OneDayIsHere

A quick update on this issue should anyone else have anything similar... First a quick update on a couple of the "symptoms" I described in the initial post: The only gauge that seems to be working normally is the fuel gauge. The oil pressure I thought was working, isn't quite right. Although it goes from 0 to 5 on engine start, it rarely falls below that during normal driving, which it should. The right hand directional dash bulb is also not working. Took the car to a local Bosch / European auto specialist with the right equipment. Unfortunately he couldn't get the diagnostics equipment to communicate with the instrument cluster. A couple of calls with the diagnostics equipment manufacturers technical support staff and they concluded that the cluster must be damaged, likely due to static electricity during prior disassembly. The tech explained this to be likely given a couple of the gauges still have 'life' while others are dead. BTW, he did reset the Air Bag fault and the light went out. It came back on though once I drove away! The shop advised the next step will be to send the cluster off to a repair / re-manufacturing company for bench testing and (hopefully) repair. The firm they use (BBA Re-man.) charge $550 plus Bench Test fee plus shipping. It's looking quite expensive. I'll check out alternatives too. I'll update again once I have tried this route.

Thanks Loren. I'll try and find a local repair facility with one of these diagnostics tools. I'll update with the outcome.

The following provides a description of some issues I have with my 1999 Porsche Carrara 4 (996, coupe, 6 speed) instrument cluster as a result of some “mishaps” while taking the cluster out of the car for backlight lamp replacement. I have also described the “mishaps” that I suspect have given rise to the issues I now face. Problems with the cluster: · Voltage meter not working, shows slightly under 12v constantly, even with engine running · Speedometer dial not working, bounces around a little, but not correct · Tachometer stays at zero (previously climbed erratically to 8,000/max then stayed there, before I took it back out and moved the needle back to zero) · Temperature gauge not working, stays at minimum · The fuel gauge and oil pressure gauge are working normally · All digital readouts are working normally · The clock will not go into adjustment mode · The air bag warning light is on Prior to the cluster removal, everything was working fine, except for 1 blown backlight bulb. Now to the “mishaps”: · I disconnected the battery and removed the cluster with no issue · While the cluster was out and in the garage I inadvertently closed the front hood which I couldn’t re-open due to the hood release lever being locked (battery still disconnected) · In an attempt to charge the electrical system so I could open the hood I started the car using the battery terminals in the engine bay (remember, the cluster is out and battery disconnected). Not sure that was my wisest decision, where is the current from the alternator going?!?! · Eventually I got the hood back open via manually operating the cable (long story!) · I reconnected the battery to avoid the issue again · After replacing bulbs in the instrument cluster, I forgot to disconnect the battery again before re-fitting the instrument cluster I have since disconnected & re-connected the battery. I have tried to check for codes with an OBDII tester. I have removed the cluster again, stripped it down again and carefully re-fitted ensuring all connectors / harnesses are fully pushed into place. I have even pulled every single fuse one by one to perform a visual inspection (all were OK). I suspect I may have damaged the cluster by re-fitting the cluster while the battery was connected, but can’t be sure. Any advice from anyone as to what to do next to diagnose the issue and where to go with this saga now? Many thanks in advance.

Thanks C4s Surgeon and Munro86, I appreciate you input. I'll try the cam cover first and if that doesn't cure it, turn my attention to the AOS/Bellows. Darren.

My 996 is a US '99 C4 Coupe, 6 speed with 63k miles. I have had an occassional issue which has been niggling me for a while now. If I get "into the spirit" so to speak and accelorate hard, up into the 5-6k rev range through the gears, I sometime will leave a trail of white smoke behind me, which stops as quickly as it starts once I drop the revs back down. It doesn't do it everytime, just now and then. It doesn't appear to be oil getting into the cyclinders and hence burning, but more likely a leak scenario as it leaves a splattering of fine oil residue on the back bumper/trunk. At first I worried about the dreaded RMS but think it unlikely given the car does not leak oil when idle at all. In researching the threads here on Renntech, it points me to suspect the Air/Oil Separator or Bellows vacuuming oil into the intake. I have managed to reduce the problem by keeping the oil level in the lower quartile on the dipstick rather than too full, again this (I think) supports the theory ! I was hoping I was right as it doesn't sound too horrible a fix and one I could tackle on a DIY basis I'm sure. The smoking incident happened again tonight so I took a look underneath to see if I could see any "tell-tale" oil signs tonight and found an oily patch over to the left (drivers side) of the oil pan just above the exhaust down pipes (obviously dripping onto the pipe). I have included a photo attached which shows this. So my question to anyone out there that knows much more about these issues than I do is, does this oil patch/leak look to be in any way related to the AOS/Bellows or is it something completely different do you think ? And if so, any thoughts as to what might be the problem. Thanks for any help. :cheers: Darren.

OK, thanks. Sounds like the price tag is the going rate but worth the investment. Thanks.

I looked around recently for someone who would be able to fit a 3M Scotchguard Clear Bra on my '99 996 Carrera 4 with Aerokit. It took quite a while to find a dealer who had the patterns to cut & fit, but the cost quoted was in excess of $600 which seemed rather high given a stock leather (effect?) aero Bra only costs $150 retail. Anyone else out there gone down the Clear Bra route ? Is this the price I should expect to pay ? Has anyone found a dealer who will just supply the computer cut pieces for self fitment ? If so, how difficult was the fitting ?

Thanks guys. This is a great help. Cheers ... :cheers: Darren.

Hi, I have a '99 996 Carrera 4 with a fitted Aero kit. I have only had the car a few weeks and just noticed that the third brake light (under rear window) is not working. Not sure if this is a recent problem or always been that way. Has anyone else had this issue and any idea what may be causing the problem ? Both L & R brake lights work fine. I have taken the third light out & checked the connection & bulbs, all appears OK. I have also checked the fuse (row B, column 7), again all looks OK. I do have an issue with the spoiler warning light permanently on which I believe needs me to fit a different tail harness. Might this be related perhaps ? Any help would be appreciated. Darren.

The part number and information is in the post here. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Excellent. Many thanks. Darren.

Ouch. Thanks for the info.

Will do. Many thanks. Darren.

Hi, Does anyone know what the Porsche OE part number is for the passenger seat belt buckle kit ? My airbag warning lights is lit and according to the dealer the codes indicate I need a new seat belt buckle kit. After some limited research it seems this may be a common problem with the 996's. Thanks, Darren.

Hi, I have just bought a 1999 996 Carrera 4 with an Aero kit installed which includes the fixed tail spoiler. The tail warning light is constantly on regardless of the speed. Does anyone know how I can 'disable' this warning lamp ? Thanks, Darren.