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 hardtop will fit my Boxster S ?
Tuesday 12/10/2024 | 2008 | Boxster S | Accessories
Looking to see if a 996 hardtop would fit my 2008 boxster S ? Thanks for your help.
READ ANSWERwarning light is on
Sunday 12/08/2024 | 1987 | 944 Turbo | Electrical
I have an issue with check oil light. The light would come on intermittently over the past several years and now it comes on and stays on all the time. The oil level is fine I check each time I start the car. I have replaced the level sensor in the oil pan, with no change. I now believe that it is either a ground, which I don't know where to find it or a solder joint in the instrument panel, don't know where to look to find it either. It may be neither but your guidance will be greatly apprec ...
READ ANSWERLiqui-Moly vs Mobil 1, which to use? I’ve been using Liqui Moly for the last three years as thats what the Porsche mechanic I go to recommended. Spirited driving and little track use.
Saturday 12/07/2024 | 2013 | Boxster S | Other
I know I may be splitting hairs here as both are excellent oils but I’m kind of curious.
READ ANSWERManual transmission grinds in 5th and 6th gears until up to temperature and then everything is fine
Wednesday 12/04/2024 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S Cabriolet | Transmission/Clutch
READ ANSWERAnyone have a failure on 981 Boxster brake booster vacuum pump?
Sunday 12/01/2024 | 2013 | Boxster S | Brakes
I heard mine break, Fortunately I was in a parking lot. Unfortunately I was 600 miles from home,
READ ANSWERIssues with backlights in instrument cluster.
Saturday 11/30/2024 | 2013 | Boxster S | Electronics
The instrument cluster backlights aren't on unless the headlights are on. On overcast days the tach and speedo are unreadable (especially with white digits on a very light grey background). Even with the headlights on the backlights are very dim - Yes, they're turned all the way up.1) Is there a way to code the backlights to be on without the headlights being on?2) Is there a coding option to make the backlights brighter or is the instrument cluster defective?Thanks ! ...
READ ANSWER911 40th has a yellowed front headlight lens - How to repair?
Friday 11/29/2024 | 2004 | 911 40th Anniversary | Body
READ ANSWERTiptronic doesn’t manually shift
Friday 11/29/2024 | 2004 | 911 Turbo | Transmission/Clutch
Put shifter in manual mode and tried to shift with paddle shift buttons. Will not shift manually
READ ANSWERWhat 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 ANSWERCannot open passenger side door
Wednesday 11/27/2024 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Body
I cannot open the door from the inside or outside, so I cannot remove the door card to diagnose and repair the problem. I suspect it is mechanical, not electrical. Any suggestions on how to get it open?Thanks,Charles
READ ANSWERI have 95,000 miles on her. The engine will be out to replace variocam pads. I believe the solenoids are working properly. Should they be replaced anyway?
Wednesday 11/27/2024 | 2002 | Boxster | Engine
READ ANSWERJUSt an FYI, I just called my local Porsche dealer (Irvine Porsche) to inquire about a spare key for my 2006 997,1 I was quoted $950 !!!! I also purchased an after market key on Ebay, but can't find anyone who can progtram it. Any suggestions??
Tuesday 11/26/2024 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S | Electronics
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 ANSWERWhere is the horn fuse for a 2010 911 Cabriolet?
Sunday 11/24/2024 | 2010 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electrical
My horn keeps honking on its own. I need to pull the fuse so I can drive it to a shop.
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 ANSWERWhat's included in the X51 package? Is it compatible to my car?
Thursday 11/21/2024 | 2016 | Boxster Spyder | Performance Modifications
READ ANSWERI would like to up Grade my D2S headlight bulbs to LED, any suggestions would be helpful.
Thursday 11/21/2024 | 2003 | 911 Carrera | Electrical
READ ANSWERSteering wheel in locked position and cannot relieve steering
Wednesday 11/20/2024 | 2007 | Cayman S | Electrical
Error message on dash "relieve steering" but can't get it to unlock and car won't start.
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 ANSWERalcantara whhel for 997.2s
Tuesday 11/19/2024 | 2009 | 911 Carrera S | Interior/Upholstery
is there an alcantara cover that fits my 997.2S with pdk and standard steering wheel?
READ ANSWERInstrument cluster and rear spoiler issues with my 2004 C4S
Tuesday 11/19/2024 | 2004 | 911 Carrera 4S | Electronics
Hi everyone- new Porsche owner here....I recently inherited a 2004 C4S with about 21,000 miles on it that has been sitting for about 6-7 years. It starts right up and drives fine, but I have quite a few issues with the instrument cluster.READ ANSWER
What do I use to thoroughly clean my convertible top? 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 ... Can I drive my 1999 Carrera without the engine snorkel? 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. 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 ... 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 ... 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 ... 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 ... 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 ... 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 ... 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 ... 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 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 ... 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 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 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 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 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.
Clean convertible top
Monday 11/18/2024
| 1999 |
911 Carrera Cabriolet |
Other
Headlight problem where perodically, they won't pop open.
Monday 11/18/2024
| 1989 |
944 |
Other
Is the 1999 engine snorkel nessary
Monday 11/18/2024
| 1999 |
911 Carrera Cabriolet |
Engine
I hear a noise, grinding from the front suspension, steering. Only upon initially moving from still.
Monday 11/18/2024
| 2017 |
718 Cayman S |
Suspension
Rattle passenger side seat
Monday 11/18/2024
| 2005 |
911 Carrera |
Interior/Upholstery
LED Bulb replacement
Sunday 11/17/2024
| 2000 |
911 Carrera Cabriolet |
Accessories
I 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 ANSWER
rough idle on a cold start of the engine
Sunday 11/17/2024
| 2002 |
Boxster S |
Engine
Oil levels and usage
Sunday 11/17/2024
| 2009 |
911 Carrera S |
Engine
Recommend a indoor out door car cover for 2003 911 convertible
Saturday 11/16/2024
| 2003 |
911 Carrera Cabriolet |
Accessories
READ ANSWER
Is 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 ANSWER
speedometer failure with ABS and air bag lights displaying
Wednesday 11/13/2024
| 1994 |
968 |
Electrical
What 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 ANSWER
Can 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
Need 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 ANSWER
has 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 ANSWER
Found the attached stuck under the innershift selector shaft and transmission housing.
Monday 11/11/2024
| 1970 |
911T Targa |
Transmission/Clutch
What year is my steering wheel and is it for a 356 or 911?
Monday 11/11/2024
| 1968 |
911 |
Suspension
2001 Porsche 996 Oil in Coolant and Coolant in Oil
Monday 11/11/2024
| 2001 |
911 Carrera |
Engine
I 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
What is the best replacement battery?
Sunday 11/10/2024
| 1971 |
911T |
Electrical
Do I need to disconnect the battery before changing the ignition switch
Sunday 11/10/2024
| 2000 |
Boxster S |
Electrical
I'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
Question 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