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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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I need a mechanic in the cascade region

Tuesday 02/27/2024 | 2003 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Engine

I'd like a tuneup and service

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What Model Year Hardtops will fit my 2001 986 Boxster?

Monday 02/26/2024 | 2001 | Boxster | Body

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Electrical problems

Sunday 02/25/2024 | 1998 | Boxster | Electrical

I purchased the car two weeks ago. Every electrical device worked perfectly. After two weeks of very little use the power top, flashers, and turn signals quite working. Found three blown fuses, but everytime i replace them they burn out immediately. I replaced the ignition swithch, the steering lock and the ignition tumbler, reusing the original fob. The car startes and runs fine, but still blowing fuses and now the security system isn't working, still no turn signals, flashwrs and the remo ...

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Car will not start

Friday 02/23/2024 | 2002 | Boxster S | Engine

The car will crank but does not starts. This is a very intermittant problem. It happens after the car has been driven aroung town and stopped and started multiple times. When it happens, if I allow the car to sit for a period of time it will start just fine. The battery is new. Do you have any suggestions on what I can test when the car won't start. For example putting a pressure guage on the fuel rail or pulling a sparkplug wire and seeing if there is spark. READ ANSWER

Body. Floor pans and paint

Thursday 02/22/2024 | 1972 | 911T Targa | Body

Starting a full rebuild on my 72 911 Targa.I was looking for body shops to do pans and repaint. Any recommendations?

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1999 Boxster - Doors unlocked but will not open. windows move a little but not all the way d cannot open the doors. Mechanism clicks - neither door unlocks/opens. I cannot get into the car. Battery new w/full charge, needs new Ignition switch - became really stiff w/unrelated electrical issues (Passenger door not opening from the inside, radio not working, top would not go up or down, etc.

Wednesday 02/21/2024 | 1999 | Boxster | Electrical

1999 Boxster - Doors "unlocked" but will not open, windows drop a little for door to open but not all the way. Mechanism clicks - neither door unlocks/opens. I cannot get into the car. Battery new w/full charge. I do know it needs a new Ignition switch - became really stickky & stiff w/unrelated electrical issues, Passenger door not opening from the inside, radio lights up but will not work, cannot enter code, top would not go up or down, etc. Took the hard top off & tested the m ...

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What causes 2011 997.2 Carrera S RPMs to jump during moderate acceleration?

Wednesday 02/21/2024 | 2011 | 911 Carrera S | Transmission/Clutch

The car has PDK with sport chrono and is totally stock with 43,000 miles. In normal mode, with transmission in either automatic or manual, when moderately accelerating in any gear around 1,700 – 2500 RPMs, about every 4 seconds there is a “tinck” sound from the rear of the car and simultaneously the tachometer jumps up about 200 RPMs and then in about half a second there is another “tinck” sound and the RPMs drop back down to the previous RPMs. The transmission has not changed gears. T ...

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Instrument cluster pixel

Tuesday 02/20/2024 | 2004 | 911 Turbo Cabriolet | Electrical

Hi on my 2004 911 Turbo 996 convertible, the instrument cluster pixels on the display and not functioning properly. I have never experienced this before I think the pixels are dead on a spot and this could spread. I have 3 digital read outs on my car so I think that I should have all three digital displays replaced. Is there a place that this can be done? Can you recommend a place that I can send my cluster to have this problems fixed? ...

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What are the proper belt tension settings for the Cam, Counterbalance, Alt/AC, and Power steering belts?

Tuesday 02/20/2024 | 1987 | 944 | Engine

The manuals indicate that belt tension for the cam and counterbalance shafts is critical, but I cannot find any values for adjusting them. There should be listed a force for a deflection over a span. I have belt tension measurement tools, but I need these values to make calculations and adjust them properly.Can anyone provide these values? Also need them for the Alternator/AC and Steering belts.

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My light is on stating the roll over bars are not functioning any way to test, I just purchased the car last week

Sunday 02/18/2024 | 2002 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electronics

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How often should the engine compartment fan turn on. Ive tested the fan and it works but I never hear it turn on

Friday 02/16/2024 | 2004 | 911 Carrera | Electronics

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996 Door speakers with Bose

Friday 02/16/2024 | 2004 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electronics

I added a new double DIN Pioneer head unit to the original factory Bose amplifier and speaker system in my 2004 Carrera Cab. It sounds great but the door speakers don't output. Were the door speakers active with the original Bose speaker setup and subwoofer in the center console? TY!

