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The dummy switches are just that.....dummies. I'm pretty sure Porsche pre-wires nothing, except for the telephone power. Every car is built to a specific order sheet. The order sheet may be for a car a dealer has spec'ed out or for a car ordered by a customer. Bill

RennTech.org has a wealth of knowledge. Check out this link: http://www.renntech....maint_menu_box/ You'll find the maintenance requirements for the MY03 Boxster/Boxster S in the middle of the page.....US and ROW (Rest Of World). Bill

Here is a link you might find useful: http://www.renntech....twell-lighting/ παραμείνετε ασφαλείς Bill

You might try measuring the current draw with an ammeter across the battery posts. I have seen typical values of amperage draws here on RennTech - I just don't remember what they are. If the current draw is in excess of "typical", pull he fuses - one at a time - to see which circuit is the culprit, Then you can address the system(s) that are drawing the power. Bill

Dave, Here's the Owner's Manual's take on a flashing warning light: If the coolant level is too low, the warning light flashes. * Switch engine off and allow to cool. * Add coolant. * Have the cause of the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer. Follow the warnings and instructions in the "Coolant level" chapter. /?\. Caution! Risk of engine damage. * If the warning light comes on even though coolant level is correct, do not continue driving. * Have the fault remedied at the nearest authorized Porsche dealer. Engine compartment blower fan In addition, this warning light flashes to indicate a fault in the engine compartment fan. * Have the cause of the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer. Bill

I hope this information will help: Memory Seats: 1. Check the fuses. If you don’t have a diagram (folded paper attached to the back of the fuse box cover), check fuses E-2, E-3 and E-4. 2. If the fuses are OK, the following procedures are taken from a MY02 Owner’s Manual. Seat Memory Individual seat and door mirror settings can be stored and recalled for the driver's position. /?\. Warning! Risk of crushing. Due to risk of crushing from uncontrolled recalling the memory of a seat setting, do not leave children in the car unattended. Operation with person buttons 1, 2 Storing seat position: 1. Switch ignition on. 2. Set the desired seat and door-mirror positions. If you wish for the passenger's mirror to swivel down as a parking aid when reversing, reverse gear must be engaged when the seat position is stored. 3. Keep memory button M depressed and additionally press one of the person buttons 1 or 2. The individual setting is now stored under the desired person button. Recalling seat position: 1. Switch the ignition on or open the driver's door. 2. Press person button until the seat has reached its final position. The mirror setting will be completed even if the person button is not kept depressed. Note: Automatic seat adjustment can be interrupted immediately by releasing the button. Operating with the remote control of the vehicle key: Each remote control (up to four) can be assigned an individual seat and door mirror position. The stored seat and door mirror position is set automatically when the vehicle is unlocked using the corresponding remote control. Each key is identified with a different colour. Storing seat position: 1. Switch the ignition on with the desired vehicle key. 2. Set the desired seat and door-mirror positions. If you wish for the passenger's mirror to swivel down as a parking aid when reversing, reverse gear must be engaged when the seat position is stored. 3. Keep memory button M depressed and additionally press the ~ button (beside the memory button). The individual setting is now assigned to this remote control and to the ~ button. Recalling seat position: Unlock the locked vehicle or luggage compartment with the remote control. The stored seat position is set automatically. The seat position assigned to a remote control can also be recalled with the ~ button if the corresponding key was used to unlock the vehicle or to switch on the ignition. If no seat position was assigned to a remote control, the ~ button will not work. Note: Automatic seat adjustment can be interrupted immediately by pressing the central locking button or any memory or seat adjustment button. Clearing the stored seat position: 1. Switch the ignition on with the desired vehicle key. 2. Simultaneously press and hold the ~ button and person button 2 for at least 5 seconds. Opening and closing the windows with the key: Comfort function when unlocking the vehicle at the door lock I> Coupe, Targa and Cabriolet with hardtop: Unlock car with the remote control. Hold car key in door lock in the unlocking direction until the windows have reached the desired position. Cabriolet without hardtop: Unlock car with the remote control. The windows can only be opened with the convertible top open. Comfort function when locking the vehicle at the door lock I> Coupe, Targa and Cabriolet with hardtop: Hold car key in door lock in the locking direction until the windows have reached the desired position. Cabriolet without hardtop: The windows can only be closed with the convertible top closed. When you shut off the ignition switch and remove the key, the digital displayss in the instrument cluster stay illuminated for 4 – 5 minutes. If the digital displays stay illuminated indefinitely, insure that neither of the two adjustment knobs (instrument illumination/trip counter reset or the clock adjustment) is not stuck in a “pushed in” position. Incidentally, pushing in on either knob will cause the digital displays will illuminate for 4 – 5 minutes if they are not already illuminated. The below is a link to a door panel removal/replacement DIY procedure: Yes! Disconnect the negative lead of the battery before working around the air bags. You will need a code to get your nav/radio to function. If you don’t have the code(s), you will have to visit a Porsche dealer. Unfortunately, the radio code service offered here on RennTech is not set-up to find the nav/radio codes. You will also have to re-teach the windows how to operate in the one touch mode. Storing end position of the windows: 1. Close the windows with the rocker switch. 2. Press and hold front half of rocker switch 3 or 4 seconds to store the up end position of the windows in the control unit. 3. Open the windows with the rocker switch. 4. Press and hold front half of rocker switch 3 or 4 seconds to store the down end position of the windows in the control unit. If you don’t have an Owner’s Manual, order part number: WKD 996.021.00 (MSRP $35.24 + tax). I don't have any suggestions about the interior lights problem. I hope the above helps. Bill

