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.
Pedro 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 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 ANSWERwhat is best obd code reader for 981
Tuesday 04/16/2024 | 2016 | Boxster S | Body
i need to reset oil service
READ ANSWERhow do I remove the clock out of 67 911
Sunday 04/14/2024 | 1967 | 911S | Accessories
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 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 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 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 ANSWERWhat is the period correct radio for 1971 Targa?
Monday 04/01/2024 | 1971 | 911T Targa | Electronics
READ ANSWERDo you recognize this device wired into my Cayman S in the frunk compartment adjacent to the Remote CD changer?
Sunday 03/31/2024 | 2006 | Cayman S | Accessories
Recently purchased this 987.1 Cayman S from an out of state Porsche dealer, upon delivery I found this device in the frunk compartment adjacent to the remote cd changer. My inclination is possibly a Starguard GPS tracking unit. In which case I assume pulling the fuse will disconnect the unit and eliminate any potential draw on the battery, correct?
READ ANSWERStartup after sitting for five months
Sunday 03/31/2024 | 2000 | Boxster S | Engine
I would have to disagree with an earlier answer about the start-up of a Boxster after sitting in storage for five months. At this time that engine is dry except for the oil in the oil pan. On the early Boxster S, you want to go to your fuse panel next to your leg and pull fuse "roll C position 4, fourth from the left in that roll. This will disable the fuel pump, while you crank it over twice for five seconds. This will get the oil up and coat all the critical moving parts. Put the fuse ...
READ ANSWERMy Convertable Top does not OPEN fully after I installed the (2) (just rebuilt) Hydraulic Cylinders.....
Thursday 03/28/2024 | 2002 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Other
I got tired of refilling the hydraulic fluid pump reservoir every 5-6 up/down cycles last summer so I asked about rebuilding the cylinders on this site and Chris answered and directed me to Cab Hydraulics in Sarasota Fla...Spoke to ZIg over there and he rebuilt them.... 2 day turnaround !!!Thrilled; I Installed them as per Cab Hyd's Installation Instructions...Clean and Professional.THANK YOU .CHRIS and of course ZIG at Cab.When I raised the top, It closes as it shoul ...
READ ANSWERWhat is a reasonable amount of Shop Time (hours) to change OEM Front Brake Rotors and Brake Pads and Rear Brake Rotors and Brake Pads?
Wednesday 03/27/2024 | 2015 | Boxster S | Brakes
How many hours to complete the Front Brakes( Rotors - Pads - Sensors. How many hours to complete Rear Brakes (Rotors-Pads- Sensors)complete including Brake Fluids?
READ ANSWERPedro, this is a follow-up. My 987.2 Spyder has P74 Sound Package Plus, and NOT the Bose speakers. The original question was how to troubleshoot the PCM that often produces no sound but otherwise functions normally? Should I remove the center console side panels and check connections? Thanks.
Wednesday 03/27/2024 | 2011 | Boxster Spyder | Electrical
Follow up - no Bose, just P74 Sound Package Plus. I appreciate the help.
READ ANSWERMy 987.2 Spyder’s PCM sporadically has no sound, and lately happens more often than not. The PCM always turns on (radio, aux, BT phone, etc.) but half the time there is no sound. The only fix is to turn the car off and back on and hope the sound works. Again, everything else operates normally, just no sound through the speakers. It is binary - either works perfectly or not at all. Any ideas where to start troubleshooting? Thank you.
Wednesday 03/27/2024 | 2011 | Boxster Spyder | Electrical
Completely stock PCM and speakers. I’d like to know what path to take to troubleshoot a PCM that sometimes provides sound, but otherwise works perfectly (radio, phone, Aux). If a new PCM is required, where is the best place to shop/find a 987.2 PCM? Thank you.
READ ANSWERHow much does it cost to replace the air inlet valve?
Tuesday 03/26/2024 | 2008 | 911 Carrera 4S | Engine
The check engine light came on. Diagnosis shows the air inlet system has a problem. Further testing shows the valve does not operate and I believe the engine has to be dropped to access the valve. Is this correct and how much would it cost to replace the valve?
