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.

How to reset service now light after a dead battery?

Monday 04/13/2026 | 2008 | Cayman S | Electronics

After reviving a dead battery, I've fixed all of the lights (PSM, airbag, etc.) but still have a 'Service now' message with a red exclamation light on the tach. The exclamation point goes away after signaling or using the high beams, only to return a few seconds later. The car is running fine otherwise. Any tips on how to reset the light without going to the dealer?

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I have a 2003 Boxster S with the standard manual seats that to me are extremely uncomfortable. Looking for an alternative genuine Porsche seat option suggestion.that

Sunday 04/12/2026 | 2003 | Boxster S | Interior/Upholstery

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Convertible top not working

Sunday 04/12/2026 | 2008 | Boxster RS 60 Spyder | Other

Perfect top-down weather so I decided yesterday to put down my top for the first time since last autumn. Just as soon as it started to go down, a loud "pop" sound. I would guess that a cable either broke or became disengaged. Any thoughts on this? Sounds like it's not a job for an owner with limited skills.

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I am trying to replace my air oil separator and I can't locate the part on my engine . My car is a 2007 911 carrera coupe 997. Even with a mirror and light I can't find it !

Sunday 04/12/2026 | 2007 | 911 Carrera | Engine

I like to do the work myself . I need to see the part I'm replacing in order to plan .I can't see this air oil separator to save my life . Where the hell is it ? I'm going to miss my track day if I can't sort this out .

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2013 981 dOOR cARD, lUXOR bEIGE

Saturday 04/11/2026 | 2013 | Boxster S | Interior/Upholstery

The door panel /card on my luxor beige driver's door was showing signs of delamination. Being a mechanic with a well equipped garage/shop, and having done some aircraft interior work, and after watching several YT vids on the subject, I decided to address this myself. You know the rest: Big mistake! Now REALLY looks bad. Of course prices for a replacent go from $2300 to about $3200 (from Porscche dealer). Now I am close to getting divorced, as my wife asked "You sure", and Mr Overconfide ...

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Any significant handling difference between 18 vs 19 wheels/tires on a 987 Boxster S?

Friday 04/10/2026 | 2005 | Boxster S | Wheels and Tires

My 2005 987 Boxster is equipped with Stark after-market 18" wheels ("fake Fuchs") and Michelin Pilot Sports (see photo). They feel good on the car, and I like the look. The previous owner (a local Pcar friend) is interested in trading straight across for a very clean set of 19" stock lobster claw Porsche wheels and similar Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Any insights on 18" vs 19" wheels for this car? Any handling considerations? Any opinions on the cosmetics or resale issues? Thanks for your vi ...

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Photos for ads

Friday 04/10/2026 | 1983 | 944 | Other

I was looking at some of the ads in the market and I came across a bunch that the photos taken were just awful. Do you have suggestions for people taking photos of their cars?

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Can 1997 Boxster fit 18" Wheels?

Thursday 04/09/2026 | 1997 | Boxster | Wheels and Tires

I'm keen to find out if a 1997 Boxster (base was only version made) can fit a set of 18" BBS (OEM on later Boxsters and 911s) Carrera Sport Wheels? If not, please advise as to why. I have found various responses to the question, and hoping to settle the issue. Thanks>BB

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Can 1997 Boxster fit 18" Wheels?

Thursday 04/09/2026 | 1997 | Boxster | Wheels and Tires

I'm keen to find out if a 1997 Boxster (base was only version made) can fit a set of 18" BBS (OEM on later Boxsters and 911s) Carrera Sport Wheels? If not, please advise as to why. I have found various responses to the question, and hoping to settle the issue. Thanks>BB

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What is the real interval for PDK service. Some say fluid replacement at 40k, others say pan , filter and fluid at 12 yrs regardless of mileage. My 981 S is 13 years old with 41,600 miles.

Wednesday 04/08/2026 | 2013 | Boxster S | Transmission/Clutch

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Whenever it rains the carpet on the passenger side gets wet. It comes from the rainwater running down the passenger side kick panel. Clearwater Porsche replaced the sunroof drains with updated parts. But the leak is still there. Have you run into this situation before? Could the windshield be leaking? Or could rain be coming in through the Air duct to the odor and allergen filter, which was also changed by Clearwater Porsche. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Wednesday 04/08/2026 | 2018 | Macan S | Body

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I live in Calvert County, MD. I got my Boxster in Oct last year. Does anyone know of any local mechanics? If not I’ll use the Annapolis dealer. Thanks!

Wednesday 04/08/2026 | 2019 | 718 Boxster | Other

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Headlights not working

Wednesday 04/08/2026 | 2013 | Boxster | Electrical

Hello. My headlights stopped working yesterday. On auto mode, the daytime running lights work, but the headlights and instrument cluster will not come on. When I switch to on mode, the instrument cluster will come on, but the headlights still will not come on. Is it the light switch? Thank you for your help.

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My Porsche mechanic closed up shop last year looking for a new certified porsche mechanic to take my 2011 Boxster S to for service. Looking for somwone around Lake Geneva, Mukwonago, Delavan area can you help?

Tuesday 04/07/2026 | 2011 | Boxster S | Engine

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Best paint for Porsche 911 sc

Tuesday 04/07/2026 | 1982 | 911 SC Targa | Paint

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2009 Boxster S - Wheel size(s), width and off-set for 19" & 18"

Tuesday 04/07/2026 | 2009 | Boxster S | Wheels and Tires

Looking for the factory size wheel options for 18" and 19", Front and rear widths and off-sets.

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Are 968 fuel tanks known to develop leaks?

Tuesday 04/07/2026 | 1992 | 968 Cabriolet | Fuel System

I bought the 1992 968 uses in 1993 and it’s only driven occasionally during the summer, odometer reads 42000. I am noticing what appears to be a gas leak coming from the tank or perhaps the gas line or filler hose. I opened the access from trunk to top of tank and the fuel line all looks good. Are these tanks on the 968 known for possible leaks? I notice gas staining by the front of mounting strap where it wraps around the underside of the tank. ...

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Repairing Driver's side seatbelt receptacle - missing plastic parts

Monday 04/06/2026 | 1970 | 911T | Interior/Upholstery

Hello! My 1971 911T coupe's driver's side seat belt receptacle is missing 1/2 of the 2 plastic housing parts - namely the backside flat piece.I recall both pieces snap together.Question(s)1) I bought a repair kit (the plastic housing parts) from AutohausAZ (commonly sold on internet, incl Pelican etc). The problem is that it simply will not fit 100% the receptacle - the 2 pieces are supposed to snap together with clearance for the release knob and center circle ...

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How do I do a door delete on my 2005 Boxster

Saturday 04/04/2026 | 2005 | Boxster | Body

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how can i get an original build sheet for my Porsche

Friday 04/03/2026 | 2011 | Cayman S | Other

Vin #: WP0AB2A89BU780543

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