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.
987.1 Coolant fans come on shortly after starting car cold and stay on
Friday 05/03/2024 | 2005 | Boxster S | Engine
Hello all,I hope someone out there can give me some guidance. Recently my Boxster has started running its cooling fans (Radiator not engine compartment) at full power about 30 seconds after car start up regardless of temperature, even when cold starting. Both fans run until the car is stopped. The A/C is not on, specifically ECO is on and the temperature is turned all the way down and the cabin fan is off. I live in Vermont USA, so it is not warm this time of year, ...
READ ANSWERI have a base 2016 Boxster that I want to add a midrange speaker in the door and speakers behind the headrests. What size are the speakers? Is there already wiring. I would also appreciate any other best practices or suggestions on improving the sound system. Also, if I replace the stereo head unit, will I lose the parking sensor capability?
Thursday 05/02/2024 | 2016 | Boxster | Accessories
I have a base 2016 Boxster that I want to add a midrange speaker in the door and speakers behind the headrests. What size are the speakers? Is there already wiring. I would also appreciate any other best practices or suggestions on improving the sound system. Also, if I replace the stereo head unit, will I lose the parking sensor capability?
READ ANSWERLooking for a 996 intake hose( throttle body to air box)
Thursday 05/02/2024 | 2001 | 911 Carrera | Engine
Anybody local(Birmingham) have a stock 996 intake laying around? Need the throttle body to air box hose.
READ ANSWERWill Kline Innovation 200 Cell Cat on a 99t Turbo pass SMOG test in CA?
Monday 04/29/2024 | 2001 | 911 Turbo | Performance Modifications
HiIm interested in upgrading the stock exhaust on my 996 TT. I'm looking at Kline Innovation 200 Cell Cat setup. Looking for responses from folks that experience with this exhaust and were there any issues with passing SMOG test in CA? ThanksZia
READ ANSWERI'm looking help finding a reputable shop to perform a PPI near Beverly Hills, California.
Monday 04/29/2024 | 2012 | Boxster S | Other
Good morning,I am looking at purchasing a Boxster near Beverly Hills, California and am looking for help with PPI.Thank you and have a great day!Michael ValenzanoPCA Pocono Region, Zone 2
READ ANSWER‘968 doors lock by themselves. I hear clicking then they lock
Sunday 04/28/2024 | 1993 | 968 Cabriolet | Electrical
if I am sitting in the car I hear a clicking the doors lock and if I try to start the car the alarm go off
READ ANSWERHow to determine if shocks need replacing or how to soften the ride?
Saturday 04/27/2024 | 2011 | Boxster S | Body
I’m new to Porsche cars and purchased a 2011 Boxster S in 2022. It’s a great car and fun to drive with the 6 speed and 300+ hp. But the ride feels a bit stiff on flat roads with cracks, expansion joints and minor bumps. Is that the nature of the beast? And if so, could the ride be softened with new/different shocks to improve the ride comfort?
READ ANSWERMy 1995 968 Cabriolet has problems with the trunk lock
Saturday 04/27/2024 | 1995 | 968 Cabriolet | Other
After last shop visit I noticed a problem with opening the trunk:the electric switch in left footwell opened normally, but insertingthe key into the lock mechanically wouldn't. The shop suggestedreplacing the lock...Must I or this there some different answer?
READ ANSWERWhat sensor sends the cars speed to the speedometer and where is it located?
Friday 04/26/2024 | 2000 | 911 Carrera | Electrical
READ ANSWERi want to improve handling in tight heavy loaded cornering conditions.
Thursday 04/25/2024 | 2015 | Cayman GTS | Suspension | 3 views
Does anyone have experience with adding a transverse strut (982 505 475) from SunCoast to a 2015 Cayman GTS?
