve ...
READ ANSWER997.1 convertible top rain rail/tension cable out of alignment
Tuesday 04/08/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | Cables and Controls
I have seen pictures of other tops with this similar issue, and I know others have said the cable has broken internally. That may be what has happened here too, but I have pulled on the metal portion of the cable where it meets the mounting point and it feels solid in the trim/tubing attached to the top. I bought this car about 7 months ago and it looked like this passenger side of the top was recently taken apart and put back together improperly. Is it possible this tension cable has too muc ...
READ ANSWERBrake Pads- Follow through about earlier email
Friday 04/04/2025 | 2015 | Cayman | Brakes
Re: Brake Pads - Part # 981-351-939-04 & 987-352-939-03. I didn’t have the chance to attach picture of the parts and their boxes - so I’m doing it now. Take note that the boxes have Porsche identification but contain Textar & Galfer brake pads which I find unusual.
READ ANSWERRe: Brake Pads - Porsche has casting number stamped on the parts itself and not the part number?
Friday 04/04/2025 | 2015 | Cayman | Brakes
One of these days the brake pads have to be replaced, so I ordered them from a Porsche dealership through the internet. The VIN# was provided to make sure the replacement parts are correct. Upon receiving the parts I checked the boxes and their contents. In the unsealed boxes the parts numbers I ordered were correct. These are 981-351-939-04 (front) and 987-352-939-03 (rear). However, stamped on the parts are 981-351-930-01 (Textar) and 987-352-930-03 (Galfer), respectively. I contacte ...
READ ANSWERWhy does my driver’s side window go up and then goes back down. The passenger side will go down after the roof is in place
Thursday 04/03/2025 | 2006 | Boxster S | Electrical
READ ANSWERHow do I overide the electric seat back adjustment
Thursday 04/03/2025 | 2002 | Boxster S | Interior/Upholstery
After having the drives seat reupholstered, the seatback adjustment switch was not reconnected but left hanging under the seat. I attempted to reconnect it but the switch was not making contact with the outside lever. In attempting to correct, the springs and plastic nipples popped out and and are lost but not before the seat extended to almost 180 degrees. Is there a way to manually override the power mechanism to get the seat back in the correct position? Is the connector able to be purch ...
READ ANSWER19" OZ racing wheels- 11" rear and 8.5" front width. Currently front tire Toto 235-35-19 and rear Toyo 315-25-19. The rear 315-25-19 is no longer available. I'm having trouble finding a new tire combination that will fit the OZ wheels. The car will be run on the street with some novice road racing.
Wednesday 04/02/2025 | 2002 | 911 Turbo | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERLifter noise on start
Tuesday 04/01/2025 | 1988 | 944 Turbo S | Engine
I own a 1988 944 Turbo S with 82k miles, which I’ve had for 33 years. It makes a significant ticking sound from the lifters upon starting, but it quiets down within a minute. Is this normal for a car of this age and mileage? Thanks.
READ ANSWERHow many 2005 Turbo S Cabriolets were produced in Basalt Black Metallic with?
Monday 03/31/2025 | 2005 | 911 Turbo S Cabriolet | Paint
READ ANSWERWhat is my car worth?
Monday 03/31/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | Other
I am wondering what my car is worth because a neighbour wants to buy it from me. He knows I dont drive it much.I am the second owner I I imported the car from Manhattan so it has a mph speedometer. I have only ever driven it in the summers kept in a garage during the winter. It has a Midnight Metallic blue exterior with a dark blue full leather interior. It is a second generation 2006 so it has the upgraded IMS bearing. ...
READ ANSWERWhat does rear controll module control 07 boxster s
Monday 03/31/2025 | 2007 | Boxster S | Cables and Controls
I don’t hear motor for rear spoiler engage when pressing button for it
READ ANSWERMy Pioneer just stopped working. Can you recommend a quality replacement and an audio retailer in the Cleveland, Akron area to install it.
Sunday 03/30/2025 | 2002 | 911 Carrera | Electronics
My Pioneer radio just stopped working. Can you recommend a quality replacement and an audio retailer in the Cleveland, Akron area to install it. Thanks
READ ANSWERIs there any way to disconnect drive motor for fresh-air/recirculation?
Sunday 03/30/2025 | 2007 | 911 Carrera | Heating and Ventilation
Hi,is there any way to just disconnect the drive motor for fresh/recirculate? Mine is clicking loud and constantly unless I engage recirculate. I got an estimate to replace it and it was $5000! Help!
READ ANSWERIgnition key will not turn frequently
Sunday 03/30/2025 | 1998 | Boxster | Electrical
Just purchased this 1998 Boxster. I was able to drive it about 4 times. Ignition key was difficult to turn. Currently the key will only turn slightly for instrument might to come on. Steering wheel lock is not operating. I’m guessing it’s the lock cylinder. Any suggestions? Spray silicone lube into cylinder?thank you.
