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.
The auto start stop function in my 2014 Cayman base stopped working about 18 months ago, my car has a CPO warranty but the service department representative said it stopped functioning because the battery is low, they claim that if I change the battery it will work again, but the car starts without any issues, I have no low battery warnings or any dashboard lights on and really doesn’t seem like the battery has a problem and again this was almost 2 years ago,, what should I do?
Friday 08/22/2025 | 2014 | Cayman | Engine
Is there any other reason the auto start stop function in my Cayman stopped working other than a low battery which is what the service department said 2 years ago?I have been to 3 weeks vacations several times since then and when I come back the car starts immediately with no battery issues, what else could it be?
READ ANSWERI am aware of 6R, 7R, and 8R designations for connecting rods. each has a different tightening specificaton for the rod bolt. What are the specifications for a 6R rod?
Wednesday 08/20/2025 | 1999 | Boxster | Engine
The piston connecting rods have a designation stamped on them. My rod has 6R stamped on it. My shop manual provides tightening specifications for 7R and 8R designations. The 7R rod bolt should have an initial torque of 15 ftlb and then a final torque of 90 deg. The 8R rod bolt should have an initial torque of 15 ftlb and then a final torque of 110 deg. There is, however, no information for a 6R bolt. What are the tightening specifications for a 6R rod bolt? ...
READ ANSWERsource for 987.2 base wheels
Tuesday 08/19/2025 | 2011 | Cayman | Wheels and Tires
READ ANSWEREngine Idle Control Valve - 84 911
Monday 08/18/2025 | 1984 | 911 Carrera Targa | Engine
Hi - I replaced my ‘84 911 Carerra Targa engine idle control valve which resolved a pronounced searching warm engine idle. Now 200 miles later, after 30 seconds at warm idle it does a slight idle search. Any suggestions how what I can change oradjust next to make the idle smooth again? Thanks
READ ANSWERBest mechanic in San Fernando Valley LA
Sunday 08/17/2025 | 1988 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Engine
Looking for a mechanic to look over my car.
READ ANSWER"White splotch" on Time and Temp display?
Sunday 08/17/2025 | 2007 | 911 Carrera S | Electronics
Approximately one month ago noted a "white splotch" on Time and Temp display. I assume this means the LCD has failed? Time and Temp still working and displaying correct/current info. Does this entail removal of the entire insrument panel in order to repair/replace the display? Estimated cost of repair/replacement?
READ ANSWERare the OEM sports springs compatible with Bilstein B6 shocks
Friday 08/15/2025 | 2004 | 911 Carrera Cabriolet | Suspension
the standard front springs are out of production according to the dealer
READ ANSWERRecommendation for spare tire for 2013 boxster
Friday 08/15/2025 | 2013 | Boxster | Accessories
Would like recommendation for lightweight spare tire that would fit in my 2013 boxster in the front baggage department?
READ ANSWERTop Won't Go Up / No Parking Brake Light With Brake Engaged
Friday 08/15/2025 | 2002 | Boxster S | Electrical
So I'm assuming my E Brake Switch gummed up or broken. Parking Brake Light does illuminate during start up but will not illuminate while Parking Brake is engaged. Found and removed the access panel below handbrake on the drivers side but still cannot see, let alone access, the switch. How do I do this? Do I have to disassemble more of the center console? Do I have to remove the drivers seat? ...
READ ANSWERWhen coming to a stop, or between gentle shifts, the engine gives a shudder when the rpm go back to idle (actually just under it for a split second) but then immediately smooths at the idle rpm..
Thursday 08/14/2025 | 1985 | 944 | Engine
As mentioned above, when the engine slows to idle, it shudders for a moment (as the rpm dip slightly below idle) and then immediately returns to the smooth idle rpm. I should say my 944 has been doing this for its entire life, but I'm wondering if I should raise the idle a bit to try to avoid this shudder (as it could be putting the head gasket at risk?....although a recent head gasket change (bent valves) after 125,000 miles showed a perfect head gasket). ...
READ ANSWERNew key for Porsche
Thursday 08/14/2025 | 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 ANSWER5 Chain Cam Locking Tool
Wednesday 08/13/2025 | 2002 | Boxster S | Engine
I’m having difficulty finding a camshaft timing kit with the 5 chain locking tool. I see a surplus of kits on Amazon, eBay, pelican parts, etc. but each contains the 3 chain locking kit. I believe the 5 chain engine (I have M96/21) only has a slot to lock the lower exhaust cam. Any advice or direction would be much appreciated here. Looking to reseal valve covers.
READ ANSWERHow to lubricate convertible top?
Wednesday 08/13/2025 | 2002 | 911 Carrera | Body
Top works well but no lube for many years. I found videos on youtube by I am looking for a list of items to lubricate and the type of oil or grease. TY.
READ ANSWERStuck speedo 996.1 C4
Wednesday 08/13/2025 | 2001 | 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet | Electronics
Hello,recently, my analog speedometer got stuck at a random speed in mph. Is there any way to calibrate or reset it? I have tried hooking it up to Durametric and it flickers a little when I command to check the analog gauges.
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 ANSWERCan sitting cause the MAF to go bad
Tuesday 08/12/2025 | 2001 | 911 Carrera | Fuel System
Can letting a 996 sit for a couple of months without driving cause the mass airflow sensor to go bad? I am on my second mass airflow sensor replacement in three years and the guy at my parts store said it could be because the car has been sitting. If that’s not the cause what else could it be? What makes the MAF fail?
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 ANSWERI recently purchased a 2000 911 cab. When I discovered it came with only one key I looked into purchasing an additional one from the nearest Porsche dealer. I was quoted a price of $880..00. That’s crazy. Do I have any alternatives?
Sunday 08/10/2025 | 2000 | 911 Carrera | Other
READ ANSWERWhich are the best bulbs to replace
Sunday 08/10/2025 | 1992 | 968 Cabriolet | Electrical
Best and strongest replacement bulbs for my 968
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