READ ANSWERCR 220 radio
Tuesday 03/26/2024 | 2002 | 911 Carrera | Electronics
replaced radio with new unit. Lights up but no sound.
READ ANSWERmy 2000 Carrera 4 Tiptronic 5 speed stopped working when I put it in manual mode. It won’t come out of 1st gear. I don’t know if it’s an electronic problem or transmission problem. Where do I start?
Tuesday 03/26/2024 | 2000 | 911 Carrera 4 | Transmission/Clutch
the tiptronic transmission in normal mode works fine and goes through all 5 gears. Only in manual mode does it stay in first.
READ ANSWERdo i need to adjust any sensors when relacing 20 inch rims with 18 inch rims? who sells 18 inch rims?
Monday 03/25/2024 | 2018 | 718 Boxster S | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERis it possible to attach a 6 point harness to the stock bar supporting the roll bars on a 2018 Boxster S? Or is the solution a bar to hold the 6 point harness? Who sells the bars?
Monday 03/25/2024 | 2018 | 718 Boxster S | Interior/Upholstery
READ ANSWERMaintenance at 10 years and 56000 miles
Friday 03/22/2024 | 2013 | Boxster S | Other
I plan on getting the maintenance performed on my 2013 Boxster S with 55829 miles. I'm not sure what needs to be done.The spark plugs were changed in October 2020 and I do yearly oil changes. Other than that no other maintenance has been performed.What would you recommend I have done at 10 years and 60000 miles.Thank you
READ ANSWERMy door/window sill in my 2013 981 is delaminated on the passenger side and starting to do the same on the driver's side. I also have a 991.1 which, I assume, will eventually do the same. What are my options other than buying new door cards from Porsche?
Friday 03/22/2024 | 2013 | Boxster S | Interior/Upholstery
READ ANSWERCompanies that can rebuild a brake booster
Wednesday 03/20/2024 | 1984 | 911 Carrera | Brakes
I am doing a brake upgrade on my 84 911 and would like to replace/rebuild by brake booster. Do you know of a vendor that performs this work?Thanks
READ ANSWERWheel size question: I have a 2001 996 C4 and wanting to use 997 19" wheels. My stock wheels now are: 225/40 18" (ET50) & 265/35 18" (ET65). What size tires should I be using on the 19" (front ET 57 & ET 51). I wouldn't run any spacer in rear but possibly 10mm in front with the 19". Thank you for the help
Tuesday 03/19/2024 | 2001 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Wheels and Tires
Thank you for the help
READ ANSWERI would like to flush the brake fluid in my 986. I have PSM but do not have a tool to activate the valves.Is it ok to bleed the brakes without activating the PSM valves? thank you!
Tuesday 03/19/2024 | 2003 | Boxster S | Brakes
READ ANSWEREVOMS - Evolution Motorsports
Tuesday 03/19/2024 | 2007 | 911 Carrera 4S | Other
Has any member purchased from EVOMS - Evolution motorsports? I ordered multiple items from them from them. And they only fulfilled half the order. Does anyone have any suggestions in getting them to complete the order?
READ ANSWERAre spare tire "kits" available for 997 and 981.I hate not having a spare.
Tuesday 03/19/2024 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Accessories
I have a 997S cab and a 981 CaymanS. I sure would like to know if there are spare tire "kits" for these cars and if so where they may be available.
READ ANSWERLooking for a good Porsche 914-4 mechanic in the Sacramento CA area.
Sunday 03/17/2024 | 1974 | 914 1.8 | Other
I have a '74 914-14 (1.8 liter engine) that has undergone a conversion to dual 40mm IDF Webers. It has what appears to be a 'Monza' type custom exhaust system. The car has undergone a restoration (probably in the late 80s) and overall is in excellent condition. However, it needs a valve-adjust, tuning and carb balancing. I do not have the time or expertise to perform these services and would like to find a good mechanic or garage in the Greater Sacramento (CA) Area that is familiar with the 9 ...
READ ANSWERI have a 2001 - 911 with michelin pilot sport 4s tires - 18". What is the recommended cold tire pressure - front and rear. The numbers in the manual seem high.