READ ANSWERI replaced the radio in my 2009 911 Carrera S with a 2010 that had navigation, XM, etc. When I first connected, I was able to pair my iPhone with Bluetooth and navigation worked. Now, the only connections available are AM/FM and CD. Phone, navigation are not available. Does anyone know why and what do I do now?
Sunday 03/30/2025 | 2009 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Electronics
READ ANSWERMy high mileage S is having cold start issues. Takes a while to turn on, and sometimes just dies, also get reduced engine power warning. On restart, and holding down gas pedal, it will work after some time, and then idle and run normally, but will sometimes hesitate on acceleration
Saturday 03/29/2025 | 2010 | Boxster S | Fuel System
Problem seems to happen primarily after sitting for a few days. Runs better the more I drive it, and once warmed up, I can start and go with no issues whatsoever. Any help or advice is appreciated
READ ANSWERLeft brake light out. Bulb and fuse OK
Saturday 03/29/2025 | 2006 | Boxster S | Electrical
I get a "Check left brake light" warning as soon as the ignition is on, before I step on the brake. The brake light does not light when I step on the brake. The center and right brake lights work fine so the brake light switch is probably OK. The left bulb works fine when I pull it and put 12V on it. I measured the resistance of the fuse (A6), it is less than one ohm. The rear fog lights work fine (same fuse), so I know the fuse is getting power. I removed the board th ...
READ ANSWERFront and rear bumper sensors
Wednesday 03/26/2025 | 2013 | Boxster S | Electronics
I just recently obtained a 2013 Boxster S, purchased out of state, that has both front and rear bumper sensors used for Park Assist or similar feature. The VIN shows the PA option was not included on the car from the factory. This means that it was either added later on or both front and rear bumper covers were replaced that had the sensors in them. A Porsche specialist said the reason PA wasn't working was because the sensors had been painted, and the feature was likely turned off because ...
READ ANSWERBoxster Top
Tuesday 03/25/2025 | 2002 | Boxster | Electrical
I took my car out for a drive this weekend and now the top will not return to the up position. Could it be a fuse? no noises when I engage the roof button. And yes, the emergency brake was engaged. And thoughts would be appreciated.
READ ANSWER1986 944 with no oil pressure at gauge
Tuesday 03/25/2025 | 1986 | 944 | Engine
READ ANSWERClicking noise from rear while in motion cause?
Tuesday 03/25/2025 | 1986 | 944 Turbo | Other
Whenever I drive my car, there is sometimes a loudish clicking sound coming from the rear. Anytime I speed up, the clicking becomes more often but more quite. I’m worried that it might be a clutch or driveshaft issue as it only happens when the car is moving, and not when it is at standstill or startup. There are no warning lights on the dashboard and the car drives fine despite the noise. What should I look out for or try to investigate? ...
READ ANSWERwindshield
Monday 03/24/2025 | 2011 | 911 Carrera 4S | Other
Is there a difference in using Pilkington, St Gobain or XYG for windscheild replacement? Do you know what a fair cost will be?
READ ANSWERintermittent ABs/PSM failure light
Monday 03/24/2025 | 2007 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Other
Just updating your knowledge bank. We have had past dialog on the possible causes of this intermittent failure light. My local Porsche guy quickly found and fixed the problem. The failure warning was traced to a faulty $30 brake switch. Replacement fixed the problem.Thanks for your past attention and response to my prior posts.
READ ANSWERsize of 1984 944 gas tank.
Monday 03/24/2025 | 1984 | 944 | Fuel System
I have a 1984 944 - What size is the original gas tank for my car? I looked it up online - I see 80 liters - 21.1 gallons - I see another place say 17.4 gallons. The replacement tank from Dansk says it 62 liters That's 16 gallons.
READ ANSWERWhere can I buy a gas tank for my 1984 944 - My has rusted out.
Sunday 03/23/2025 | 1984 | 944 | Fuel System
READ ANSWERwhat is leather in 87 944s
Thursday 03/20/2025 | 1987 | 944S | Interior/Upholstery
What is leather in interior and whats vinyl,thank you
READ ANSWERWhat are the best fuel that do not have ethanol in them?
Wednesday 03/19/2025 | 2013 | Boxster S | Fuel System
I have been running Chevron Premium in all of our cars for the last 38 years. Chevron has recently changed one of their business practices that has led us to decide not to do business with them any longer. What top commercial fuels can you recommend that do not contain ethanol?Thank you for your help.John DeWolf
READ ANSWERRosewood Metallic, known as Palisander Metallic in German, was a paint option for the Porsche 911 in the 1981 and 1982 model years. The paint code for this color is 474, it may also be designated L9AB. How may 911's were delivered in this color?
Wednesday 03/19/2025 | 1982 | 911 SC | Paint
READ ANSWERMy 2008 Cayman stopped locking
Wednesday 03/19/2025 | 2008 | Cayman | Electrical
My Cayman stopped locking.If I use the Key fob the car honks twice but does not lock. If I use the Key itself in the door handle it honks four times and does not lock. Can anyone help me understand what is going on and how to fix this?