Michelle, Here is a link to servicing the hydraulic system for your top: The Cabriolet top uses a different hydraulic fluid reservior than the one located in the engine compartment. Bill

Hopefully, you are getting only the OBC warning, which is only a polite notice to basically check your oil quantity and then visit your dealer to remediate the situation (purchase a new oil pressure transmitter). If it is the low oil pressure idiot light illuminated - with or without the OBC warning - you should not drive any further than to get to the side of the road and shut down the engine. The idiot light is the only "true" indication of sufficient oil pressure or lack thereof. AND, every occasion of the idiot light illuminating is recorded in the engine's DME. Bill

Chuck, Because of the fact that you own a pre-MY02, 6-speed C4, your choices for a replacement instrument cluster are few. The primary Part Number is: 996.641.113.03.70C ....... instrument cluster, complete .... (USA) ,,,, -01 ... M339, M480 ... Where 70C = rally black dial face, (USA) = speedometer in miles per hour/temperatures in fahrenheit, -01 = up through MY01, M339 = 4 wheel drive, M480 = 6 speed trans. A secondary Part Number might be: 996.641.982.40. (Followed with a three digit code such as C53 graphite grey, inticating a dial color other than the standard black.) 996.641.982.40.C53 ....... instrument cluster, complete .... (USA) ..... 01 ... M339, M480 ... Where C53 = graphite grey dial face, (USA) = speedometer in miles per hour/temperatures in fahrenheit, 01 = MY01, M339 = 4 wheel drive, M480 = 6 speed trans. There are 8 different optional dial face color instrument clusters listed in the Porsche parts catalog. And, note these instrument clusters are "intended" for replacement in MY01 cars. I think that MY01 may have been the first year that dial faces were offered in a color other than rally black. They should operationally compatable with a MY99 car. Instrument clusters that aren't compatable with your car would any that came from a C2 or any Turbo. The C2 has a different fuel tank than a C4 so fuel quantity cannot be measured correctly. And the Turbo has a different oil quantity measuring system,so there would ba a problem there. Also be careful purchasing an instrumant cluster from an on-line auction service. My first questin is always "WHY". Why is a seller offering a completely operational, and I might add expensive, instrument cluster for sale? Was it replaced by another equally expensive instrument cluster? Odds are that the item for sale will be a disappointment. I feel that your chances of getting a fully functional instrument cluster are better dealing with a breaking yard. The used instrument cluster was more than likely operating properly when the donor car was wrecked. Bill

The left front fan issue may be caused by a failed resister. Does the fan operate on high when you have A/C selected ON? If so, the resister in the power circuit has probably failed. If the left front fan doesn't operate with the A/C selected ON, the fan motor itself may have failed. There is quite a lot of information available here on RennTech through the search function. Bill