READ ANSWERI need topurchase a new battery for my car. old one long gone. please recommend thank you
Wednesday 04/24/2024 | 1975 | 911 Carrera Targa (US) | Electrical
I need a new battery. Old one long gone please recommend. thank you
READ ANSWERI need a switch to disconnect the battery when the car is stored for several months
Tuesday 04/23/2024 | 2000 | Boxster S | Electrical | 3 views
I need to store my Boxster 3-4 months at a time several times per year. It is stored in a garage at our Florida condo, however there are no 110v outlets in the garage where I could plug the car into a C-Tech battery maintainer. I don't wish to physically remove the battery or keep removing and reattaching the cables on the battery posts every time we leave. Is there a recommended switch that can be permanently mounted to the battery terminal so that the battery doesn't drain while it is store ...
READ ANSWERThe lens on my 2013 Boxster S are all spidered. I’ve tried buffing, ceramic… Does anyone know of a reputable shop that will replace the lens.
Sunday 04/21/2024 | 2013 | Boxster S | Body
READ ANSWERBattery Specifications for G-Model?
Sunday 04/21/2024 | 1985 | 911 Carrera | Electrical
The Interstate battery (MTP-93 with 850 CCA) in my 1985 911 was no longer holding a charge, so I contacted my shop for a replacement. They gave me an Interstate MTP-49/H8 with 730 CCA. I installed it but the car still would not start without a jump start. Figuring the new battery may have been discharged, I drove it 20 miles and then parked it. Two days later, it took three tries to crank the car - very slow to crank and just doesn't want to turn over. Letting it sit a couple of weeks re ...
READ ANSWERThird Brake Light (upper brake light)
Sunday 04/21/2024 | 2006 | 911 Carrera 4S | Electrical
Upper brake light warning came on when backing out of driveway. Not able to determine if that is on a separate circuit than other brake lights. Those light are working but third light is not. Hoping it could be a fuse because it looks like a lot of tedious work to remove the panel the light is sitting in. Same day after stopping and shutting car off when starting back up received the brake light warning and then immediately following check engine light display (solid red ...
READ ANSWER944 Water pump install problem
Sunday 04/21/2024 | 1985 | 944 | Engine
I recently purchased a 1985.5 - 944 NA. It had no maintenance history. I went about the process of replacing the timing belt, bal. belt and water pump etc - ASAP. But when I got to the water pump one of the lower bolts broke off. I tied the 2 nut solution to try to remove the stud that remained - but that broke off - even after sitting for 24 hrs in penetrating oil. What was left was a small nub where the stud broke. I then tried to use heat and grab with vice grips - no room - keeps slip ...
READ ANSWER2008 Boxster key no longer releases from the ignition switch when the car is turned off.
Sunday 04/21/2024 | 2008 | Boxster | Electrical
The key can only be removed with the release button. The battery had died but replaced and all other dead battery side effects have cleared. The car has been driven several times since the battery was replaced but the key lock refuses to release when the ignition is switched off.
READ ANSWERUpdate on 03 996 C4s Radiators access.
Saturday 04/20/2024 | 2003 | 911 Carrera 4S | Other
Unfortunately you can not access the Radiator(s) Left or Right on a 03 996 C4S by removing the Wheel(s) and Inner Fender Lining(s). Primarily due to design and structural bracing, not allowing access or much visibility, may be due to the C4S having the Turbos Body shell etc.? I'll assume this is not the case on other 996 Models. The only way to access the Radiators for inspection/repairs is to completely remove the Front Bumper. ...
READ ANSWERwhat are factory alignment specs for a 2018 boxster s with 20" rims? thank you
Thursday 04/18/2024 | 2018 | 718 Boxster S | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERUpgrade 2007 cayman steering wheel
Thursday 04/18/2024 | 2006 | Cayman S | Other
I want to upgrade steering wheel from Tiptronic switch’s to paddle levers instead.can I activate multifunction steering wheel controls.
READ ANSWERhas anyone replaced 718 boxster s wheels with 18" rims to save on tires and tracking? If so what rim width and what tire width did you use? (18" rims are not factory options so tire rack precludes tire selection) thank you
Wednesday 04/17/2024 | 2018 | 718 Boxster S | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERPedro replied to my question that other than the expensive PIWIS, the best aftermarket code reader was DURAMETRIC. 2016 981 not supported..