READ ANSWERcan't find correct size filter for my 2005 boxster cabin air filter
Tuesday 03/18/2025 | 2005 | Boxster | Other
I have a 2005 2.7L Boxster. I tried to replace the cabin air filter. I ordered one that was supposed to be the exact right fit but it would not fit. The filter that was in the car to be replaced is a Mann CUK 6630. When I look that part up online from various vendors the width shows 6.4" to 6.9"....however the filter size that came out was 6" and barely fits. Not sure where to get the correct filter. ...
READ ANSWERMichelin tires for street use. What is recommended?
Tuesday 03/18/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERWill a 991.1 steering wheel fit on a 997.1 C4s
Monday 03/17/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | Interior/Upholstery
2012 991.1 steering wheel fit on my 2006 997.1. Can I transfer air bag also
READ ANSWERRefitting oil cooler in oil/water cooler assembly
Sunday 03/16/2025 | 1988 | 944S | Engine
New seals with oil on the oil cooler seals prior to installation ... pushing the oil cooler into the housing you hear a "pop" when the seals seat in the housing. Conversely, if I only push the oil cooler into the engine-side (without the housing), I get the same "pop" sound. However, if I follow the factory installation directions, I assemble the cooler into the external housing (with spacer and shims) then mount it on the engine. While I do get the "pop" sound in the housing, I get no "pop" ...
READ ANSWERNeed a referal for a reputable porsche mechanic in the D.C. Area (Ridiculous $9,000 quote of Headlights)
Friday 03/14/2025 | 2018 | 718 Boxster | Electronics
My local Porsche dealer told me that "the headlights on these cars is about $9000[.]" This is obviously insane, and I can think of no one paying that amount of money to change the headlight assembly when the lights go. Can anyone give me a referral to a reputable Porsche mechanic in the D.C./ Northern Virginia area? I was thinking that replacing the headlights once dead was going to be in the 2k range, not nearly 10k for one light. I did some googling and found these guys ( ...
READ ANSWERAll season tires.
Thursday 03/13/2025 | 2007 | 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | Wheels and Tires
I have a 2007 997.1 C4S Cab, does anyone know if all season tires are available? I’ve found some for the front tires (235/35R19) but not the rear (305/30R19).
READ ANSWERHas anyone mounted the Falken Azenis FK510 tires on their Porsche Boxter or any other Porsche?? Wondering about this tire, good or bad??
Tuesday 03/11/2025 | 2016 | Boxster S | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERWhy does Porsche not recommend anti-seize on spark plug threads? There must be a reason.
Sunday 03/09/2025 | 2014 | Cayman | Engine
READ ANSWERAre there modifications that can be made a 996.2 Tiptronic transmission
Thursday 03/06/2025 | 2003 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Transmission/Clutch
Is it possible to replace a 996 tiptronic transmission with a 968 tiptronic. Why? I prefer the 968 in full automatic mode because you can limit the top gear you drive in local traffic. The 996 spins up to top gear quickly and you’re cruisingalong at 1000 rpm’s.
READ ANSWER996 water pump failure has released broken impeller material into the cooling system. Is an engine tear down necessary.
Wednesday 03/05/2025 | 2001 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Engine
My 2001 996 water pump has failed releasing impeller debris into the water system.The failure was identified by a heavy coolant leak.I am concerned about the possibility of the debris causing damage by blocking passages, causing hot spots, etc.Is there any way to flush the debris out of the system or is an engine removal and strip inevitable?
READ ANSWERWhere to hook up smoke tester 944 Turbo S
Tuesday 03/04/2025 | 1988 | 944 Turbo S | Engine
I think my Turbo s has a vacuum leak. Can someone please advise me where to insert my smoke tester output tube on the car?ThanksTC
READ ANSWERDo I require a Code for Radio after changing 2006 Boxster Battery?
Monday 03/03/2025 | 2006 | Boxster S | Electronics
READ ANSWERHVAC blower fan has stopped working.
Monday 03/03/2025 | 2014 | Cayman | Heating and Ventilation
What are the steps of a diagnostic procedure to discover if the problem is with the blower fan and/or the blower resistor?
READ ANSWERHas anyone had issues with Rennkit eRam Kit?
Sunday 03/02/2025 | 2007 | 911 Turbo | Performance Modifications
I have a 2007 Turbo with the Rennkit eRam Kit for the spoiler in replace of the oem hydraulic system. Recently, I have been having issues where my eRam kit gets stuck in the up position on one side or it won't go up at all. I took it apart and lubricated the internals which worked for a little bit but again I'm running into issues. Has anyone run into issues with this eRam Kit?
READ ANSWERSignificant Oil Smoke at the exhaust under the slightest load
Sunday 03/02/2025 | 1983 | 911 SC | Engine
After driving about 10 miles at very moderate speed, with the engine warmed up and oil level correct i stopped at a traffic light. When the light turned green i accelerated away however in the rear view mirror the cloud of blue oil smoke was huge. Immediately stopped and had the car towed home. if i idle the car it doesn't smoke, pushing the accelerator it smokes heavily. Oil level is now over 1 quart low. Any suggestions on what the cause may be? ...
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