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.
What is the best product or treatment for rust prevention when repainting?
Wednesday 11/27/2024 | 1968 | 911S Targa | Body
S European car I bought in 1975 at small independent lot near Stuttgart. Showed 60k Kilometers on odometer (probably more). Imported and was daily driver (around 15k kilometers per yr, repainted in late 80;s) until mid 90's. Stored, indoors, but not climate controlled It was. mechanically restored -- engine, brakes, steering, suspension etc 2016-17, and front and rear body pans and rockers 2020. The paint is showing areas of blistering,actually more like a rash, paint is not broken, there ...
READ ANSWERFollow up to my “Suspension Problem.”
Tuesday 11/26/2024 | 1968 | 911L | Suspension
Do you have a name or part number or where I can get a part number for the previously mentioned bushing I need. Both arms to sway bar may need to be replaced because they were dragging on the street as I drove home. Any suggestions on where to buy all these parts, please?Thank you for your help?Mark
READ ANSWERTurn signal doesn't self cancel
Monday 11/25/2024 | 1994 | 968 | Cables and Controls
The turn signal doesn't cancel when the steering wheel straightens up. Also the turn signal doesnt make a clicking sound to let me know it is still indicating a turn. Do I need to invest in a complete Steering Column Combination Switch? The only one I find available states for cars with headlamp washer system. My car doesnt have headlight washers.
READ ANSWEROil Leak from Balance Shaft Cover
Monday 11/25/2024 | 1994 | 968 | Engine
There is a slight oil leak from the balance shaft cover. I can't tell if it is from the lower rear bolt or the cover itself. Can the cover be removed without removing the engine? There is little space between the engine, chassis, and engine mounts. Any tips on repair and sealant?
READ ANSWERWhere to buy the clear engine cover?
Monday 11/25/2024 | 2006 | Cayman S | Accessories
I have a 2006 Cayman S and I want to buy a clear engine cover like the one Essy Fariab has on his Cayman R featured in the November 2024 Panorama issue. I’ve not been able to locate a supplier and I’m asking for some help locating a source.
READ ANSWERSuspension problem
Sunday 11/24/2024 | 1968 | 911L | Suspension
I notice two arms hanging down just below the engine. One on the right and one on the left. Apparently something broke off. What happened and what do I need to do? Please see the picture included.
READ ANSWERPower steering fluid for 964
Saturday 11/23/2024 | 1990 | 911 Carrera 2 | Other
The ownere manual recomends using Dextron ATF fluid for power steering system. The current fluid is clear(not red like Dextron).Some sources recommned Pentosin CHF 202, Suggestions?
READ ANSWERWhat are trunk tag option codes L78 & L79 on a 1986 944 Turbo?
Friday 11/22/2024 | 1986 | 944 Turbo | Other
Trunk Tag in the Vehicle States : C02, L78, L79, 425, 454, 533, 650, 983According to VIN Porsche says : C02, 018, 139, 158, 220, 340, 341, 383, 387, 395, 425, 454, 533, 650, 983Are L78 & L79 some early production package codes?Thank you,Mark
READ ANSWERWhwn downshifting from 2nd to 1st I get a clunking noise (not always) from my PDK transmittion. It seems to only happen when downshifitng to 1st. What cause this, is it problematic and what is the fix?
Wednesday 11/20/2024 | 2014 | Boxster | Transmission/Clutch
READ ANSWERClean convertible top
Monday 11/18/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Other
What do I use to thoroughly clean my convertible top?
READ ANSWERHeadlight problem where perodically, they won't pop open.
Monday 11/18/2024 | 1989 | 944 | Other
Headlight question - I don’t understand a problem with my ‘89 944 n/a headlights, when opening and closing. Sometimes when I turn them on, they won’t pop up. If I then immediately turn off the light switch, the headlights initiate their complete open/close cycle and quickly park normally. My current solution when this problem occurs, is to turn off the lights immediately, but then as they start their open/close cycle, turn the light switch back on quickly (during the opening sequenc ...
READ ANSWERIs the 1999 engine snorkel nessary
Monday 11/18/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Engine
Can I drive my 1999 Carrera without the engine snorkel?
READ ANSWERI hear a noise, grinding from the front suspension, steering. Only upon initially moving from still.
Monday 11/18/2024 | 2017 | 718 Cayman S | Suspension
I hear a noise, grinding from the front suspension, steering and shudder through the steering wheel. Only upon initially moving from still. This is the only time that I hear this noise, after initial takeoff it doesn't present itself from that point on.