Who is the mechanic who is going to look at the car? It would be a very good idea to have a mechanic who is well versed in 986/996 do a proper Porsche pre-purchase inspection (PPI) before you enter into any agreements with the seller. Since these cars have depreciated to a point where most people can rationalize purchasing a Boxster/Carrera, the price of maintaining it - both parts and labor - can sour the ownership experience. The 60,000 mile service is considered a "major" service. While much of the service is a visual inspection, it can be fairly expensive, especially if done by a dealer. But, if you don't have any mechanical history or service records for the car, the dealer (or at least experienced Porsche independent mechanic) done 60,000 mile inspection would give you a good mechanical baseline for the car. There are many good and reasonably priced Boxsters/Carreras on the market from which to choose. Make sure you purchase a good one. Bill

Art, Check pages 272 - 275 in your Owner's Manual for information about changing light bulbs. Also check page 267 for bulb types. If you can't find, or don't have an Owner's Manual you can find one here under "Documents Menu" at the top of any RennTech page. Bill

When you posted with this problem before, I suggested that you check to ensure that the time adjustment knob wasn't stuck IN. I can replicate your problem by manually pushing and holding the adjustment knob IN when I turn off the ignition and pull the key out of the switch. I only repeat this suggestion to ensure the knob isn't stuck IN because I didn't see, in your previous post, a response to the suggestion. BTW, either adjustment knob will, if pushed in, illuminate the digital readout lights in the instrument cluster....even if the key is still in your pocket. Bill

Robert, Have your Porsche technician (not the parts guy) check his “Porsche Electrical Connector Repair Kit” for the replacement parts or at least a part number for plug or connector you need. The entire repair kit is known as CARTOOL – Nr 96 0 000 or PNA 721 043 600. It is full of connectors the parts guy would like to sell you the entire wiring harness for. Bill

The shafts for the knobs on the instrument cluster are not available from either Porsche or VDO. They are only available from a cannibalized non-functional instrument cluster or from Brian in the link Loren posted above. The following is the procedure for removing and re-installing your instrument cluster: a. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal using the 10mm socket wrench. Cover the battery terminal to keep the cable from accidentally contacting the terminal. Make sure the hood doesn’t get closed and locked. And, you will need to have your radio security code handy. b. Press hazard-warning button so it projects out. The button can be pulled off by hand. If needed, a small common screwdriver can be used to help remove the button. With the button removed, access to the switch is available. On either side of the switch there are two locking tabs. With thumb and forefinger squeeze the tabs and simultaneously pull the switch out using the long nosed pliers. Behind the switch is one of the two cluster mounting screws. c. At the left side of the cluster, remove the trim plug/hand-free microphone. The plug can be removed if you have strong fingernails; or careful use a small common screwdriver. Disconnect any microphone wire. Behind the plug is the other cluster mounting screw. d. Using a Torx drive, T-20, remove both cluster-mounting screws. e. Have a towel, or other soft cloth, available to protect the dashboard from the clips that locate the instrument cluster on the dashboard. Remove the instrument cluster by lifting it straight up. f. To remove the three plugs, use a small common screwdriver to push down the locking tab and lift the locking lever up. It is easier to get access to the back of the instrument cluster if the steering wheel is pulled all the way out. g. Remove the hazard-warning switch plug by moving the locking tab sideways toward the center of the car and pulling the plug down and out of the cluster assembly. h. Move the instrument cluster to a safe place. a. With a towel or other soft cloth to protect the dashboard, lay the Carrera instrument cluster on top of the dashboard. b. Reinstall the hazard-switch plug. It slides up in groves behind the hole and is held in position by a locking tab. c. Reconnect the three colored plugs. Make sure they are firmly and squarely connected and that the locking levers are snapped into place. d. Remove the cloth protecting the dashboard and place the instrument cluster in position and firmly push down on it to snap it into place on the dashboard. e. Reinstall the two T-20 screws that secure the instrument cluster to the dashboard. Be careful replacing the left screw. If it falls before you can get it threaded, it will drop into the bowels of the dashboard. f. Reinstall the hazard-warning switch. It only fits into the plug one way. But, of course, anything can be forced. The switch should fit smoothly and click into place. g. Reinstall the hazard-warning button. It also clicks into place and should function properly when pushed on and off. h. Reinstall the trim plug/hand-free microphone. Reconnect the wire to the microphone, if installed. i. Reconnect the battery and tighten negative cable securely with 10mm socket wrench. Replace battery cover. j. Reprogram your radio with the radio's security code. Bill

