joshm

Sounds ok to me (assuming you've got the key in the ignition to give it power and the parking brake sensor is ok?!). When you pulled the roof release handle did the windows drop a few mm? If not, could be a dodgy microswitch on the release latch. Failing that, perhaps the relay or a fuse? The hread titled "winshield microswitch" is probably worth a look.

Hi, I have a Tiptronic Boxster and saw your post. I'm not sure your gearbox is the same as mine but mine is certainly the same as is used in some VW/Audi cars (a ZF 5HP19FL). Take a look here: http://www.taligentx.com/passat/maintenance/atfchange/ The page talks about the fluid needing to meet LT 71141 standards which is an Esso lube. There are various other oils that seem to meet this standard including Quaker State and Pentosin. However, it also states that Quaker State is identical to Pennzoil ATF so make of that what you will. Maybe you're better off sticking to the Audi/VW stuff if you're not sure? In the UK (where I am), Porsche do not sell the oil in small containers, they just buy in large drums of it. Fortunately, VW sell it by the litre. It's part number "G 052 162 A2". I paid about £10 for a litre over here. Hope that helps.

Hi, this appears to be quite a common problem with tiptronic Boxsters - I have had similar issues. When placed in park, sometimes the inidicator lamp would flash on R instead of going to P. A shove on the gear selector lever would sort it out, but it was slightly irritating. I took my car to an independent specialist and asked him to clean up the multifunction switch and the cables around the selector. Afterwards (for a good few months) it worked faultlessly. It's now starting to reappear although not nearly as badly. I'm also pretty sure this is a grime problem rather than a mechanical or electronic failure, so tread carefully if your dealer recommends a completely new (and expensive!) multifunction switch. It's a last resort in my opinion. I'm not 100% sure whether the problem lies at the front of the car (perhaps some sensors or switches around the selector lever in the centre console) or the switch and cables at the back that interface to the tip box. I originally suspected the latter but when I looked under the car the other week it all seemed quite clear and clean. I'm going to give it another going over soon to see if I can improve matters. If anyone else has any advice it's be gratefully received!

Thanks again, Loren - wish me luck! :)

Hi, My Porsche dealer told me that it wasn't necessary to take out the console to fit the new hinge, and I wondered if anyone could confirm this for me? Thanks, JoshM

Tries calling them on a different day of the week and it seems that they _do_ have the part. So it's ordered - thanks Loren!

Don't use the Dexron AT4 or whatever ATF you get at the supermarket. They are completely different to the ones used in the Porsche. Proper Porsche labelled ATF cost heaps. They sell them in single units of 1L as well as larger volumes - and the larger volume cost more than if you were to buy individual 1L bottles combined! Ridiculous. Porsche uses the same ATF as some Audi and VW, since they use the same ATX units built by ZF (5HP19FL). These cars share this transmission: 1996–2001 Audi A4 2.8 V6 1996–2003 Porsche Boxster 986 2.5L 6 Cyl 1997–2003 Audi A4 1.8T 1997–1999 Audi A8 3.7 V8 1998–2001 Audi A6 2.8 V6 1998–2003 VW Passat GLS 1.8T 1998–2003 VW Passat GLS V6 2.8L 1998–2003 VW Passat GLX V6 2.8L 1999–2003 Porsche Boxster S 986 3.2L 2003– VW Passat GL 1.8T So, you can rock up to a VW or Audi dealer and ask to buy their transmission fluid. It's a lot cheaper. I think from memory, it cost $24AUD for 1L of Audi ATF here in Australia. Prices in US may be different, obviously. P.S: The part number for the Audi ATF and Porsche ATF are different. But it's the same fluid since it goes into the same transmission. So don't be put off by it. Great stuff - thanks very much. I wonder if Seat and Skoda also use the same stuff, in which case I'll bet it's even cheaper if bought from one of those dealers instead of VW/Audi..? At any rate, I have found a number of useful pages on the web (e.g. )http://www.taligentx.com/passat/maintenance/atfchange) about the 'box and suitable fluids. So thanks again...

Thanks for the swift reply. I came across that DIY myself (which is what spurred me into some sort of action!) but I don't think Pennzoil is readily available in the UK...

Hi, As title suggests, I was wondering if there are any alternatives to Porsche's own ATF when topping up/changing the 'tip box? I'm sure that many brands make good-enough stuff, I'm just not sure which to go for - e.g. does it need to be Dexron stuff? Oh, and I'm in the UK so if there are recommendations for fluid that I can buy here then so much the better! Cheers, JoshM

Porsche UK don't stock it! I have to buy an entire door mech at ~£140!? Grrr...

That was quick - thanks!

If there's something wrong with the oil seperator I would expect to see continuous smoking from the engine when cold. If it's not doing that then I agree, just leave it be and check back in a few hundred miles.

Hi all - first post, great forum! My passenger side (UK) door external handle's microswitch is on the way out. I've bent the contact so that it works again but am not sure how long it'll last. Can anyone help me with a replacement part number? Thanks, JoshM MY99 986 Tiptronic S RHD