READ ANSWERRattle passenger side seat
Monday 11/18/2024 | 2005 | 911 Carrera | Interior/Upholstery
Hello !A very loud rattle has developed in base of passenger side seat. My techs at Rennewerk Porsche, Elmsford are not really the right people to search for, and fix, rattles but they told me the sound is coming from the rail area and the seat will have to be removed then taken apart to find the issue. They added that the worn part which is most likely making the noise is no longer made and not available.My 911 Carrera is a cabriolet so I expect some noise from the chassis bu ...
READ ANSWERLED Bulb replacement
Sunday 11/17/2024 | 2000 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Accessories
Is it necessary to install circuit dampers for installation of Sylvania Zevo 7556CW LED’s to replace backup bulbs in a 2K 996? As a note, I installed these a couple of, (low mileage), years ago and all seemed workable without the circuit dampers. Recently, they stopped working and I tested the circuit from switch, (good), to rearward loom connection and had good voltage to that. I put the OE bulbs back in, but still nothing. I have other duties in life presently, but wondered how to ...
READ ANSWERI have 2010 Boxter Base with a dead battery and a locked frunk. Tried the fuse box jumper method with the new battery and also a battery charger both to no avail. Could I try a battery tender with a cigarette lighter adapter or what else can I do to get in the frunk
Sunday 11/17/2024 | 2010 | Boxster | Electrical
READ ANSWERrough idle on a cold start of the engine
Sunday 11/17/2024 | 2002 | Boxster S | Engine
Good Morning,I have owned my Boxster S for about 4 months. Recently, I have noticed on a cold/first start, that after about 10 seconds the engine begins to idle rather rough, (almost starved for fuel) for about 8 seconds, then resumes normal idle without issue. The car also runs very well, so I see no issues with performance when I am driving the vehicle. When this occurs, there are no warning lights that come up on the dash, thus I have been reluctant to scan for any ...
READ ANSWEROil levels and usage
Sunday 11/17/2024 | 2009 | 911 Carrera S | Engine
I've read a lot of stories regarding oil consumption with 911s. Most of the stories I've read say the 9A1 uses oil when they are breaking in, about a quart every 600-1000 miles. Or higher mileage cars (140k)using oil.But what I haven't seen are cars with "intermediate" mileage, say 50-80k milles.I am new to the Porsche game, owning my 2009 Carrera S for about nine months. Has the full service done at 68k, (engine oil, PDK, plugs, belts, etc.) Now, less than 3k miles later, I get ...
READ ANSWERRecommend a indoor out door car cover for 2003 911 convertible
Saturday 11/16/2024 | 2003 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Accessories
READ ANSWERIs it advisable to change just one or two of the chain tensioners on a Boxster 2.5 engine? If so which one is the best one to change.
Thursday 11/14/2024 | 1999 | Boxster | Engine
READ ANSWERspeedometer failure with ABS and air bag lights displaying
Wednesday 11/13/2024 | 1994 | 968 | Electrical
HELP!I have been a Porsche Club member since at least 1996, and am not a car expert. I owned,& sold a 944; and then bought a 1994 1968 in 1996 (second owner).Recently, the odometer failed. My trusted mechanic repaired and reinstalled it. Still did not work. Sent it to a VDO expert in California who found small bit of plastic jammed into the mechanism, repaired it and set it back to me in Maine.My mechanic reinstalled the speedometer, but when ...
READ ANSWERWhat would cause my driver side window on a 2006 Boxster S to go up and than go 2/3 down. The passenger window to down when I put the roof up and lock it?
Wednesday 11/13/2024 | 2006 | Boxster S | Electrical
READ ANSWERCan an outer CV joint on a 997 be disassembled? If not, how do you clean, inspect and repack the outer CV joint while on the axle shaft?
Tuesday 11/12/2024 | 2007 | 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | Suspension
I've watched tons of YouTube videos on how to reboot the half axles. On my 911 the front outer CV boots are torn on driver and passenger side. The inner boots are fine. Nonetheless, I've disassembled the inner joint to be able to slip on new outer boots (oh, what clean fun!). While at it, I thought that I should also disassemble the outer joint to make sure it was not contaminated. Are these outer joints designed to be disassembled from the axle shaft? I've attempted such a feat using a ...
READ ANSWERNeed to purchase a new key for my 2004 996 C4S, what are my options and cost associated
Tuesday 11/12/2024 | 2004 | 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | Other
READ ANSWERhas anyone used air cups (Stanceparts) on the front suspension to lift the front end to clear curbs and speed bumps?
