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.
Coolant flooded my garage after a normal drive, no warning lights, A/C operating. What happened?
Wednesday 06/04/2025 | 2000 | Boxster | Other
After a nice drive for about an hour, top down, A/C operating normally, no warming lights, I went home and I parked in my garage. When I returned a few minutes later, the garage floor was flooded with coolant. During my ownership (I'm the second starting at 17549miles) I have had a new water pump and new coolant reservoir installed. I also went with an IMS bearing replacement. I have just over 84K miles on the clock. Runs like a Swiss watch until it doesn't. Will be towed to my Porsche ...
READ ANSWERHeadlights don't work. All other lights work; parking, high beams, fog, etc. Checked fuses & replaced headlight switch. Is there a headlights relay in this car?
Wednesday 06/04/2025 | 1999 | Boxster | Electrical
I've noticed that the headlights do work occasionally when I first start the car, but if try them a second time, nothing. As far as I can tell the onlynthing controlling thebheadlights is the headlight switch, which I've replaced.
READ ANSWERI was driving my 2006 997 coupe gently down a hill and heard a metallic jingling sound from the driver’s side rear of my car . I pulled over and noticed that the lowest part of the car is the drivers side rear . The passenger side front tire has approximately 2” of space between the top of the tire and wheel well. I called my local dealer and they cannot look at the car for 2 weeks. I am trying to decide if I can gently drive the car the 10 miles to the dealer or flatbed it. 67k miles thank you
Tuesday 06/03/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera | Suspension
The car has its original suspension. No repairs have been needed / completed to the suspension. I’ve only done one track weekend with the car at Mid Ohio about 10 years ago other than that it’s been gently driven. I drove the car home after I discovered the problem and everything seemed fine except when I applied the brakes it pulled to the left. Thank you for any advice you can offer best ! Russ Dejulio Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ...
READ ANSWERTook my Carrera out and the top is very slow to retract into convertabile position.
Tuesday 06/03/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S | Other
I don't drive it in the winter, so it is covered and garage kept
READ ANSWERHow to replace ignition coil connector
Tuesday 06/03/2025 | 2002 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Electrical
I was replacing spark plugs and ignition coils. While removing the #1 coil I broke the clip that secures the wire to the coil. I purchased a replacement but am not clear how to safely remove the wires from the old clip. Any help would be appreciated.
READ ANSWERI bought my 2006 Carrera S from an out of state dealer. The car was originally from Florida. I live in California. I can't find the emission sticker and luckily the smog guy let it pass. Does anyone know if I can get a sticker, or am I screwed?
Monday 06/02/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S | Engine
READ ANSWERBest source for special tools for M96.05 DIY rebuild?
Monday 06/02/2025 | 2008 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Engine
Can they be rented? Buy used? What tools are necessary? I know the timing tools, the pin alignment and circlip installation tools.What else? I saw the above tool kit and LN engineering for about $750 and eBay had an off brand that looked identical for about $125. Chinese knockoff?Thanks in advance,Doug
READ ANSWERconvertible top is blowing fuses; is it the hydrolic cylinders? motor? microswithch? who should i go to?
Monday 06/02/2025 | 2003 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Electrical
the convertible top blew the fuses, when i replaced them...the top works, but again blew fuse. i took it to a local shop who said i need to replace both cylinders and the motor. now i have heard it could be the microswithc. i don't know if i should go to a porche dealership for fear of getting a very high bill, though the shop i took it to charges $190 an hour and told me the job will be approx $7500. the prices they quoted on the parts were inflate. i don't know what to do. anyone hav ...
READ ANSWERDoes a 2008 911 turbo cabriolet windshield have a special mount for the rearview mirror?
Monday 06/02/2025 | 2008 | 911 Turbo Cabriolet | Other
My rearview mirror suddenly keeps falling off. Does a Porsche replacement windsield have a special mount built in?
READ ANSWEROccasional Coolant Fault Light
Sunday 06/01/2025 | 2019 | 718 Boxster | Engine
Every few weeks a coolant fault message will appear on the multi-function display. It usually appears two or three miles after starting out from home, but the message does not reappear when the car is stopped and restarted. This car is a daily driver that is driven about 100 miles per week. So, the warning is rare. What are the likely causes?
READ ANSWERYes Pedro, it is engine oil. I went away for 2 months. When I came back I saw oily driveway. Lost about 2 quarts of oil.
Sunday 06/01/2025 | 2015 | Boxster S | Engine
Yes Pedro, it is engine oil. I went away for 2 months. When I came back I saw oily driveway. Lost about 2 quarts of oil.Thank you for getting back to me.
