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The Bentley Service Manual suggests, on page 27-2, that idle speed fluctuations and minor driveability issues may happen after reconnecting the battery. Drive the car for several minutes to restore the adaptation settings. Further, on MY00 - MY02 Boxsters, do the following to carry out a throttle adaptation procedure: 1. Turn ignition ON for one minute prior to starting engine, 2. Switch ignition OFF for at least 10 seconds, then start engine. BTW, what year is your car? Bill

If you are looking for the knob that is located about shoulder high - on either side of the seat back - that releases the seat back to tilt forward: 996.521.421.00....control button....left....MY99 -> MSRP..$2.90 996.531.422.00....control button....right....MY99 -> MSRP..$2.90 Bill

Kenneth, I suggest you PM "Frissen", on: http://pedrosboard.com/ He would be an excellent source of information concerning maintenance support in Central Mexico. And, assuming that the dealer that is 110 miles away from you is the Mexico City daaler, that would be right in Frissen's ball park. Bill

Serg, My guess is that what you are feeling/seeing is the torque converter "lock-up clutch" which locks the torque converter to minimise slippage. If I understand the transmission's inner workings and hidden mechanisms properly, when you feel/see the decrease in RPM the the lock-up clutch is engaged; when you feel/see the increase in RPM the lock-up clutch is disengaged allowing the transmission fluid to again couple the engine to the transmission. I'm sure this rather simplistic explination can be improved upon by the experts here at RennTech. Bill

Casper, Unfortunately, the Bentley service manuals only cover air cooled 911's. Bentley is working on a 996 version which is expected "any day now". There is a sort of Bentley's available titled "Porsche 996 The Essential Companion". I purchased my copy from Amazon dot Com. Is there a specific part of the wiring diagrams that you are interested in? Some members have accesss to factory service manuals and are generally willing to post information. In the past, I have seen advertizers in (Porsche) car magazines - such as Sunset Porsche or Pelican Parts - advertizing the entire set of service manuals for the 996 family of cars for around $200. You might want to check with them to see if they still have any sets left. There is a web site in the UK that has 996 service manual information on line. However it may not be complete and is not the latest information available. Sorry, I can't remember the address. Someone reading this post can probably help out however. Bill

rusty, The PET catalog shows the tops are compatible with all models through MY04. The MY05 hardtops have some changes to the mounting hardware. However.....measure twice and cut once. Bill

As of 6:05 EDT on 26 Jun 2011, e-Bay has this listed: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-Porsche-Carrera-Carrera-4-Owners-Manual-996-02-/300570987194 Bill

Eric, As far as your horn problem goes, it's a fairly common isssue with 986's and 996's. Here's a link that might be of some help: Bill

John, The 15,000 / 45,000 / 75,000 mile service is considered "Minor Maintenance" by Porsche. Check out this RennTech link: http://www.renntech.org/forums/maint/maint_us_mm_02/ The 30,000 / 60,000 / 90,000 mile service is considered "Major Maintenance" by Porsche. Check out this RennTeck link: http://www.renntech.org/forums/maint/maint_us_mj_02/ In 2006, I paid $398.45 for the Minor Maintenance at my dealer. Last year I paid $500.79 for the Major Maintenance, again, at my dealer. $950.00 for Minor Maintenance is a bit much. Compare what the dealer says he is going to do with the above link. Now, all bets are off if the dealer is including other maintenance items like spark plugs (every four years), brake fluid flush (every two years), air bag system inspection (tenth year - then every two years thereafter). Check out this RennTech link: http://www.renntech.org/forums/maint/maint_us_add/ The RMS is generally not replaced - unless the leak is severe - until the clutch is replaced. The problem is that it is impossible to tell whether the RMS is leaking or the IMS bearing is leaking. I concur with logray's suggestion to monitor the health of the IMS bearing. But........don't obsess about it. I've got two Stuttgart grenades (996 and 986) and sleep well at night. Bill

If you have the display lights themselves remaining illuminated, i. e., the odometer, temperature, trip mileage, try gently pulling out on the time setting knob and/or illumination adjusting knob. If either is stuck "in" it will keep the displays illuminated. Bill