Wednesday 04/17/2024 | 2016 | Boxster S | Accessories
I own Duurametric and it worked great on 2003 Boxster S, but 2015 981 is last year model supported for Boxster S. My newer Boxster S car was manufactured In Sept 2015 but is considered a 2016 Model. I attempted to update and use Durametric for 981, and it only partially worked. It was not stable enough for me to trust it to reset the oil change interval.
READ ANSWERStalled car and the gas gauge stopped working?
Wednesday 04/17/2024 | 2011 | Boxster | Electrical
READ ANSWERBattery replacement
Tuesday 04/16/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Electrical
Which is the best replacement for my 1999 911 cabriolet?
READ ANSWERAfter a drive I've noticed a little antifreeze in front of my passenger tire. I've done some minor research and wanted to try and find the correct information. Does the 03 996 C4S have a Rubber Nipple on the radiator as the standard and earlier 996's have? Or is the leak a common issue for 996's as a whole?
Tuesday 04/16/2024 | 2003 | 911 Carrera 4S | Other
Have a slight radiator leak on the passenger side of the vehicle, wanted to know if the 03 c4s's are the same design as the standard and earlier 996 generation's in terms of cooling systems?
READ ANSWERthere are hairline cracks on the front brake rotors around the drilled holes. The car has only 10,000 miles. Should the rotors be replaced?
Tuesday 04/16/2024 | 2018 | 718 Boxster S | Brakes
READ ANSWERIs it recommended to replace suspension components in a 2006 Carrera S
Tuesday 04/16/2024 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S | Suspension
READ ANSWERwhat is best obd code reader for 981
Tuesday 04/16/2024 | 2016 | Boxster S | Body
i need to reset oil service
READ ANSWERRecommended Shop for Coolant Pipe Pinning (Northern VA)
Monday 04/15/2024 | 2009 | 911 Turbo Cabriolet | Engine
Hi all,Given the fact that I suffered the dreaded IMS bearing failure on my '05 Boxster, you'd think I would've done a little more research before I plunked down the money on my 911 Turbo.But here we are and I'm reading all about the epoxy failing on the aluminum coolant sleeves and the engine dumping coolant everywhere. I'm wondering if anyone has had their coolant lines pinned or welded and could recommend a shop to do the work in the Northern Virginia area.Thanks! ...
READ ANSWERhow do I remove the clock out of 67 911
Sunday 04/14/2024 | 1967 | 911S | Accessories
READ ANSWERHow can I have my PCM system display the correct date?
Saturday 04/13/2024 | 2005 | 911 Carrera S | Accessories
According to my car's PCM system, today's date is 8/26/2004. I can use the navigation system, and the system will display the correct latitude and longitude, updating while I drive, and it also allows me to choose what time zone I'm in. My mechanic suggested I do a "hard reset" by disconnecting the battery and connecting the battery leads together to drain the system. I tried that, without success (I connected the leads together for about 10-15 min.)...Any ideas what's going on? ...
READ ANSWERSomeone is offering to detail my car with a product called polysilazane. He says it ie better than ceramic coating. Any comments?
Wednesday 04/10/2024 | 2013 | Boxster S | Other
READ ANSWERWhat is included in the 6 year maintenance/service for a 718 cayman?
Wednesday 04/10/2024 | 2018 | 718 Cayman | Other
HI all, I'm just trying to figure out what exactly is included in the 6 year service for a 718 cayman. I've got 25k miles on it, but I've taken it in to Park Place for the past 5 years. Since the warranty is up, I'm looking around for an indy to do my servicing.TIA.
READ ANSWERI am considering purchase of a '04 996 with GIAC Performance Software Flash engine modification. Will this modification affect a future smog test?
Tuesday 04/09/2024 | 2004 | 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | Performance Modifications
I'm in a state which will require passage of a smog test prior to gaining collector plates. The car is now located in a state where emission testing is not required. The GIAC id is GIAC-996-3.6-XPH
READ ANSWERCar battery
Tuesday 04/09/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Other
Which high performance battery replacement is best for my car?