READ ANSWERcan a 305 X 20 tire fit the rear of my 2016 Cayman GTS
Sunday 06/01/2025 | 2016 | Cayman GTS | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWERoil leak in 981 boxster
Saturday 05/31/2025 | 2015 | Boxster S | Engine
oil leak in 981 boxster
READ ANSWERPricing out repairs for 1999 996
Friday 05/30/2025 | 1999 | 911 Carrera | Engine
Proud owner of first Porsche, 1999/996. Just got an estimate from local reputable shop for initial repairs. I am aware that regional pricing can vary, but can you please tell me if these prices are avg/good/poor? Feel free to comment on all items, or just the items that you are familiar with or recently had complete on your own vehicle. Thanks.IMS- $387580K miles inspection- $1860Coolant flush- $570Brake fluid flush- $270Spark plug tubes- $590 ...
READ ANSWERReplacing charcoal cannister on 1970 911T
Friday 05/30/2025 | 1970 | 911T | Fuel System
Greetings! I'm in the process of replacing some fuel and misc. older smaller hoses/lines (to eliminate faint gasoline smells) under my front hood. The vintage charcoal cannister - while I don't think some fumes originate from it - my question is:1) Can / should these cannisters be either cleaned or replaced?Mine is in acceptable visual condition - but I am thinking after 55 + years - don't they get saturated?Note - I only s ...
READ ANSWERHow do you determine when the rims need to be replaced
Friday 05/30/2025 | 1999 | Boxster | Wheels and Tires
I have a 1999 Boxster, Base that has 139,000 miles on it.I wanted to know if the rims on a car that is 25 years old should be replaced?I do not have any vibration or any other issues just concerned about age.If there is a way to examine them I would appreciate your input.Best Regards,Bob Grogan
READ ANSWERDo aftermarket air filters actually improve flow over the stock Porsche filter
Friday 05/30/2025 | 2018 | 718 Cayman | Performance Modifications
Wondering if an aftermarket air filter actually improves performance over the stock filter?
READ ANSWERI have done it again, a two week trip leaving the 997 at home. -- Update --
Wednesday 05/28/2025 | 2007 | 911 Carrera | Electrical
Hi Guys - An update to my earlier question about getting the front hood open with a dead battery.I succeeded today after a chat with Tony Callas at Callas Rennsport here near me. He suggested that there might be an open connection somewhere in my attempts, which matched what I thought also. But he suggested something which I had forgotten from my earlier run at this same problem.I was connecting the black jumper to the door retard strap about midway down the the door, just as ...
READ ANSWERTicking noise
Wednesday 05/28/2025 | 2018 | 718 Cayman | Engine
Heard a ticking sound after cold start yesterday. Went away once warm. Thoughts?
READ ANSWERImmediately after purchase I had the IMS bearing replaced, although it was fine, with the direct feed bearing. I plan to switch to Lubrimoly oil, what viscosity do you recommend for moderate MN temperatures? I see the oil is offered in 0-40, 5-40 and 5-50
Tuesday 05/27/2025 | 2000 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Engine
READ ANSWER1st gear synchro on 915 gear box
Monday 05/26/2025 | 1980 | 911 SC | Transmission/Clutch
READ ANSWERBest way to change 982 2.5l oil filter
Monday 05/26/2025 | 2018 | 718 Boxster GTS | Engine
I’m using a cup type filter wrench and it takes forever to change the oil filter. I’m currently using a 3/8” universal joint and 15” extension and a torque wrench set to 18 ft/lb. Two u-joints don’t’ work well because the wrench will slip off the filter housing. I also tried a flexible extension but that wasn’t good either. Is there a special tool? Thanks.
READ ANSWERodometer not working what has failed
Sunday 05/25/2025 | 1986 | 911 Carrera Targa | Electrical
The speedometer works but the mileage count does not
READ ANSWERFront end noise
Sunday 05/25/2025 | 2014 | Boxster | Suspension
Hi Pedro. Thanks for the quick response to my question. The clunk that I experience in the front left only appears at low speeds, in fact, backing out of the garage down a 1/4" lip I get the noise. Also at low speeds while turning. As I said before, my mechanic cannot find any obvious problems and we have replaced the sway bar link. Is there a trick to troubleshooting the more subtle causes of noise? ...
READ ANSWERProper rated tires for a base 2010 987.2 17in rhim
Saturday 05/24/2025 | 2010 | Boxster | Wheels and Tires
Enthusiastic Sunday driver and Concours. TRack supports "P2s" and I'm looking at "P4s" what am I missing? KFM
READ ANSWER84 carrera coming out of storage idle seems to fast doesn't idle down after warm up.
