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.
Does anyone local (Central Mass) have a 9201 tool I can borrow for my first 944 timing belt change?
Wednesday 01/15/2025 | 1983 | 944 | Engine
Willing to come grab it within a reasonable distance.
READ ANSWERRequest help with installing rear sway bar bushing for the sway bar arm
Tuesday 01/14/2025 | 1968 | 911L | Suspension
Mr. Mayo,I got the rear bushings that you recommended to replace the missing sway bar arm (901-343-782-00). The sway bar arm does not separate to accommodate this bushing. There doesn't seem to be any way for me to push this bushing through the hole of the arm that will hold the bushing. Do I need to buy the whole arm and bushing as a set? I'm enclosing pictures of the rear sway bar arm and the bushing that is very sturdy and will not bend enough to be pushed into place ...
READ ANSWERHas anyone had experience with Bilstein versus Ohlin coilovers?
Friday 01/10/2025 | 2008 | 911 Carrera S | Performance Modifications
Track car several times a year. Have <200 treadwear tires Porsche 19 inch turbo wheels, added camber plates to moderately increase negative camber and this significantly improved turn in on the track. Otherwise suspension is stock. Would like to lower car 1.5-2cm with coilovers and add stiffer sway bars. Understand this will make car stiffer on the street. Does any one have experience with Ohlin Dual Flow Valve coilovers or Bilstein Coilovers? ...
READ ANSWERWhat is a goodLos Angeles Area Porsche workshop / Mechanic for 996 generation
Friday 01/10/2025 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Other
Hi, live near LAX. Looking for a recommendation for a good shop that works on this generation 911. Want to pay reasonable labor rates and not get a long list of this/that needs to be done. Current service need is new plugs, coil packs and injectors. Would also like to replace the AOS. Thank you in advance for your replies
READ ANSWERWill 17" 987.2 Wheels fit on 987.1
Friday 01/10/2025 | 2007 | Boxster | Wheels and Tires
I would like to put snow tires on my Boxster with 17" wheels. Will the 17" wheels from a 987.2 fit on my 987.1? The spec wheels for the 987.1 are 17 x 6.5 ET55 front and 17 x 8 ET40 rear. The 987.2 wheels have the same offset but both front and rear are 0.5" wider. I reviewed the specs for the 18" and 19" wheels for the 987.1 and these 987.2 wheels will fit in the envelope of those. Can you confirm these would fit without issues? Would I need spacers?Thanks,Pat ...
READ ANSWERI have a stick 997.1 Targa 4s. I’d like to put a set of all season tires on the car for winter / spring driving, but the only tires I have found which are currently produced for the factory wheels are summer /performance. What wheels and/or tires can I put on the car, and if I were to change the tires would I be affecting the all wheel drive system?
Thursday 01/09/2025 | 2008 | 911 Targa 4S | Wheels and Tires
Thanks for the help!
READ ANSWERMy reverse camera and Kenwood after market stereo stopped working. My car still ran and drove great. I checked all of the fuses in order to see if this was the cause of my issue. All of the fuses are good, now the psm failure light comes on when I try to start the vehicle and the engine turns over but doesn't start.
Thursday 01/09/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera 4S | Electronics
None.
READ ANSWERRecommendations for clear coat on polished alloy wheels
Thursday 01/09/2025 | 1971 | 911S | Accessories
Refinishing Fuchs alloys. Paddles and rim faces are polished. Anybody have experience with clear coating the polished bits?
READ ANSWERHow do I repair alignment of convertible top?
Thursday 01/09/2025 | 2001 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Other
The convertible top on my 2001 c2 911 does not fully align with the track on either side, when the top comes up. I understand there is a cable or two that can be adjusted or tightened, or they may be stretched beyond adjustment and need replaced. Can I easily replace these cables (part name?) myself, or better off going to a shop. My shop won't touch convertible tops. Would appreciate any guidance or recommendations. Located in Providence, Rhode Island. ...
READ ANSWERwhy am I having to add coolant after a day of use?
Thursday 01/09/2025 | 2017 | 718 Cayman S | Engine
It started about 200 miles ago (a Month ago), I started to get a yellow caution warning light after starting the car. I checked the coolant and it showed it was about 4 to 5oz down in the filler tube. It would some times go off and come back on and if I ran it a little longer I would get the Red warning light saying to stop immediately, this would stop after a few minutes of driving. The car has never overheated or given a fault in the system. I had a water pump fail which was covered under w ...
READ ANSWERWhat's special about a Mezger engine in a 2003 996 turbo?