Saturday 03/16/2024 | 2001 | 911 Carrera | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWEROne of the PADM mounts need replacing. When I replace them will the warning go away and, if not, is there a diagnostic tool to clear it?
Friday 03/15/2024 | 2014 | Cayman S | Electrical
READ ANSWERWhat battery group # does my 1974 911 use?
Friday 03/15/2024 | 1974 | 911 | Electrical
My battery has gone flat and will no longer take a charge. What is the original Group # that will be the right size and have the Posts in the right place?
READ ANSWERA what oil TEMP does the system allow the measurement of oil LEVEL? Since my 987.2 Boxter doesn't have an oil temp gauge, I'm thinking of using the oil sensor as a proxy for a fully warmed-up engine!
Thursday 03/14/2024 | 2010 | Boxster | Engine
READ ANSWERIs the BRS (Pelican) jack point safe to use? It looks to me like the aluminum truss is slighly thin.
Thursday 03/14/2024 | 2010 | Boxster | Other
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/LN11620.htm?pn=LN-116-20&fc=Yhttps://www.fabspeed.com/porsche-987-2-boxster-cayman-cayman-r-spyder-jack-point-2009-2012/I'm looking for ways to make it easier to jack up my 987,2 Boxter, and the BRS and Fabspeed center jacking point "adapter" seems like a convenience. But, is it actually safe? I don't know if my jack is long enough to reach the " safe" rear points (where the suspension attaches at the end of the diagonal c ...
READ ANSWERI would like to repaint the base of my parking brake handle. How can I remove the handle to repaint the lever cover as the leather is in great shape
Wednesday 03/13/2024 | 2004 | Boxster S | Interior/Upholstery
READ ANSWERreplacing suspension with coilovers, 2007 997.1C2
Tuesday 03/12/2024 | 2007 | 911 Carrera | Suspension
Any videos will help in the process of replacing stock suspension with coilovers.
READ ANSWERLooking for a way to quiet the drone noise on my 2003 996 Turbo X50. I purchased this car with the following exhaust system : B&B100 stainless steel sport exhaust with100 cell cats. The drone noise is most at 2k to 3k rpm. Does anyone know how to quiet the inside noise?
Tuesday 03/12/2024 | 2003 | 911 Turbo | Other
READ ANSWERis it possible to find out how many 1989 Speedsters were produced in Smoke Gray, I think is a pretty rare color?
Tuesday 03/12/2024 | 1989 | 911 Speedster | Paint
We are selling a Smoke Gray 1989 Speedster on BAT next week. We think the color is fairly rare. Can you tell me how many Smoke Gray 89 Speedsters were produced?
READ ANSWERHigh and flucating idle....significant drop in MPG
Monday 03/11/2024 | 1987 | 944 | Engine
My 944 (basic no extra valves or turbo) has a constantly changing idle and is burning gas..;.15 MPG....Starts and drives okay but is burning gas....used to get combined about 23 mpg but is now 15....Have changed fuel filter and checked fuel pump. When it starts it will idle at 1450 instead of 900. During idle it will go from 800 to 1800 and sometimes will go up and down while idling.. Have replaced the followingFuel injectors....had a bad one and replaced all 4.O2 sen ...
READ ANSWERWhat are the pros and cons of 18”, 19”, 20” wheels on a2009 Boxster S
Monday 03/11/2024 | 2009 | Boxster S | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERWhat is the model designation for the 3.4 engine in the 2009 Boxster S ?
Sunday 03/10/2024 | 2009 | Boxster S | Engine
READ ANSWERWhile jump starting my 2003 996 Cabrio the cable polarity were reversed. The alternator was toast, but there were no blown fuses found..... yet my convertible top no longer works. Could you help identify the best way to sequentially troubleshoot this to locate the problem ?
Sunday 03/10/2024 | 2003 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electrical
The cables were attached incorrectly for several minutes before my buffoonery was discovered......it was pitch dark and I had no light at the time is my only excuse. Got a bunch of codes on the dash but nothing I could track back to the convertible top operation.....check engine light, charging malfunction, oil level indicator, abs function ect. I was able to clear all those except the failure to charge code immediately, and that went away when I replaced the alternator. At any rate could you ...
READ ANSWER