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.
New key for Porsche
Today | 2010 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electronics
I purchased a 2010 Carrera cabriolet, with 1 key. The Porsche dealer near me is asking quite a bit for the key, plus programming and cutting an add’l key. I have found “virgin” keys on EBay, for a lot less money. Has anyone had any experience purchasing an aftermarket key, and what has your experience been? it was suggested to have the key cut at a Volkswagen dealership, but get it programmed at a Porsche dealership. Your advice/help, please. ...
READ ANSWERI have a 2010 911 Carrera cab. Are the seats the same as in the same year Boxter?
Wednesday 08/13/2025 | 2010 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Accessories
I saw a car with the seats done in black/white houndstooth inserts. I want to get these skins for my car and swap out the standard black leather that are in the car.I found a Canadian company on EBay that is selling them for the 2010 Boxter (they don’t mention the 911). Are the Boxter seats the same as the standard seats in the 911? From the photos they look exactly like mine.
READ ANSWER2002 boxster battery keeps dying. Just put in new battery. Had it gone completely over and tech says he cannot find the draw. I thought it might be ignition switch but they say no. Could it be radio?
Tuesday 08/12/2025 | 2002 | Boxster | Electronics
READ ANSWERRarity?
Monday 08/11/2025 | 1986 | 944 Turbo | Other
I have an odd question that I hope someone could can answer.I own a 1986 944 Turbo. VIN: WP0AA0957GN156887This specimen has a factory-deleted sunroof.Is this considered a rarity?Would you know roughly how many of these unicorns were manufactured in 1986, in Stone Grey Metallic with Burgundy leather?Options sticker attached.
READ ANSWERWhich are the best bulbs to replace
Sunday 08/10/2025 | 1992 | 968 Cabriolet | Electrical
Best and strongest replacement bulbs for my 968
READ ANSWERIs an intermittently working gas gage due to a bad ground or gunk on the float mechanism?
Saturday 08/09/2025 | 1985 | 944 | Electrical
After not using the car for a few weeks, my gas gauge was not working for the first few miles after first starting it up. I added a bottle of Techron thinking there might be dirt on the float mechanism. The next time I used the car, the gauge worked from the startup, then stopped working for a second and then worked. I'm wondering if the on-again-off-again operation points to a possible intermittent ground problem and how I would find / check such a ground. I'm confident that George the "guru ...
READ ANSWERCan you run a "square tire setup on the 944 S2
Saturday 08/09/2025 | 1989 | 944 S2 | Wheels and Tires
I just bought a 944 S2 and it needs tires. Can I safely run a "square" tire setup with 225/55X16 tires?
READ ANSWERNeed help troubleshooting 944 fans
Friday 08/08/2025 | 1984 | 944 | Electrical
Hey there, I was hoping to get some ideas for further action on my 84 944. I’ve been experiencing issues with my radiator fans and overheating for a while now, the left fan will run at low speed only and it comes on at high running temp. I’ve replaced the radiator temperature switch, which fixed it for like 2 days then it stopped working again. I then replaced the fan/ac relay in the top left slot which again fixed it for 2 days then the fans stopped working ...
READ ANSWERLubrication or not?
Friday 08/08/2025 | 2018 | 718 Cayman | Wheels and Tires
What is the Porsche recommendation for the following?I am installing new lug bolts. Better to lubricate or not lubricate during installation. I see Pros and Cons to either way. Wondering what Porsche recommends? Thanks.
READ ANSWERWhy can't I get heat even though the fan is working?
Friday 08/08/2025 | 1986 | 944 Turbo | Electrical
On start up there was what looked and smelled like smoke coming out from behind the vent control slide buttons. It lasted about 15 seconds then stopped. Otherwise, the car runs very well. No longer putting out hot air even when temp control knob is dialed all the way to the right.
READ ANSWERCoil noise- Bilstien B16 Damptronic Coilovers
Thursday 08/07/2025 | 2007 | 911 Carrera S | Suspension
I recently had a new set of Bilstien B16 Damptronic Coilovers fitted to my 997 C2S. In addition to the coilovers, both front and rear top mounts were replaced as well as new control arms. The car was lowered approximately 1 inch in the fron and 3/4inch in the rear. And the wheels were balanced. The installation was performed by Eurofed in Duluth, GA. When turning the wheel while stationary or when making a low speed turn I hear coil noise. I alerted the shop and they maintain that the i ...
READ ANSWERWhere can I find info related to preparing a car for the high performance driving course. I have a 2009 911 997.2 and would like to take this course spring ‘26. Thanks.
Thursday 08/07/2025 | 2009 | 911 Carrera 4S | Other
READ ANSWEREngine coolant filler cap. Tried to open it, but after1-2 turns, it became VERY hard to unscrew. Turned a bit more, then lost my courage to proceed further , then closed it again. Opens easily up to the point where I stopped forcing it, No change whether dead cold or partly warmed up. What to do?
Wednesday 08/06/2025 | 2014 | Cayman | Engine
purchased abt 3 months ago
READ ANSWERSurprise - won't start?
Wednesday 08/06/2025 | 2001 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Engine
New to me 2001 911 Carrera - been driving it and suddenly it won't start - tried jumpstart - thought? There is some water intrusion from rain on the driver's side from the last couple of days.
READ ANSWERwhat are the proper alignment numbers for a 1988 Porsche 944
Wednesday 08/06/2025 | 1988 | 944 | Suspension
I am going to have the front end aligned on my 1988 944 base (Celebration Edition) Porsche. This car has the optional design 90 rims,10" rear and 7.5"(?) front wheels with 245 rear and 225 front tires on it. i am replacing the front tires and would like to give the technician a readout with the right numbers.
READ ANSWERIs it possible to upgrade the 981 Base halogen bulbs to xenon or led and what is required for each?
Tuesday 08/05/2025 | 2013 | Boxster | Electrical
READ ANSWERCERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
Tuesday 08/05/2025 | 2006 | Cayman S | Other
I own a 2006 Cayman S and still have it ( I am the original owner) . I would like to apply for a Certificate of Authenticity. I am aware that I need the Engine Number and the Transmission Number. What is a typical number (number of digits) that I would be looking for and where would i find it ?Thank you for any guidance,Jimmy MyersRockville Va 23146
READ ANSWERi would like to change the Clock, and all dials in red color, whats the best way to proceed?
Tuesday 08/05/2025 | 2015 | Boxster GTS | Accessories
READ ANSWERI live in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a good independent repair shop for my 2009 Carrera s
Monday 08/04/2025 | 2009 | 911 Carrera S | Engine
READ ANSWERI have reviewed the question and your answer Pedro @: https://www.pca.org/tech/what-is-the-current-recommended-interval-for-pdk-transmission-fluid-change My, now 10 year old, 2015 Cayman S w/PDK has 18,500 miles. Purchased in July 2024 as CPO w/2 year warranty. No transmission service as part of CPO prep. I am curious. With so many other sources saying 4 years / 40K or 6 years / 60K, why do you disagree? . . . Continued question below.
Monday 08/04/2025 | 2015 | Cayman S | Transmission/Clutch
I understand some would say “why worry now, it’s under warranty for another year?” My answer: If the age of the fluids actually creates preventable wear & tear, I don’t want to be setting a time bomb which will go off in the future.
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