The plug you found at "the bottom center of the dash" is most likely the plug for the optional telephone installation. It can be a source of switched and un-switched electrical power. If you search here on RennTech you will find more information. Bill

Check here for Porsche recommended maintenance: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?app=maint&do=maint_menu_box Pick the Model Year (MY) range for your car. +1 on mcmike27's take on the situation especially if you don't have any record of prior service. I would suggest following the aboue list of items due to the fact that there are some subtle differences in the cars and the maintenance service needed. You might also look at your tires and check the date they were manufactured. In general (and specifically by Porsche) six years is becoming the safe age limit for tires....not due to tread wear but the material deterioration of the tire. If you don't have an Owner's Manual, I would suggest purchasing one. The MSRP is about $35.00 and worth every dollar. Likewise, if you are planning to work on your car, a Bentley's manual - available from Amazon through a RennTech link - is also a very worthy purchase. Bill

I have an MY02 Targa. I too thought the shift throws were too long. So I installed a B&M short shifter. (I might add that I have an MY03 Boxster 2.7/5 speed transmission with a B&M short shifter which I love.) I didn't like - after a year plus - the feel of the B&M with the 6 speed transmission. It had the dreaded "notchy" feel. Last month, I replaced the B&M with a Porsche 997 short shift unit. It feels much "silkier" but has a throw that is, in terms of length of throw, somewhere between the B&M and the stock unit. I wonder if the difference I have felt between the two cars is caused by the difference in the transmissions, i.e., 5 speed vs 6 speed. I hope you enjoy your new ride. Bill

Also, check to ensure the carpet isn't bunched up under the clutch pedal restricting the movement of the pedal. Bill

"996.347.017.07" --> STEER LOCK HSNG W/SW --> $168.50 This seems to indicate that the previous work included the entire "new and improved" steering lock assembly. While nothing is 100% reliable, the new steering lock/ignition switch is supposed to be much better than the original assembly. Your initial post indicated that you could turn the key to the start position. Do all of the normally associated warning lights illuminate? Does the key spring back automatically from the start position to the ignition on position by itself or do you have to manually position it? If every thing is otherwise "normal", it might be better to first look somewhere else, e.g. the Tiptronic/starter interlock. If everything points to a failure of the electrical portion of the steering lock/ignition switch, here is the new part number: 4B0 905 849 - ignition starter switch. Bill

Anybody with experience on 996 engines able to chip in here with some opinion? Is it perhaps running the engine low on oil (I try to keep at least 1/3 full at all times, but around the time it happened I had a check oil level warning come on and had to drop a quart in to top it up. Please excuse my lack of understanding, but what do you mean by: "I try to keep at least 1/3 full at all times..."? Bill

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

lewis, I have seen posts relating to tics and knocks that were related to a loose sparkplug. In fact, one such report came from a board member whose dealer wanted to replace the otherwise good engine. Bill

scherb, You might want to look at this thread before you replace the airbag clockspring: Bill

R, This web site, RennTech, is full of imformaton. Search is your friend. MY97 Owner's Manual: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?app=content&do=prices_us $34.88 + tax. (as of March 2011) MY97 Maintenance Manual. The maintenance booklet that specifies the recommended maintenance and has places for maintenance sign offs: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?app=content&do=prices_us $24.06 + tax. If, for some reason, you don't want to patronize your dealer: http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=OEM-WKD98602197&catalog_description=Genuine%20Porsche%20Part%3A%20OWNER%20MAN%20%39%38%36%20%31%39%39%37 $36.25 + shipping. (as of today) http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=OEM-WKD90002397&catalog_description=Genuine%20Porsche%20Part%3A%20%31%39%39%37%20MAINT%2EMANUAL $25.00 + shipping When it comes to parts and the prices thereof, you can almost always better the dealer's price with the likes of: http://www.sunsetimports.com/parts/ (You can't shop "on line". You have to call and speak to a sales representative....not always a bad thing if you have a question. Their prices are difficult to beat.) http://www.suncoastparts.com/category/POTEBX.html http://www.autohausaz.com/ and the afore mentioned http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/986M_catalog.htm And, I'm sure there are other good ones. I have had good experiences with the ones mentioned. Hopefully, the "many little issues" you have with your car can be ironed out without the need for extensive use of the above parts houses. Bill