Tuesday 11/12/2024 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S | Suspension
READ ANSWERFound the attached stuck under the innershift selector shaft and transmission housing.
Monday 11/11/2024 | 1970 | 911T Targa | Transmission/Clutch
While following your 8/18/24 instructions for clearing stuck shifter, I found a piece of tubing stuck between the bottom of the inner shift selector rod and the bottom of the trans case. It took a bit of effort to remove it.I have no idea what it is or how it got there. I personally rebuilt the transmission back in 2012 and it performed fine. I don't recall seeing anything like it at the time.I don't recognize the tubing. It looks like it could be some kind of connector; perhaps ...
READ ANSWERWhat year is my steering wheel and is it for a 356 or 911?
Monday 11/11/2024 | 1968 | 911 | Suspension
I have a Porsche steering wheel that is 420mm in diameter. It appears to be a bakelite wheel. The only identification I can find on it is VDM and under that is 55. Can you tell me what year and car this fits? Thank you, Bill
READ ANSWER2001 Porsche 996 Oil in Coolant and Coolant in Oil
Monday 11/11/2024 | 2001 | 911 Carrera | Engine
I have a 2001 996 with 68165 miles. I had just had the car serviced at 68000 so know everything was good at that point. That included an oil change. When starting the car the other day the temperature warning light was flashing. This would indicate the coolant level was low. There was no coolant leaking on to the floor. I put several quarts of coolant in started the car and no light. But then I noticed that there was what appeared to be oil in the coolant reservoir. I also notice that the oil ...
READ ANSWERI would like to install an X pipe outlet. Can this be done with the stock exhaust in place, if so, do you have any suggestions.
Sunday 11/10/2024 | 2006 | Boxster S | Other
I have already removed the factory dual tips and all clamps coming off the muffler are loose. I have attempted to spread the pipes the apart but not enough movement. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
READ ANSWERWhat is the best replacement battery?
Sunday 11/10/2024 | 1971 | 911T | Electrical
My German batteries won’t charge anymore. Looking for a recommended replacement. Keeping the duel set up. There seems to be info out there but blogs are old and the info is obsolete. Any help would be appreciated
READ ANSWERDo I need to disconnect the battery before changing the ignition switch
Sunday 11/10/2024 | 2000 | Boxster S | Electrical
I know that if I disconnect the battery, the Monitors will all need to be reset. Is it really necessary to disconnect the battery when I change the electric part of the ignition switc?Thanks.Art Nefsky artnesky@gmail.comMember ID 1986081825
READ ANSWERI'm trying to find out how many 1998 C2S were product with a tiptronic transmission?
Sunday 11/10/2024 | 1998 | 911 Carrera S | Transmission/Clutch
I been looking all over the internet for an answer to find out how many 1998 C2S in America came with a tiptronnic transmission. And how were built with the rear seat delete?Thank you,Jim
READ ANSWERQuestion regarding main warning light on, along with the airbag light. Can anyone assist me with this fix?
Saturday 11/09/2024 | 1995 | 911 Carrera | Electrical
my main warning light came on the other day, along with the airbag light. Can anyone shed some experience as to why this would happen, and where should I start looking.
READ ANSWERSportomatic
Friday 11/08/2024 | 1972 | 911E Targa | Transmission/Clutch
I have 72 911 E. I’ve haven’t had trouble with my sportmatic until recently. When I shift from 4th gear to 3rd gear occasionally it wants to shift to first gear. I quickly shift to neutral.
READ ANSWERSeparation of rear hatch glass from metal frame at roofline....
Thursday 11/07/2024 | 1984 | 944 | Body
I'm a PCA member in the Potomac region - living in Shepherdstown West Virginia. A week ago, while driving the car I became aware of a whistling sound from the back end of my car - I thought it was due to the hatch not being completely closed. I stopped to reseat the hatch and found that the hatch opened but now with a little resistance on the right side latch pin. No problem, I thought, as I haven't opened the hatch in a few months so maybe it should be a little sticky? It was t ...
READ ANSWERhow to scan when EGR & VVT ready
Thursday 11/07/2024 | 2009 | 911 Carrera S | Engine
Won't pass emissions test in Portland, Or Test shows Evap & EGR/VVT both unready. What to do?
READ ANSWERCan the micro cracking I am seeing on the headlights be restored by wet sanding and new clear coat or PPF be applied effectively?
Thursday 11/07/2024 | 2017 | 718 Boxster | Other
I am seeing very faint micro-cracks on the two front headlights of my 2017 Boxster that I just purchased. Is it possible to restore the headlights by wet sanding off the clear coat layer and reapply new clear coat or PPF. I am reading mixed reviews online and don't want to attempt the restoration myself without some expert advice. I uploaded photos of the lights, but it is kind of difficult to see what I am describing. Any advice would be appreciated. ...