Friday 05/23/2025 | 1984 | 911 Carrera Targa | Fuel System
Carrera has always idled fine, this is first occurrence.
READ ANSWERFront end clunks at slow speed
Thursday 05/22/2025 | 2014 | Boxster | Suspension
Have had a low speed clunk sound from front left, it seems to be more from forward/aft movement than vertical. I just had front brakes replaced (rotors and pads) and asked my mechanic to diagnose the noise. He found the left sway bar link to be slightly worn so replaced it and checked the rest of the suspension, retorqued the strut and strut bearing. Everything else seems good.Still the clunk persists. Any ideas? ...
READ ANSWERfront strut bump stop replacement
Tuesday 05/20/2025 | 2007 | 911 Carrera | Suspension
READ ANSWERWhy won't one window auto up anymore?
Tuesday 05/20/2025 | 2006 | Boxster S | Electrical
My car was left out in the rain one night, and apparently there are drains that were plugged and the water went into the cabin. It shorted some circuits in the convertible mechanism and it tried to open. It broke some rods (which I understand is by design) and fried the control module.Rods and module were replaced (at no charge by the shop where it was being worked on for something totally unrelated!!) and the top works fine now.However, the passenger windo ...
READ ANSWER997.2 targa roof needs expert! Who?
Tuesday 05/20/2025 | 2009 | 911 Targa 4 | Body
Hi from Toronto. Ontario. i have a targa roof low-speed constant creak when the roof is closed. When it is open, it disappears. It sounds like “glass on glass” but who knows. The inde repair shop that has serviced all my Porsches with excellence spent some time with the car and lubricated the moving parts. It was better for a day and now is much worse. I was told that the roof window sits in a metal frame and this is not possible to prevent from creaking if this is relevant. The car is ...
READ ANSWERHave a Cayman but want to get a 991.2 to go along with it. Is it reasonable to assume that a Porsche CPO shouldnt need a third party inspection?
Tuesday 05/20/2025 | 2015 | Cayman S | Other
READ ANSWERWarm start issue
Monday 05/19/2025 | 1984 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Engine
Hi Chris,I have a warm start issue with my 1984 911 Carrera Cabriolet. The car fires up almost instantly when cold, even after 3+ months of winter storage, but after a drive when the engine warms up, it may take 5-10 seconds before it fires. My suspicion until now has been fuel and the car has a new fuel filter and fuel pump check valve installed. I've heard that leaking injectors could be causing this issue, but before I go out and replace those I wanted to check in case yo ...
READ ANSWERI have a 1997 Boxster. I left the front hood up to use my battery maintainer. I usually remove the bulb. When I put it back in it would not work. I closed the hood and reopened 9t and it turned on. Is there a timer on it?out 12 hours I put the bulb in anf it would not
Sunday 05/18/2025 | 1997 | Boxster | Electrical
READ ANSWERAfter a long drive, I shut off the car, and went back 20 minutes later, and it won't start. It just cranks super fast. But not getting a spark. Does that mean my ignition coil is not working?
Sunday 05/18/2025 | 1974 | 911 Carrera 2.7 Targa (Euro) | Engine
READ ANSWERMy front lower lip spoiler is constantly hitting when going up a driveway or over a speed bump. Is there a lift kit available like the newer models have?
Saturday 05/17/2025 | 2006 | 911 Carrera S | Suspension
I am looking at installing Stanceparts air cups on my front suspension so I can clear speed bumps and enter my driveway without tearing up my chin spoiler. I know I need to switch to coilover shocks in the front to install them. Does anyone have recommendations? for coilovers? I only want to change the front and leave the rear end alone.
READ ANSWER996.2 manual swap to 996.q
Saturday 05/17/2025 | 2001 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Transmission/Clutch
I have a 01 carrera 6spd with a bad bearing. I have a 6spd from a 2003 carrera and wanted to see if anyone has installed a 996.2 manual in a 996.1 and if it only needs a 996.2 clutch kit to work as i know they are different by .200 thousands and the 996.2 is 2 inches longer otherwise it bolts up. Thanks.
READ ANSWERTail Shifter to Side Shifter
Friday 05/16/2025 | 1971 | 914 1.7 | Transmission/Clutch
I have a 1971 914/4 with a tail shifter and am considering replacing with a side shifter. I also have all new bushings for my tail shifter. Question: is it worth replacing the bushings & will it make shifting easier or should I just bite the bullet and look around for a good side shifter with linkage?
READ ANSWERWhat kind of connectors are used on the throttle body?