R, Congrats on the purchase of your "new" car. +1 on N41EF's advice to get a copy of an Owner's Manual. The earliest Owner's Manual (published in English), available on RennTech, is a MY03 (Model Year 2003). I think there are enough differences between a MY97 (Model Year 1997) and a MY03 to warrant purchasing a new Owner's Manual - about $30.00 MSRP. I would also suggest puchasing a Bentley Porsche Boxster Service Manual. If you purchase it through Amazon's link here on RennTech, the board will realize a small profit. With regard to the problems you have with the instrument cluster, the "worm tracks" on the left display are probably only fixable by an instrument shop....Palo Alto Speedometer comes to mind. The back lighting issue with the center display is probably caused by a burned out light bulb which is owner replaceable. See Bentley Service Manual Page90-8 Instruments, Horns. Or from the internet to remove the instrument cluster: http://boxsters.addr.com/hacks/cluster.htm The internet is full of information for owners willing to DIY: http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/mikesporscheboxsterwebpages http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site/Technolab.html http://boxster.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page http://www.bombaydigital.com/boxster/projects/ +1 on N41EF's advice concerning checking the drains - front and back. See Bentley Service Manual Page 50-4 Fenders, Drains. Or search here on RennTech. +1 on N41EF's advice concerning servicing your car. If I recall corectly the 60,000 mile service is the most comprehensive. You can download the requirements here on RennTech - "DIY Menu/Maintainence Schedules" - found at the top of any page. Re the different color door panels - probably not original. Although, Porsche will build a car to almost any specifications. If the door panels have been replaced, make sure the internal water barriers are intact and the drain holes at the bottom of the door are clear. See Bentley Service Manual Page 57-3 Doors and Locks (See a trend here?) You'll find RennTech to be a great source of technical information. For more of the social aspects of Boxster ownership, visit: http://pedrosboard.com/ Good luck and have fun. Bill

The "ticking" noise could be caused by a loose spark plug. While you're changing the oil you might check the security of the plugs. +1 on the lift....... Bill

But you have to admit, they know their product: http://www.manhattanmotorcars.com/vehicle_new_ext.asp?v=972014 Bill

Sunnyside has it nailed: "I tell you now , it will more than likely be the diode pack on the alternator( Rectifier). Very common fault. Reads good voltage when starting the engine from cold, but slowly as you drive, normally 30 minutes< the voltage drops. Check the voltage when the engine is warm. Cold might be 13.5 but as it warms could drop as low as 10 V. Thats when the world falls apart and all the alarms come on." My experience was with my MY03 Boxster. Because I have a Carrera instrument cluster, I have the voltmeter. For the past week or so, I noticed the voltage dropping - sometimes as low as 10.5 volts indicated - as I drove along. At the point that the maximum voltage (after the car sat overnight and following a start) never exceeded 12 volts, I measured alternetor voltage with a digital voltmeter. The cool alternator voltage was now barely 11.5 volts. Suspecting the voltage regulator, I dropped the car off at the dealer. The technician confirmed only that the alternator was not charging properly. Seeing how the cost of a new alternator is in excess of $1100 and there is no "official" protocol for repairing bad alternators, I asked the technician to remove the alternator so I could take it to a repair facility in the neighborhood. The long and the short of the story is that I had a repair facility replace the (indeed) bad voltage regulator and had the technician reinstall the alternator. The bill for the entire job was $84 for the alternator repair and two hours shop time (less a 10% PCA discount) for a total of about $290. While not a primary scan instrument, the voltmeter should be eye-balled periodically to see if any bad trends are developing. A failing voltage regulator could explain why some people go through batteries quickly. For the Boxster owners who would like to monitor their charging system, Pedro of Pedro's Garage sells a voltmeter kit. The display is mounted on the fuse panel cover. I have no affiliation with Pedro's Garage, nor am I a customer....satisfied or otherwise. Bill

A low oil pressure event (idiot light illuminated) is logged in the DME and can only be displayed and/or reset with a PST2,a PIWIS or, possibly, a Durametric program. Unfortunately, I have no operational expertise/experience with the operation of any of these systems other than to have seen a fault displayed and subsequently reset on a MY03 Boxster. Bill