READ ANSWERHow to uninstall a rear window on a 1982 Targa
Tuesday 04/09/2024 | 1982 | 911 SC Targa | Other
READ ANSWERClock and speedometer not accurate
Tuesday 04/09/2024 | 1979 | 911 SC | Electronics
I recently removed all gauges from the dash and the dash was completely removed from the car for restoration. The speedometer is showing higher mph than actual speed (based on radar speed signs and compared other vehicles as accurate). The clock is also not keeping the proper time. Both worked properly/accurately prior to removing. Could this be related or is it a coincidence? Any recommendations on how to approach? ...
READ ANSWERHello everyone. I have an issue with my 2013 boxster's top. Sometimes the top will open or close about halfway and stop, with the message " failure with top". After letting go of the button and then pressing the button again, it will complete the operation. Does anyone know what the issue is. Dealer replaced the latch , but the issue persists.
Tuesday 04/09/2024 | 2013 | Boxster | Electrical
READ ANSWERHow to safely raise the height of manual seats in a 2006 Boxster base. Max height adjustment is not high enough fo my wife (5')
Monday 04/08/2024 | 2006 | Boxster | Interior/Upholstery
Considering adding spacers to the seat rail attachment points.
READ ANSWERWhy does my exhaust smell on a cold start?
Monday 04/08/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Engine
My exhaust has a foul odor when I cold start the engine.
READ ANSWERUpgrade Steering Wheel from 997.1 Carrera Triptronic to 991.1 Macan
Saturday 04/06/2024 | 2008 | 911 Carrera | Accessories
Does anyone know the part number of the control module that I need to do this upgrade
READ ANSWERAre Porsche Wheel Parts #s 987.362.157.06, and 987.362.161.01 Forged Alloy, or Cast Alloy?
Saturday 04/06/2024 | 2006 | Cayman S | Wheels and Tires
Are Porsche Wheel Parts #s 987.362.157.06, and 987.362.161.01 Forged Alloy, or Cast Alloy?
READ ANSWERHow do I stop my disk player from skipping tracks when I turn it off and then turn it on?
Thursday 04/04/2024 | 2006 | 911 Carrera | Electronics
It is annoying when I am listening to a recorded book and the disk player does not resume where it left off when I turned it off.
READ ANSWEROwner's Manuals for 1999 911 2-door RWD Carrera Coupe
Wednesday 04/03/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Accessories
Dear Friends, I just purchased a 1999 911 2-door RWD Carrera Coupe. My first Porsche! There are no owner manuals with the vehicle. I would like to locate a set of manuals that would have been original to the car. I have seen a couple on eBay, but some have the vehicle pointed forward, and some have the vehicle pointed backward on the manual's cover. Would someone be able to tell me what set would be correct to buy? (A photo (or photos) of the correct manuals would be great!) I woul ...
READ ANSWERAlignment Before/after document
Wednesday 04/03/2024 | 2015 | Cayman S | Other
READ ANSWERdid dealerships ever replace just battery acid instead of replacing the entire battery
Wednesday 04/03/2024 | 2012 | Boxster | Electrical
READ ANSWERIntermittent electronic oil level
Tuesday 04/02/2024 | 2019 | 718 Cayman S | Engine
More than half the time I check my oil level I get the message "Oil level information currently not available." But some of the time it works fine. I took it into a dealer, they checked it, and said it was working fine. (Of course it decided to work at the dealer -- Murphy's Law.) I can't tell if it's a sensor problem or a problem of the sensor communicating with the display. Any ideas what I can do about it? I am plenty nervous not knowing the level of my oil at all times. ...
READ ANSWERI have symbols next to digital speedometer and just curious what they are indicating?
Tuesday 04/02/2024 | 2000 | Boxster | Electronics
READ ANSWERNeed my 1971 911S aligned after total restoration. I live in central Main
Monday 04/01/2024 | 1971 | 911S | Suspension
Complete restoration of a car that I bought new in 1971
READ ANSWER