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.

Engine Idle Control Valve - 84 911

Monday 08/18/2025 | 1984 | 911 Carrera Targa | Engine

Hi - I replaced my ‘84 911 Carerra Targa engine idle control valve which resolved a pronounced searching warm engine idle. Now 200 miles later, after 30 seconds at warm idle it does a slight idle search. Any suggestions how what I can change oradjust next to make the idle smooth again? Thanks

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Best mechanic in San Fernando Valley LA

Sunday 08/17/2025 | 1988 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Engine

Looking for a mechanic to look over my car.

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"White splotch" on Time and Temp display?

Sunday 08/17/2025 | 2007 | 911 Carrera S | Electronics

Approximately one month ago noted a "white splotch" on Time and Temp display. I assume this means the LCD has failed? Time and Temp still working and displaying correct/current info. Does this entail removal of the entire insrument panel in order to repair/replace the display? Estimated cost of repair/replacement?

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are the OEM sports springs compatible with Bilstein B6 shocks

Friday 08/15/2025 | 2004 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Suspension

the standard front springs are out of production according to the dealer

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Recommendation for spare tire for 2013 boxster

Friday 08/15/2025 | 2013 | Boxster | Accessories

Would like recommendation for lightweight spare tire that would fit in my 2013 boxster in the front baggage department?

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Top Won't Go Up / No Parking Brake Light With Brake Engaged

Friday 08/15/2025 | 2002 | Boxster S | Electrical

So I'm assuming my E Brake Switch gummed up or broken. Parking Brake Light does illuminate during start up but will not illuminate while Parking Brake is engaged. Found and removed the access panel below handbrake on the drivers side but still cannot see, let alone access, the switch. How do I do this? Do I have to disassemble more of the center console? Do I have to remove the drivers seat? ...

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When coming to a stop, or between gentle shifts, the engine gives a shudder when the rpm go back to idle (actually just under it for a split second) but then immediately smooths at the idle rpm..

Thursday 08/14/2025 | 1985 | 944 | Engine

As mentioned above, when the engine slows to idle, it shudders for a moment (as the rpm dip slightly below idle) and then immediately returns to the smooth idle rpm. I should say my 944 has been doing this for its entire life, but I'm wondering if I should raise the idle a bit to try to avoid this shudder (as it could be putting the head gasket at risk?....although a recent head gasket change (bent valves) after 125,000 miles showed a perfect head gasket). ...

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New key for Porsche

Thursday 08/14/2025 | 2010 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electronics

I purchased a 2010 Carrera cabriolet, with 1 key. The Porsche dealer near me is asking quite a bit for the key, plus programming and cutting an add’l key. I have found “virgin” keys on EBay, for a lot less money. Has anyone had any experience purchasing an aftermarket key, and what has your experience been? it was suggested to have the key cut at a Volkswagen dealership, but get it programmed at a Porsche dealership. Your advice/help, please. ...

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How to lubricate convertible top?

Wednesday 08/13/2025 | 2002 | 911 Carrera | Body

Top works well but no lube for many years. I found videos on youtube by I am looking for a list of items to lubricate and the type of oil or grease. TY.

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Stuck speedo 996.1 C4

Wednesday 08/13/2025 | 2001 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Electronics

Hello,recently, my analog speedometer got stuck at a random speed in mph. Is there any way to calibrate or reset it? I have tried hooking it up to Durametric and it flickers a little when I command to check the analog gauges.

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I have a 2010 911 Carrera cab. Are the seats the same as in the same year Boxter?

Wednesday 08/13/2025 | 2010 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Accessories

I saw a car with the seats done in black/white houndstooth inserts. I want to get these skins for my car and swap out the standard black leather that are in the car.I found a Canadian company on EBay that is selling them for the 2010 Boxter (they don’t mention the 911). Are the Boxter seats the same as the standard seats in the 911? From the photos they look exactly like mine.

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Can sitting cause the MAF to go bad

Tuesday 08/12/2025 | 2001 | 911 Carrera | Fuel System

Can letting a 996 sit for a couple of months without driving cause the mass airflow sensor to go bad? I am on my second mass airflow sensor replacement in three years and the guy at my parts store said it could be because the car has been sitting. If that’s not the cause what else could it be? What makes the MAF fail?

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2002 boxster battery keeps dying. Just put in new battery. Had it gone completely over and tech says he cannot find the draw. I thought it might be ignition switch but they say no. Could it be radio?

Tuesday 08/12/2025 | 2002 | Boxster | Electronics

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Rarity?

Monday 08/11/2025 | 1986 | 944 Turbo | Other

I have an odd question that I hope someone could can answer.I own a 1986 944 Turbo. VIN: WP0AA0957GN156887This specimen has a factory-deleted sunroof.Is this considered a rarity?Would you know roughly how many of these unicorns were manufactured in 1986, in Stone Grey Metallic with Burgundy leather?Options sticker attached.

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I recently purchased a 2000 911 cab. When I discovered it came with only one key I looked into purchasing an additional one from the nearest Porsche dealer. I was quoted a price of $880..00. That’s crazy. Do I have any alternatives?

Sunday 08/10/2025 | 2000 | 911 Carrera | Other

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Which are the best bulbs to replace

Sunday 08/10/2025 | 1992 | 968 Cabriolet | Electrical

Best and strongest replacement bulbs for my 968

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Is an intermittently working gas gage due to a bad ground or gunk on the float mechanism?

Saturday 08/09/2025 | 1985 | 944 | Electrical

After not using the car for a few weeks, my gas gauge was not working for the first few miles after first starting it up. I added a bottle of Techron thinking there might be dirt on the float mechanism. The next time I used the car, the gauge worked from the startup, then stopped working for a second and then worked. I'm wondering if the on-again-off-again operation points to a possible intermittent ground problem and how I would find / check such a ground. I'm confident that George the "guru ...

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Can you run a "square tire setup on the 944 S2

Saturday 08/09/2025 | 1989 | 944 S2 | Wheels and Tires

I just bought a 944 S2 and it needs tires. Can I safely run a "square" tire setup with 225/55X16 tires?

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Need help troubleshooting 944 fans

Friday 08/08/2025 | 1984 | 944 | Electrical

Hey there, I was hoping to get some ideas for further action on my 84 944. I’ve been experiencing issues with my radiator fans and overheating for a while now, the left fan will run at low speed only and it comes on at high running temp. I’ve replaced the radiator temperature switch, which fixed it for like 2 days then it stopped working again. I then replaced the fan/ac relay in the top left slot which again fixed it for 2 days then the fans stopped working ...

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Lubrication or not?

Friday 08/08/2025 | 2018 | 718 Cayman | Wheels and Tires

What is the Porsche recommendation for the following?I am installing new lug bolts. Better to lubricate or not lubricate during installation. I see Pros and Cons to either way. Wondering what Porsche recommends? Thanks.

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