Good afternoon to everyone.
Porsche 996 C2 Tiptronic S 1999
I thought I'd share this experience with the forum as I find the advice on here extremely useful and this is my chance to give something in return.
During a run out in the late autumn 2012, whilst emerging from a car park at low speed, the tiptronic gearbox began to play up. Initially the 2nd and 3rd gears seemed reluctant to change up and when they did there was a distinct thump. This was followed by warning lights on the dashboard/gearbox indicator flashing between D and 4. A quick look in the owners manual indicated that 'reduced performance mode' had been engaged and I was to take the car to Porsche.
I contacted my local independent (RPM at Knaresborough) who advised I get the car to them - on a trailer if possible. This was done and they contacted me soon afterwards to say that they had noted the fault codes, then cleared the codes which then showed no further faults. We discussed the various options and I asked for the gearbox hydraulic fluid to be changed (the car was at 84,000 miles) after reading many threads on the forum about the reliability of the gearbox and most problems being related to low or incorrect hydraulic fluid levels or contamination.
RPM reported that changing the fluid and filter had improved things but not resolved the issue fully. I brought the car home and found that it changed smoothly through all 5 gears (both in auto and using the buttons). However, when the throttle was depressed with any force the gearbox became 'confused' thumping between gears with a varied array of flashing lights on the display and putting the engine into reduced performance mode.
I spoke with Andy and Nick at RPM - both were of the opinion that the torque converter was the likely problem. They were professional enough not to offer any guarantee but said they were 90 to 95% certain of their diagnosis.
This of course meant an engine out - split from the gearbox job. We discussed what other work it would be prudent to do whilst the engine was out and it was recommended that the rear brake lines and gearbox pipes were replaced also.
I agreed to have the work done and a delivered the car to them in May. The called me periodically to report on their progress and I collected the car a couple of weeks ago. The problem seems to be correctly resolved and the gearbox is working normally in all areas.
In summary the work included:
Engine/Gearbox removal
Replacement torque converter (official part)
Gearbox pipes
Brake pipes
All fluids replaced (oils/antifreeze/air con gas/gearbox oil etc)
MOT / sundries
New alternator (original damaged on extraction replaced without labour charge).
Total cost £3,300 (inc VAT) - which I thought was reasonable for the work done.
During the time the gearbox was playing up and my car was sitting in my garage - I spent hours and hours on the forums looking for the answer and even contemplated second opinions etc etc. There is some really good advice on the forum and although I couldn't find the exact same problem, I was heartened by the strength of 'good will' amongst the members and the apparent faith in good inde's out there. In the end putting my faith in the guys at RPM seems to have paid off and in retrospect I should have had confidence in their experience and judgement. They have looked after this car for 8 years or so and I knew that sooner or later something would fail or become unreliable and I'd have to dig deep(ish).
So I think my message is - Find a good independent - one with a good reputation - Talk to them - don't be afraid to ask the 'what if' questions and listen to their advice.
I hope this experience helps someone else who may have similar issues.
Oh and I LOVE my Porsche dearly.
Porsche 996 C2 Tiptronic S 1999
I thought I'd share this experience with the forum as I find the advice on here extremely useful and this is my chance to give something in return.
During a run out in the late autumn 2012, whilst emerging from a car park at low speed, the tiptronic gearbox began to play up. Initially the 2nd and 3rd gears seemed reluctant to change up and when they did there was a distinct thump. This was followed by warning lights on the dashboard/gearbox indicator flashing between D and 4. A quick look in the owners manual indicated that 'reduced performance mode' had been engaged and I was to take the car to Porsche.
I contacted my local independent (RPM at Knaresborough) who advised I get the car to them - on a trailer if possible. This was done and they contacted me soon afterwards to say that they had noted the fault codes, then cleared the codes which then showed no further faults. We discussed the various options and I asked for the gearbox hydraulic fluid to be changed (the car was at 84,000 miles) after reading many threads on the forum about the reliability of the gearbox and most problems being related to low or incorrect hydraulic fluid levels or contamination.
RPM reported that changing the fluid and filter had improved things but not resolved the issue fully. I brought the car home and found that it changed smoothly through all 5 gears (both in auto and using the buttons). However, when the throttle was depressed with any force the gearbox became 'confused' thumping between gears with a varied array of flashing lights on the display and putting the engine into reduced performance mode.
I spoke with Andy and Nick at RPM - both were of the opinion that the torque converter was the likely problem. They were professional enough not to offer any guarantee but said they were 90 to 95% certain of their diagnosis.
This of course meant an engine out - split from the gearbox job. We discussed what other work it would be prudent to do whilst the engine was out and it was recommended that the rear brake lines and gearbox pipes were replaced also.
I agreed to have the work done and a delivered the car to them in May. The called me periodically to report on their progress and I collected the car a couple of weeks ago. The problem seems to be correctly resolved and the gearbox is working normally in all areas.
In summary the work included:
Engine/Gearbox removal
Replacement torque converter (official part)
Gearbox pipes
Brake pipes
All fluids replaced (oils/antifreeze/air con gas/gearbox oil etc)
MOT / sundries
New alternator (original damaged on extraction replaced without labour charge).
Total cost £3,300 (inc VAT) - which I thought was reasonable for the work done.
During the time the gearbox was playing up and my car was sitting in my garage - I spent hours and hours on the forums looking for the answer and even contemplated second opinions etc etc. There is some really good advice on the forum and although I couldn't find the exact same problem, I was heartened by the strength of 'good will' amongst the members and the apparent faith in good inde's out there. In the end putting my faith in the guys at RPM seems to have paid off and in retrospect I should have had confidence in their experience and judgement. They have looked after this car for 8 years or so and I knew that sooner or later something would fail or become unreliable and I'd have to dig deep(ish).
So I think my message is - Find a good independent - one with a good reputation - Talk to them - don't be afraid to ask the 'what if' questions and listen to their advice.
I hope this experience helps someone else who may have similar issues.
Oh and I LOVE my Porsche dearly.