Tuesday 01/07/2025 | 2003 | 911 Turbo | Engine
READ ANSWERMy digital clock just stopped working. Other than dropping $500 bucks for a new one from Porsche, is there anything I could try?
Tuesday 01/07/2025 | 1989 | 944 S2 | Electrical
The German guy on YouTube shows how to rebuild one but it looks like really intricate work. There are a few used ones on eBay but who knows...
READ ANSWERThere's a Cayman for sale that needs an engine replacement - how do you value this?
Monday 01/06/2025 | 2007 | Cayman S | Engine
READ ANSWERFront end clunking sound!
Monday 01/06/2025 | 2016 | Cayman S | Suspension
I am experiencing a "clunking" sound in the front end when I pull the Cayman out of the garage and into a sharp 90 degree backing turn. I have 20" factory wheels onto which are mounted Pirelli P-Zero tires 235/35 ZR20. Many forums claim the issue is common and is due to the excessive amount of camber specified for the front end alignment, resulting in the tires "skipping" (and thereby, making the clunking sound) under lateral load. Well, I just had the alignment checked and the only spec t ...
READ ANSWERI have a 2002 Boxster S with 45000 miles that I am selling. Would it be worth it to replace the IMS/RMS before selling the car? I know it would increase the value and desirability but by how much?
Monday 01/06/2025 | 2002 | Boxster S | Other
READ ANSWERI have a RoW 2016 GT4. Its halogen headlights are 981-631-111 (112) -08. When I installed xenon headlight 981-631-221 (222)-81 only the high beams light up. Is a change to a controller required using PIWIS when switching to xenon? If so what which controller?
Monday 01/06/2025 | 2016 | Cayman GT4 | Electrical
I bought the xenon headlights from an EU racer who used them twice for an endurance race. My car is a GT4 CS, but the headlight system and switch appear to be stock.
READ ANSWERABS and PSM failure warning light
Sunday 01/05/2025 | 2007 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Electronics
My 2007 Carrera S occasionally comes up indicating a PSM and ABS failure. It flashes alternately between the two failures. When I stop the car and shut it down, the lights do not come back on when I start up again. Is the warning valid or just a computer glitch? Also, quite often I get a warning that my front right parking light is out. When I check it out, it is on just fine. Again, it fails to re-appear after the car has been shut down. Are these warnings, ...
READ ANSWERHow best to remove driver side engine compartment ventilation fan
Sunday 01/05/2025 | 2014 | Cayman S | Heating and Ventilation
Is best way to access and remove thru bottom, inside panel behind seats or inside top panel?
READ ANSWERHow do I get the DME programming code for a 986?
Friday 01/03/2025 | 2001 | Boxster S | Electronics
Preparing a complete intake & exhaust makeover: last step is re-programming my NA 986S to a ROW 996. I have a PIWIIS3.
READ ANSWERFollow-up on recurring airbag fault code issue in 2007 Cayman Base with MT.
Friday 01/03/2025 | 2007 | Cayman | Electrical
Back in July 2024 I asked a question about a recurring airbag fault issue (8024 thorassic airbag). It would come on under acceleration and on a hard turn, but later it would come on at simply random times. I would reset it and it would come back. The answer was a possible issue with the contacts in the seatbelt receptacle. This was after I had taken the seat out, cleaned the connections and ground. I tried the suggested fix, but it did not clear up the issue. I ordered and replaced the ...
READ ANSWERDo all 2009 911 Carera S have a MA1 engine
Wednesday 01/01/2025 | 2009 | 911 Carrera S | Engine
Do all 2009 Carera s have an MA1 engine?
READ ANSWERGrinding feeling after rebuilding steering rack and pump
Monday 12/30/2024 | 1986 | 944 Turbo | Suspension
I removed and rebuilt the steering rack and PS pump on my 1986 944Turbo (5speed). After reinstalling, I can feel a grinding sensation from the steering wheel when turning that was not there before the work. Other than the feedback, the steering performs well. I purged the system and removed and disassembled the pump. All looks correct and I called Rennbay support to confirm. im thinking that the new rubber mounts for the rack are firmer than the old original ones which were swollen wit ...
READ ANSWERI understand that it is possible to DIY the PCM system upgrade from v4.75 to v4.76 - where may I download the file?
Sunday 12/29/2024 | 2016 | Cayman S | Electronics
READ ANSWERTips for Lost Parts Insurance Claim
Sunday 12/29/2024 | 1988 | 944 | Transmission/Clutch
I am looking to see if anyone has any experience or tips on how to best value older used Porsche parts that were lost in a fire that will be covered by ones homeowner insurance policy.I have accumulated a number of spare parts over the years for my 1988 944 like a couple of transaxles and cylinder head that I cannot run down and purchase at the dealers or a parts store t
READ ANSWERsharkwerks experiences
Friday 12/27/2024 | 2009 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Accessories
interested in Sharkwerks experiences.
