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.

My 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.

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do 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

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is 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

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Maintenance 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

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My 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

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Companies 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

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I 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

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Are 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.

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Looking 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 ...

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I 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

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One 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

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What 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?

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A 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

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Is 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 ...

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I 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

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replacing 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.

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Looking 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

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is 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?

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High 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 ...

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What are the pros and cons of 18”, 19”, 20” wheels on a2009 Boxster S

Monday 03/11/2024 | 2009 | Boxster S | Wheels and Tires

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What is the model designation for the 3.4 engine in the 2009 Boxster S ?

Sunday 03/10/2024 | 2009 | Boxster S | Engine

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While 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 ...

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I'm looking for a Porsche Mechanic in the Northville / Novi area. Was looking for an alternative to having to take my 2009 911S4 to a Dealer for oil changes and misc. Appreciate any recommendations.

Saturday 03/09/2024 | 2009 | 911 Carrera 4S | Other

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Signal lights relay location

Friday 03/08/2024 | 2009 | 911 Carrera 4S | 4WD Systems

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Turn signal fuse location

Friday 03/08/2024 | 2009 | 911 Carrera 4S | 4WD Systems

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I have a 718 Boxster and clean the drains every few months. Are there drains in the front cowl? Is it possible to clean the evaporatr drain? Are there any more drains in the front of the car that I need to be aware of?

Friday 03/08/2024 | 2017 | 718 Boxster | Body

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My newly acquired 98 boxster has two issues. The driver door no longer opens from the inside. When i pull the door handle the window goes down about a quarter inch, but then goes right back up and the door handle does not work. Door opens fone from outside, window works fine using the consloe button or when opening thr top. The second issue is poor motor performance. When the accelarator is depressed the engine revs to about 3000 rpm then sputters. If the accelerator is pressed very slowly allow

Thursday 03/07/2024 | 1998 | Boxster | Engine

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Can anyone recommend a qualified, quality shop for Porsche maintenance in the Mesa/Gilbert/Chandler AZ area?

Thursday 03/07/2024 | 2019 | 718 Boxster S | Other

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Interpreting DME information on a tuned gt4 "track car"

Wednesday 03/06/2024 | 2016 | Cayman GT4 | Engine

Interpreting DME information on a tuned gt4 "track car".I am looking to purchase a GT4 track car and found one of initial interest.The car appears to have been purchased with the intention of tracking it as it has a radio and AC delete.Some aftermarket mods are:COBB Access Port IPD Intake Plenum w/82mm Throttle Body I asked the dealership for the DME. The results are:Coding Date 08/03/16Range 1 6041 / 710.94hRa ...

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PDK Gear Oil Change?

Wednesday 03/06/2024 | 2013 | Boxster S | Transmission/Clutch

Hi there.I am getting conflicting information from forums, and my independent porsche dealer on changing out the PDK final drive gear oil. The way I read my owners manual, it says to change the PDK clutch oil at 60K/120K miles, and also at 120K miles to change out the transmission oil. Is the manual referring to the PDK 75W90 gear oil, or just stating to change out the PDK clutch oil? My independent mechanic who worked at Porsche says these are factory sealed and do not need to change ...

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If a rebuild is necessary to a 1986 911 Carrera 3.2 what is it possible to “safely” increase displacement to a 4.0 liter engine.

Wednesday 03/06/2024 | 1986 | 911 Carrera | Engine

It was rebuilt 10 years ago under previous ownership, I have the service records which show all the parts used and part numbers as well. I need to study this particular record in greater to detail, to see exactly what was done and this will also help me to see if any displacement changes where made at that time. She runs wonderfully, pulls very strong not sure of any oil use at this point because I haven’t had it long enough to get a idea of if or how much oil it may consume ...

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Both of my Hydraulic Cylinders are leaking that would operate the top on my cabriolet... Klaus Witte at Top Hydraulics,Inc. is "THE GUY" But he's not rebuilding these anymore....

Tuesday 03/05/2024 | 2002 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Body

When I add oil to the pump, everything works fine. I can only open and close the top about 5-6 times before having to refill the pump again...

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I have a 99 Carrera 4 with factory exhaust. Of the two modules I have lost the street (quite) module; the track (loud) module is installed. I need the street module part number and availability

Tuesday 03/05/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera 4 | Engine

I have a 99 Carrera 4 with factory exhaust. Of the two modules I have lost the street (quite) module; the track (loud) module is installed. I need the street module part number and availability

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Can anyone here please point me in the right direction to a reasonable mechanic in the Long Beach ca. area?

Tuesday 03/05/2024 | 2004 | Boxster | Engine

I am terrible when it comes to working on my 2004 Boxster so I was wondering if anyone can help in giving me suggestions to any indie mechanics in my area that are fairly reasonable in price, thank you in advance

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Help buying a 996

Monday 03/04/2024 | 2008 | 911 Carrera S | Other

Wanting to see if anyone knows of an expert I can hire to help me evaluate potential 996, 4S. Initial shop talk through a final purchase. Thx

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What battery is recommended for a very limited use 1999 Carrera 4?