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looses manual 6 speed shifter on '09 997.2

Thursday 02/15/2024 | 2009 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Transmission/Clutch

HIAnyone else have this problem? sometimes difficult to engage 1st from standing position, and generally loose engagement of lower gears. Local dealer has inspected and says shifter is OK. I've looke at upgrading or replacing. Shark Weeks makes ball bearings and complete short shifter replacement. . Anyone have experience wiht these? Anyone know of reputable service for 911s in greater Baltimore area other than Porsche dealerships?Thanks everyone. ...

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Need Mechanic in Wilmington NC to change IMS

Thursday 02/15/2024 | 2002 | Boxster | Engine

Need Mechanic to change IMS in Wilmington, NC. would rather not use Porsche dealership

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Can anyone provide me with the PDF, workshop manual or image of the window regulator template required to update my 70 911T to the scissor style?

Wednesday 02/14/2024 | 1970 | 911T | Body

Have disassembled the door and removed the window and frame - need to complete reassembly. Any help, photos or docs appreciated.

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How to reinstall the heater vent flap after removing it to get at all the decomposed foam flying out of the vents. Got it out from under the "hood" but am having diffulcuty getting it back in. I know that there was a write up with pictures or a video of this but can't seem to get my hands on it. I have a 2006 Boxster S - 987

Tuesday 02/13/2024 | 2006 | Boxster S | Other

Have a 2006 987 Boxster and had the ususal age related foam blowing out of the cabin bents. Followed the advice of serveral videos and got at it from under the "hood". A little tedious but got it out finally, replaced the decomposed foam that came from the factury and trying to get the flap back in, this is where I'm stuck. My hands are rather large and I'm having difficulty. Does anyone know of a vidoe or picture set that would help me out getting this heater flap back in? Once I have that d ...

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Driver’s side seatbelt does not fully retract. Is it possible to manually adjust this?

Tuesday 02/13/2024 | 2006 | Boxster S | Other

When exiting the car I have to manually feed the seatbelt in. Nothing is impeding the return, it just seems that the return mechanism is weak.

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I haves a 2006 Boxster S which has the original tire repair kit. Do these go bad? Should I replace it?

Tuesday 02/13/2024 | 2006 | Boxster S | Wheels and Tires

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Backup Camera Recommendations?

Tuesday 02/13/2024 | 2015 | Cayman | Accessories

I would like to hear your recommendations/input for the installation of a backup camera as my Cayman was not equipped with one. Specifically, recommendations for a reputable shop in/near Tampa FL that does a good job with installation/integration with the existing Nav. system. TIA!

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I am looking for a fuse schematic

Tuesday 02/13/2024 | 1987 | 911 Carrera | Electrical

I am just trying to identify my fuses

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Boxster convertible top elastic

Sunday 02/11/2024 | 2005 | Boxster S | Body

The elastic strap that guides the bead of the top into the gutter along the top of the window. Is there a fix for this issue. Surely Porsche has come up w a solution to this common problem. I have seen the stapling fix on videos but that seems like a Jerry rigged solution. There has to be a better fix.

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Purchased this last fall(23). I do not notice much/if any difference when I engage to sport exhaust button. Wanting more deep/throaty sounds. ??

Sunday 02/11/2024 | 2008 | 911 Targa 4S | Other

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I'm looking for a shop that can help me with some new headlights I bought that require transfer of ballast from old headlights to new headlights for them to work.

Sunday 02/11/2024 | 2004 | 911 Turbo Cabriolet | Electrical

The headlights came with some instructions as to the change out of ballasts from old to new ones but they are not very clear and use technical language that is confusing and hard to understand some of the details. I'm sure there are some custom shops that do upgrades and such for older Porsche cars that would be much more familiar and capable than I. Not comfortable doing this myself. I live in the Denver area and looking for good local Porsche shop capable of doing mods like this. ...

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Oil temperature runs at 244F at steady 73mph cruise, no extra/unusual loads. Is that normal? The GT4 also consumes about a quart of oil every 3,000 mi. which I understand is normal.

Saturday 02/10/2024 | 2020 | 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | Engine

Photo attached

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