READ ANSWERWhat is best way to access driver side engine compart ventilation fan to inspect and/or replace.
Friday 12/27/2024 | 2014 | Cayman S | Electrical
When fan is running I hear a clicking sound. It may be simply a twig or ? stuck in fan but would like to know how best to access the fan to verify issue and/or replace. Is access thru bottom of car or thru the top or interior panel ?
READ ANSWERGarage storage tips
Wednesday 12/25/2024 | 2001 | 911 Turbo | Other
Greetings - wishing you all a healthy holiday season and family time!Would appreciate your recommendations on winter storage. My garage did get to below freezing; temp outside dropped to a low of 9 F. Garage door and the space is not insulated. Size - about 250 SQ FT.Thoughts?My electrician - presented a Dyna-Glo EG7500DH Dual Heat 7500W Electric Garage Heater at a cost of ~ $1,800. (Maybe overkill). ...
READ ANSWERDoes anyone know of a service tech for a BackyardBuddy Lift that would service La Grange/Schulenburg, Texas area?
Tuesday 12/24/2024 | 2002 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Other
READ ANSWERHow to trace a parasitic drain, Fuse # 11
Monday 12/23/2024 | 1988 | 944 Turbo S | Electronics
My car has a parasitic drain, which I isolated to the #11 fuse. Interior lights are on that fuse, I'm not sure what else. Is there any suggestion as to how to try to find and fix the problem? Is there a common failure that I might want to check first?
READ ANSWERSpoiler no longer retracts completely,
Monday 12/23/2024 | 2016 | Cayman S | Body
At 15,000 miles spoiler retracted completely and was flush with top of rear light housing.Now at close to 20,000 miles it stops retracting about 5mm above tail light housing.There are no obstructions and retraction stops short whether automatically or manually initiated.How do I correct this situation?PS: I've noticed this issue on several other 981 caymans
READ ANSWEROn cold start up engine vibrate
Sunday 12/22/2024 | 1987 | 944S | Engine
When car is cold engine vibrates ;feels like right side of engine, once car warms up it subside, it idle smoothly just under 9K.The car was smoke check ,and all leaks repaired. Read that if cooling fins on crankcase are below front cross member engine mounts need replacingfins ,is thier any truth to this? Thank You for your time,Regards Espo ...
READ ANSWERI have a 1986 Cab 911. I have the code numbers for the option on the hood but how do I find out the options the car has or is there a way to find this information.
Sunday 12/22/2024 | 1986 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Other
READ ANSWERcode: headlight beam adjustment faulty. All lights work
Saturday 12/21/2024 | 2008 | 911 Carrera S | Electrical
Removed headlight and found no issues with wiring and or connections
READ ANSWERCan someone recommend a reputable shop somewhat close to 94523? Need a clutch...
Saturday 12/21/2024 | 2002 | 911 Targa | Transmission/Clutch
My neighbor has done all the work since I've owned my car and is no longer able. The shop I thought I could trust replaced an alternator that was perfectly fine, so I'm at a loss of who I can trust to do my clutch (it's slipping) and an oil change that's not $550 range... if possible. Thank you for any advice!
READ ANSWERa "fault steering system" message just came up on my 2014 cayman base. What does this mean?
Friday 12/20/2024 | 2014 | Cayman | Other
READ ANSWERAfter washing and drying my 1999 99.1, and backing it into the garage overnight, when pulling out of the garage the next morning it feels like the emergency brake is on (which it isn't); there is a hesitancy in forward movement, then a clung, and then moves freely. Any ideas?
Tuesday 12/17/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera 4 | Brakes
READ ANSWERwarning light's
Tuesday 12/17/2024 | 2014 | Cayman S | Electronics
started 2 days ago after moving car out of garage the psm traction warning light illuminated while being idle also the start / stop being deactivated warning light came on. i haven't had the start/stop activated in years. this is now happening every day any ideas yes it has been wet here but this is happening only after driving 100 ft on the driveway and sitting idle while turning on the radio .thanks for any ideasDavid ...
READ ANSWERoil dipstick
Sunday 12/15/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Engine
A garage forgot to replace my oil dipstick. Until I replace it what should I use to plug the opening?
READ ANSWERAnybody have a good tech for a PDI around Stamford CT area ?