READ ANSWERRecommended tire pressure, 01 C4
Thursday 11/07/2024 | 2001 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Wheels and Tires
New to me 01 C4. Appears to have a RUF treatment done to it (from what I can see, RUF rims, lowered, exhaust, short shift). The data plate with the recommended tire pressures is not only blank, but it is for the stock tire sizes. I am sitting on 295s and 235s. What pressure do I set?
READ ANSWERThanks for your information on suggested Michelin times. Could you please give me your suggestions for Pirelli tires for my Cayman
Thursday 11/07/2024 | 2006 | Cayman S | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERHow to diagnose inoperative Passenger window? Stopped working?
Thursday 11/07/2024 | 2001 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electrical
Passenger window stopped working completely... fortunately in the up position. Window does not move the slight 1/4 inch when opening/closing the door either. Top still opens & closes without issue. I have only owned the car for the last 2,000 miles and it has been well maintained... no deferred maintenance. Want to keep it that way.Any advice from the experts before scheduling a service with local Porsche experts? How do you determine if the Window Regulator is the c ...
READ ANSWERI have a problem with my fog lights and dash lights intermittently working. It started as once in a while and has become more pronounced over time. The car is a 1985.5 944.
Thursday 11/07/2024 | 1986 | 944 | Electrical
READ ANSWEROil can light solid red after warmed up at idle what does that mean?
Wednesday 11/06/2024 | 1984 | 911 Carrera Targa | Engine
Last 10 qt oil change 2021 and drive about 100 miles a year. Why does light go on at idle after 2 mile drive - oil level checked and is in middle of the stick and clean. What should i do to correct? Shouldi tow to mechanic to change oil and inspect?
READ ANSWER#QuestionForGroup I own a 2006 Porsche 911 coupe a 997 model . I enjoy changing my own engine oil, but I must say that the replaceable element in the oil filter is a pain in the neck and messy to replace . I have seen companies offering a conversion to allow you to mount a spin on oil filter, which would be a lot easier to change. However I am hesitant to make any changes to how Porsche designed the oil filter system. Can any Porsche employees give me an insight into this thank you to the commun
Wednesday 11/06/2024 | 2006 | 911 Carrera | Engine
Thank you !
READ ANSWERrecommended replacement tires for Michelim Pilot Super Sport
Tuesday 11/05/2024 | 2006 | Cayman S | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERAir bag warning light came on. Not related to any accident or sudden changes? Serious?
Tuesday 11/05/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electrical
Air Bag warning light come on one day when I started the car. Stay on since. Serious? Options?
READ ANSWERPsi for tires to track
Monday 11/04/2024 | 2002 | Boxster | Wheels and Tires
What is optimal psi for stock wheel and uhp summer tires to track for Boxster base, 5 speed manual?
READ ANSWERCan narrow body 964 fit 18” wheels, if so, what tire sizes?
Monday 11/04/2024 | 1991 | 911 Carrera 2 Cabriolet | Wheels and Tires
Can narrow body 964 fit 18” wheels on stock suspension? If so, what size tires for front and rear? the wheels I plan on running are speedline cup style wheels. front- 18x8 et50rear-18x9.5 et50thanks.
READ ANSWERWhen I purchased my Porsche the previous owner had replaced the front seats with aftermarket seats.I have owned my Porsche for approximately 12 years. Recently I had the front seats reupholstered with leather to match the existing interior. The airbag warning light came on and will not go out. I asked the upholster if he had plugged the plug back to the seat and he said that there was no connection on the seat to plug into. Apparently all these past years there has been no connection to the air
Monday 11/04/2024 | 2004 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Electrical
remaining part of question: the airbag warning light has previously never been on, now it won't go off.Sincerely,Paul Slovickpauls@zbzoom.net724 822-2834
READ ANSWERIs there a way to install a 997 paddle steering wheel on a 996
Saturday 11/02/2024 | 2003 | 911 Turbo | Performance Modifications
READ ANSWERMechanic for 1997 993 near Stamford CT
Saturday 11/02/2024 | 1997 | 911 Carrera | Other
Please can someone advise a trusted mechanic near Stamford CT.I have a power steering leak and a few other items to fix. I have been quoted for replacing the entire power steering by the dealer which is rather expensive.Looking for a reliable mechanic for older porsche models in the area.thank you
READ ANSWER