Monday 03/04/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera 4 | Electrical

I rarely use my 1999 Carrera 4. I need to replace the battery, so I would like to install one that I can put on a trickle charger ( which I need to also purchase). Are there any recommendations please?Thanks, Kevin

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How to fix knocking sound in gear 3 at 3000 rpm for manual transmission 718?

Sunday 03/03/2024 | 2019 | 718 Cayman | Transmission/Clutch

The 'knocking' sort of sound happens only at gear 3 at exactly 3000 rpm. Please help me with a resolution. Thank you.

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Will 918 X73 Sports Suspension fit on a 982 718?

Sunday 03/03/2024 | 2019 | 718 Cayman | Suspension

Will the 981 X73 Sports Suspension kit (e.g. from Suncoast) retrofit a 982 Cayman?(Full package: Struts, Springs, Sway Bars)

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Hi, I am looking for the torque specs when replacing the accessory belt tensioner and lever bolts.

Sunday 03/03/2024 | 2009 | Cayman | Engine

Hi, I am replacing the belt, associated parts and original bolts via a kit. I just need to get the torque specs for the 4 tensioner pully bolts.

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My engine is a stock 2.7 with CIS. Normally the car runs great. However when I take it for a longer (50+miles) 75-85 mph drive it will sputter and buck (miss) after I slow down, stop or resume normal residential speeds. The temp is normal. Starts up and runs fine the next day.

Saturday 03/02/2024 | 1977 | 911S | Fuel System

Not positive this is a CIS issue. Dont understand why this happens when only when I run the car hard (for me). Fuel is good quality-Tier 1. Frequently use injector/fuel system cleaner. Car does not overheat--ever. Normally run 175 to 185 degrees including on the longer, faster outings noted above. Engine revs quickly and freely to redline and backdown. No sense of loss of power until bucking/sputtering starts. My sense is that the longer/faster drives are causing something to st ...

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Paint color of inner lower grill?

Saturday 03/02/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Paint

What color is the inner grill (Black?) on my Guards Red 1999 911.

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My1984 911 targa 54k miles, has a couple of minute cracks in the magnesium engine shroud/fan assembly. My tech says to replace assembly and recommends going aluminum instead of OE. IS this a commen issue, how dire a situation is it, and is aluminum replacement the way togo.

Saturday 03/02/2024 | 1984 | 911 Carrera Targa | Engine

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why won't the door to my gas cap stay open?

Saturday 03/02/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Other

Door togas cap opens but will not stay open.

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My key doesn’t work as a remote but the light blinks red. I only have one key because the dealership wants $750 to make a second one. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Friday 03/01/2024 | 2000 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Other

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997 GT3 Axle Lift Compressor and Motor Rebuild?

Friday 03/01/2024 | 2011 | 911 GT3 | Suspension

Hi, I've been trying to repair my front axle lift motor and compressor on my 2011 997 GT3. I removed the unit from my car and in my testing and tear down it appears that the motor that drives the compressor will not turn when 12V is applied and an open circuit is measured when connected to a multimeter. In addition there appears to be corrosion inside the compressor as well as desiccant from the air dryer in the compressor chamber. I'm hesitant to try and open it up any further as I do not kn ...

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Does anyone know the manual transmission model number and gear ratios of my 2010 Boxter? Is it the G87/20?

Friday 03/01/2024 | 2010 | Boxster | Transmission/Clutch

...and if you know the answer, what gearbox did the Boxter S come with? The G87/21 (with the different first and second gear?)

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New headlights for 1985 944

Friday 03/01/2024 | 1985 | 944 | Other

Can I get some advise on new LED Halo Headlights to install? Any recommendations? I found the following;Pair 7" inch Round LED Headlights Hi Lo Beam Projector For Porsche 944 1983-1991https://

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Tires for 996

Thursday 02/29/2024 | 2001 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Wheels and Tires

Porsche worked with Michelin to design and make tires for the 996 (PS 2 2N and 3N), but the tire recommendations now are for the 4S, which I tried: While a better tire in some respects, they are brutally harsh on my 01 Cab and make it essentially undriveable. The originals are getting hard hard to find and pricey Are there other brands that have performed as well as the old 2N and 3N?

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I have a boxter with a dead battery. I can get into the car but cannot open the frunk. How do I get to the battery? Internet says it should have a drunk release in the drivers side wheel well but it does not.

Tuesday 02/27/2024 | 2000 | Boxster S | Cables and Controls

I have a 2000 Boxter S with a dead battery. I can get I to the car but I cannot get to the battery to change or charge it. The internet suggests that there is a frunk release cable in the drivers side wheel well but there is not. Any and all help greatly appreciated !Regards,Rob

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CDR24 radio reset

Tuesday 02/27/2024 | 2005 | Boxster S | Electronics

I recently had service done which, I assume, involved disconnecting the battery. Now the radio (CDR24) display reads "PORSCHE". Any one know how to do a reset?Thanks,Mike

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