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 does "Steering Support Restricted, Adapted driving permmited" mean?
Tuesday 06/24/2025 | 2016 | Boxster | Electronics
what does Steering Support Restricted Adapted driving permitted mean
READ ANSWERRattle behind driver seat near quarter window
Monday 06/23/2025 | 2019 | 718 Cayman S | Other
Hi! In my 718 Cayman S (2019) I have an intermittent rattle or buzzing coming from right behind the driver seat, ear level, sounding like the quarter window is loose. The window and trim seem tight. Been to the dealer twice, they said they added cushioning to a cable that runs under the quarter window, but the noise keeps coming back. It comes and goes sporadically but seems to happen more in sports mode or bumpy roads. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.Craig S ...
READ ANSWERWheel swap back to front
Monday 06/23/2025 | 1983 | 911 SC | Wheels and Tires
I came across a set of 9x16 Fuchs wheels matte black for a good price. I noticed on this car I just acquired there are spacers on the stock rims installed. I wanted to get rid of these. A local air-cooled shop mentioned that I can move the rears which are 7x16 to the front and mount these new 9x16 on the rear without any issues. Can this be done?
READ ANSWERReplaced fuel level sending unit in 75 911, still shows empty. works fine when out of car with 12volts could it be the gasket not allowing a good ground
Monday 06/23/2025 | 1975 | 911 Carrera Targa (US) | Electrical
READ ANSWERI re-installed my Autothority stage 2 chips in my car, and the car would not start. When I put the stock chips back in, the car started and ran just fine. Is there a fix for this?
Sunday 06/22/2025 | 1988 | 944 Turbo S | Engine
I bought the Stage 2 chip directly from Autothority many years ago, but did remove it when emissions tested demanded it be removed to pass inspection. Now I’m hoping to reinstall it as the car has reached the age of exemption. Problem. Is that the car just will not start. I went back to the stock chip set and it starts and runs. I’m asking because I may not be the first one that has had this experience. ‘Is there a fix?should I do without,orgo a different direction ...
READ ANSWERBest scan tool
Sunday 06/22/2025 | 2008 | Boxster | Other
READ ANSWERRefitting Bose entertainment system
Thursday 06/19/2025 | 2006 | Cayman S | Electrical
The previous owner removed the Bose entertainment system and replaced it with an aftermarket touchscreen with nav, airplay etc. I don’t like it and want to reinstall the Bose, all the original plugs are unmolested as an adaptor harness was used. Will I need to reprogram the Bose in any way or is it “plug and play”? I should mention the Bose is the original from the car and not sourced from another. ...
READ ANSWERI would like to know if a 2014 Cayman S with manual transmission, clutch pedal should have some free play just as I push the clutch pedal in? If yes, can you direct me to where I would find out how to adjust the free play. Thanks a Million! Best!
Thursday 06/19/2025 | 2014 | Cayman S | Transmission/Clutch
READ ANSWERcar starts OK has newer Gel battery. After driving for a while and being shut off it sometimes has a problem restarting. Low voltage buzzer sounds and not turning over at all. After a few minutes it starts fine
Thursday 06/19/2025 | 1986 | 911 Carrera | Electrical
READ ANSWERUpdating PCM 3.0 maps
Saturday 06/14/2025 | 2010 | Boxster S | Accessories
The navigation maps are terrible. The suggested addresses can’t be over riden what are best practices for upgraded maps or system?
READ ANSWERHello, , I i'm curious if my manual transmission twenty fourteen k m s should have replay at the top of its travel, in other words just as I text the pedal with my foot?
Saturday 06/14/2025 | 2014 | Cayman S | Transmission/Clutch
READ ANSWER"reduced engine power" fault on my instrument cluster
Thursday 06/12/2025 | 2012 | Boxster | Electronics
I am experiencing periodic "reduced engine power" warning on my instrument cluster. It does not stay on all the time; it is intermittent, and sometimes it clears right away, sometimes it will stay on for miles. I noticed no change in engine sound or performance under normal driving conditions. I do not track the car, I use it as my daily driver, and sometimes drive it a little spritely, nothing crazy. The fault code on my scanner indicates "intake valve c ...
READ ANSWERI have added a duck tail to the original Cayman rear spoiler and would like to reprogram the rear spoiler to only deploy in the up position at a higher speed limit than the currently programed 75mph. The Porsche Dealership says that the function can be reprogramed to no longer deploy at any speed but as a result the manual raise/lower button on the console will also no longer work. Is this correct or is there another option?
Wednesday 06/11/2025 | 2009 | Cayman | Electrical
My desire is to limit the deployment of the rear spoiler (say above 100mph) but to also retain the ability to manually raise and lower the rear spoiler for cleaning and repairs if needed. If the function is completely eliminated, is there a way to manually raise and lower the rear spoiler via access from the rear trunk area in case of need maintenance?
READ ANSWERAre aftermarket coils such as APR an upgrade over the standard Porsche coils? Do they add any performance/efficiency difference?
Tuesday 06/10/2025 | 2018 | 718 Cayman | Electrical
READ ANSWERWhat is the easiest way to improve the ride quality of a manual transmission 2016 Cayman GTS with X-73 Sport Suspension and 20-inch wheels?
Monday 06/09/2025 | 2016 | Cayman GTS | Suspension
READ ANSWERWhen my passenger window is partially down and when you go to close the window it goes down rather up to close. When you press the window to go up again it will finally go up. Is this witch problem?
Saturday 06/07/2025 | 2007 | Cayman S | Electrical
READ ANSWERA/C 001603 - State: Current - "Pressure Sensor Short Circuit to ground, Open Circuit"
Saturday 06/07/2025 | 2013 | Boxster | Heating and Ventilation
I am seeking your support in helping to comprehend the following diagnostic codes I pulled from my Porsche 981 as my A/C has stopped blowing cold air (fans working). Codes pulled: A/C 001603 - State: Current - "Pressure
READ ANSWERCoolant 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 ANSWER