Friday 12/13/2024 | 2005 | 911 Turbo S Cabriolet | Other
READ ANSWER2006 987 Boxster base. Exhaust/cats/headers
Friday 12/13/2024 | 2006 | Boxster | Performance Modifications
At 119K miles and 18 years, are my 500 cell cats degraded thru normal usage?I am considering relacing the Stock OEM exhaust headers with new 200 cell headers.Either Fab Speed or Soul make headers with 200 cell German catsWill changing them give me less restrictive exhaust flow and increase HP & torque?I have done some induction work ( IPD,throttle body, chip , Filter, X pipe) and they made a big difference in the car's performance, maybe 25 to 35 HP!Will ...
READ ANSWERI need recommendation for an independent porsche service shop in Royal Palm Beach floerida Area
Friday 12/13/2024 | 2017 | 718 Boxster | Electrical
I need some electrical and oil service in Royal Palm Beach Florida. Can you recommend an independent service shop in my Area zip code 33411.Thanks
READ ANSWERI recently replaced the battery in my 911 (997.1) and when I took the car for inspection they could not emissions test the car due to insufficient drive cycles. Please explain how many cycles are needed and if there is a workaround now that it is winter
Friday 12/13/2024 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Engine
READ ANSWERvery rough idle and driving. are cylinder head gaskets prone to failure around cylinder #2 ? If it is rings, do I have to replace all pistons or just #2?
Thursday 12/12/2024 | 1988 | 911 Carrera Targa | Engine
rough idle and performance. felt like engine was firing on less than 6 cylinders. had it towed to a Porsche independent repair facility who reported 155 psi from all cylinders except #2. also #2 has an 80% leak down.
READ ANSWERWhich oil to use Mobil 1 with C40 or A40.
Wednesday 12/11/2024 | 2019 | 718 Boxster | Engine
I have a (new to me) 2019 Boxster with the 2.0 engine. I’ve read conflicting information, even per the manual about whether or not to use Mobil 1 0W-40 ESP X3 or Mobil 1 0W-40 ESP X4. They have a different recommendation (A40 vs C40) and I cannot find anything specific in all the blogs and in the manual specific to the 2019 MY. Please advise if possible. Thank you.
READ ANSWEROn cold start up engine vibrate
Wednesday 12/11/2024 | 1987 | 944S | Engine
On cold starts engine vibrate,once engine warms up it fine,as long as revs are 950,. Smoke tested engine repaired all vacuum leaks ,still have slight virbration on Idle, Reading blogs is thier any truth in ,if your crankase cooling fins are below crossmember, motor mounts are shot. The exhust side is the one thats needs to be change ,pricy whats your take on replacing just that side..Car is not race just a sunday driver,man and machine ! Thank ...
READ ANSWERI installed new audio Head Unit in my 2010, 987.2 Boxter. Re wired all speakers. Head Unit works well, however, car cranks but doesn't fire. I smell gas at the tail pipe so I am thinking its not a fuel issue? I did cut all the wires at the rear soundbar including the red wire that powers the Bose sub amp. Other than those the only wires touched were the speaker wires and the red/green Constant power wire. e
Wednesday 12/11/2024 | 2010 | Boxster | Engine
Code reader doesn't read any errors and dash says PSM Failure
READ ANSWERWhat hardtop will fit my Boxster S ?
Tuesday 12/10/2024 | 2008 | Boxster S | Accessories
Looking to see if a 996 hardtop would fit my 2008 boxster S ? Thanks for your help.
READ ANSWERTransmission Flush
Monday 12/09/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Transmission/Clutch
Is it necessary to flush an automatic transmission with about 103,500 miles? What happens if I keep driving?
READ ANSWERFront end rebuild?
Sunday 12/08/2024 | 1985 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Suspension
My 1985 911 Cab with 52,000 miles has developed sloppy steering with an excessive amount of squeaking coming from the front suspension. The only updates completed to date on front end were a pair of new struts and an alignment 4 years ago. The shop which did the alignment did not mention wear to the front suspension. I am preparing to replace the A arm and sway bar bushings. Should I also install new tie rods even though the pair currently in the car seem fine and is there anything els ...
READ ANSWERwarning light is on
Sunday 12/08/2024 | 1987 | 944 Turbo | Electrical
I have an issue with check oil light. The light would come on intermittently over the past several years and now it comes on and stays on all the time. The oil level is fine I check each time I start the car. I have replaced the level sensor in the oil pan, with no change. I now believe that it is either a ground, which I don't know where to find it or a solder joint in the instrument panel, don't know where to look to find it either. It may be neither but your guidance will be greatly apprec ...
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