Friday 05/16/2025 | 2000 | Boxster S | Fuel System
I was getting no throttle response. My local (non-Porsche) shop determined that something had chewed through the cables at the throttle body. They endeavored to obtain a new connector from Porsche but we're told that an entire new harness would be needed, at a cost of $3000. The shop is currently attempting to repair the cable at the plug, but the remaining leads out of the plug are very shortIt seems to me that the connector shell and pins are probably something like Bosch items, mayb ...
READ ANSWERNeed Seat Back Cover for 2011 911 C4S Cabriolet - brown natural leather with embossed headrest
Wednesday 05/14/2025 | 2011 | 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet | Interior/Upholstery
Hi All,I have some tears in my driver's seat and am looking to get them repaired. I was looking for the OEM seat cover, but it appears to be discontinued. I -think- it would have been 997-521-941-02-T11 but not 100% sure. Th
READ ANSWERI order my Cayman with the pre-wire for the dash cam. I ordered a Porsche camera from Suncoast that is supposed to be one for the pre-wire. Is this something that will be plug and play or do I have to have the dealer install the camera and run a bunch of wiring? If I have the dealer do the install what have others paid to have this done with the pre-wire option??
Tuesday 05/13/2025 | 2025 | 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | Accessories
READ ANSWEROil level sensor connector
Monday 05/12/2025 | 1988 | 944 Turbo S | Electrical
Does anyone know where I can get the connector or the wire with a connector for the oil level sensor that goes into the oil pan? I can't seem to find the part number. Thanks
READ ANSWERthe fan switch only works to increase fan speed , will not lower it
Monday 05/12/2025 | 2015 | Boxster | Heating and Ventilation
READ ANSWERBoxster 2011 987.2 Manual 1st to 2nd grind and downshift 3rd to 2nd gring
Monday 05/12/2025 | 2011 | Boxster | Transmission/Clutch
My Boxster is experiencing a crunch or grind from upshift 1st to 2nd gear and also sometimes downshifting from 3rd to 2nd. Doesn't do it all the time, but starting to get worse. I've been told by one shop that does some Porsche work it's probably 2nd gear synchronizer (also called dog ring? )and perhaps changing transmission gear lube and probably hydraulic clutch fluid may help. They also recommend installing new clutch kit and slave cylinder. Doesn't seem like Porsche specific indy s ...
READ ANSWERhello i have a carbureted 1980sc with 40mm weber ida i need solution for venting the oil tank without reinventing the wheel thanks
Monday 05/12/2025 | 1980 | 911 SC | Performance Modifications
READ ANSWEREngine revs freely in natural but when accelerating in any gear, the engine is very jerky. I have changed the plugs and plug leads and checked all the air flow meters and everything checks out but the problem still exists.
Friday 05/09/2025 | 1988 | 911 Carrera | Engine
The engine was rebuilt about 15 years ago and that’s why the mileage is low.
READ ANSWERI've owned my 1979 911SC for 28 years. I've always changed my oil myself with a lift. I've always used Castrol GTX 20w/50. Is there an alternative to that oil? My car has 211k miles.
Thursday 05/08/2025 | 1979 | 911 SC Targa | Engine
I've owned my 1979 911SC for 28 years. I've always changed my oil myself with a lift. I've always used Castrol GTX 20w/50. Is there an alternative to that oil? My car has 211k miles.
READ ANSWERAnyone used DBA model 4000 rotors
Wednesday 05/07/2025 | 2011 | 911 Carrera S | Brakes
Anyone have experience with DBA rotors on a 2011 911 S ? Used them as an option on a 2006 Corvette with Z06 brakes, and they were great on track and for street use.
READ ANSWERnon oem tpms replacement sensors
Tuesday 05/06/2025 | 2008 | Cayman | Electronics
My TPMS sensors need replacing. Are there aftermarket sensors that members have had good luck with using? I am reluctant to spend the price for the OEM units.
READ ANSWERUsed part needed-Left Rear CV Axle
Tuesday 05/06/2025 | 1999 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Transmission/Clutch
Was told that I need a left rear cv axle Part#99633202495To be honest...not even sure what this is but when they did an oil change they noticed this leaking grease. Any help would be great.
READ ANSWERSemi-metallic vs ceramic brake pads
Monday 05/05/2025 | 2017 | 718 Cayman S | Brakes
I'm trying to identify the best brake pads for track use. I do not race but participate in high performance driving events. My track use is 80-90% and street 10-20%. My question is about choosing between semi-metallic pads vs. ceramics. The ceramics appeal to me because they are easier on the rotors, but do they perform as well as the semi-metallics? Appreciate any help with this.Jim Horschjiho18q@gmail.com ...
READ ANSWER