I believe that the part number: 996.641.911.00, refers to the knobs that slip onto the ends of the shafts. The shafts themselves are not available from Porsche or VDO. Brian2034 and sacrificial, used clusters are the only "games in town" if you want to replace a broken shaft. Brian answers PM's. Blll

Jason, It is imperative that you arrange for a Pre-Purchase Inspection before you purchase the car. As j beede succinctly points out "Just keep in mind that these cars cost $60,000 to $80,000 when new and the prices for parts and service do not scale with the car's resale value." I would suggest either a dealer or an independent Porsche shop do the inspection. I would steer clear of friend of a friend's shop that works on "a lot" of German cars. Good luck. Bill

Richard, The inverted U shaped surround can be removed by gently prying away from the dashboard. Use your finger tips or a plastic blade. The surround is just held in place with clips. Once you have the surround loose, put the switch in position and firmly and evenly push it until you hear it snap into place. To replace the surround put it into position and push it back on firmly and evenly until it snaps back into place. A 10 minute job. Bill

+1 for Porche 996 The Essential Companion. Bill

I'm not sure instrument clusters can be repaired at least "officially": I am sorry but we will not be able to help you with this. We do not offer any repairs for the 996/986 instrument clusters. We get quite a bit of calls on these, but the manufacturer offers not repair repairs (sic) or repair information. The only service we offer for the 996/986 clusters, is to reprogram the odometer readings. Sorry that we are not able to help you with this. Good luck. Hartmut Mees Palo Alto Speedometer, Inc. 718 Emerson Street Palo Alto, CA. 94301-2410 Tel: 1-650-323-0243 Fax : 1-650-323-4632 info@paspeedo.com I think there may be some links here on RennTech that mention board member attempts to repair instrument clusters, but I don't recall any success stories. For the price of a replacement instrument cluster, I would think that some enterprizing soul would have developed a business. Perhaps the lack of factory replacement parts and support is the reason. I echo Mr. Mees....good luck. Obviously, if anyone is successful in repairing, or getting repaired, their instrument cluster - regardless of the problem - please share the experience with board. Bill

KFH2818, Are you still having the problem? Have you checked that the time adjustment knob/shaft isn't pushed in and stuck in the "in" position? Pushing in either of the two buttons will cause the digital portion of the instrument cluster to illuminate. If either knob stays stuck in, the digits will remain iluminated. That might also explain why the clock wants to be set. Try gently pulling out on the knob. Bill

Daniel, You may have to program your passenger side rear view mirror. Check out pages 34 and 35 in this Owner's Manual: http://www.renntech.org/forums/files/file/601-my03-carrera-996-owners-manual/ It is a MY03 manual but the programming sequence is most likely the same regardless of your MY. BTW, a new Owner's Manual is only about $35 - $40 from your dealer. For some reason people ask hundreds for them on e-Bay. A new Maintenance/Service Manual is also available from the dealer for about $15 - $20. As a new owner, an Owner's Manual will keep you from running afoul of some of the systems and operating nuances that are not intuitive or immediately obvious. Ooops! Just read your muffler post. After 25 years of Porsche ownership, you are probably very well attuned to the wonders/philosophy of German engineering. Bill

Jacob, While you are wiring around the clutch switch in your troubleshooting efforts, make sure the floor mat isn't bunched up behind the clutch pedal preventing full pedal travel. Bill

Perhaps someone with more knowledge, certainly a better memory than I, will jump in here......My understanding of the effect of the MAF on the engine running at less than about 4,000 RPM is that it is negligible - if not zero. Not to seem to be beating a dead horse, I think the beginning of the solution of your problem is to checck for any codes. Otherwise, you will probably waste money purchasing parts that aren't needed and worse - clouding the issue. Good luck, Bill

I would think that if you re-installed the old, defective ignition switch, you might have created your starting problem. Something about the "law of unintended consequences". And, the earlier problems may reoccur. Did you re-order the part? You may have to wait until you can install the proper part to see if you still have the problem. One of the indespensible troubleshooting devices is a PST2 or PIWIS or the Durametric program for a PC laptop or a generic OBD2 reader. You may have some codes that might help sort out a system problem. Other than that, I have no idea where to go. Sorry. Bill