808c4

I do generally agree with you Loren...good thing is we have a very good relationship with the local SEARS shop and that's why we have them do it.

Plus after doing my research we couldn't justify paying between $275 (Mackena's ) and $500 (BEverly Hills) dealer prices! Especially again because half the time they job (outsource) the alignment anyway.

If your lucky enough to have a PORSCHE dealer with their own laser alignment rack then go for it to protect your baby and ensure the settings are correct...but you gonna pay for it dearly.

I would like to state that we wouldn't just drive into any SEARS (no ill will intended) and hand them the keys...

Our guy(s) do an excellent job + with me watching they are sure to replace ALL the undercover screws/bolts.

BTY: This particular car discussed is located at our house in LA. In Hawaii we have other toys...

Yeah you read right...crazy huh??

Anyone have knowledge or recommendations for the best SNOW CHAINS to us for 997.2 Carrera GTS 2 wheel drive with PDK and PSM???

Porsche manual states that ONLY the rear tires can be fitted with snow chains...with bad conditions anticipated is there any way to install snow chains for the front tires?

Bty: For the fall/winter season we changed the rear tires from the summer Pirelli's (305/30/19) to Bridgestone All Season (295/30/19) tires. They don't make all season tires in 305... At least any we could find at the time.

Going skiing and need to make sure we don't do the slippy slide off the mountain.

Oh just in case your wondering?? This GTS is a daily driver Wo over 20k already on the ODO so why not take her to the mountains! We have other nice cars that are garage babies... plus we absolutely love driving the GTS!

Believe it or not... If they let you into the shop to watch the work being performed, then SEARS AUTOMOTIVE 4 wheel alignment is the way to go!!!

It's way less expensive than any dealer and for the $100 bucks you are able to have the car aligned as many times as needed for 1 whole year! SEARS has all the specs and the proper alignment laser machine to do the job!

Hell half the time the dealer jobs out your alignment to them or other independents anyway!

Dear Dntlvet,

Having owned both a Porsche 911 with a Tiptronic (997.1) and a PDK (997.2) I must tell you as a friend...

Forget about the Tiptronic and get a PDK!!! Simply put, there's no comparison! The PDK is leaps and bounds ahead of the Tiptronic...

PDK has instant no delay super smooth shifts!

Buy an 2009 or newer Carrera! Like they always say,"Buy the newest Porsche you can afford!"

Hi Tekky,

Congratulations!!! I got my 2011 C2 GTS in April and absolutely LOVE it!!

I was also thinking to add the GT3RS front fender flares...looks way cool!

Plus just ordered the Speedster front lip.

Let me know how you like your car when you get it. Would love to see pictures...

Aloha,

808c4

Hi Guys,

Just signed and put a downpayment on a July production GTS; moving from a 997-1 2S Cab, info here.

Wanted your opinion on whether I should bother with the factory short shifter or not; my other packages include:

• Full leather interior with Alcantara
• Automatically dimming int. + ext. mirrors
• Clear glass tail lights
• Sport Chrono Plus
• 19" RS spyder wheels (black)
• heated seats
• heated steering
• sports seats
• 3 spoke multi function steering wheel in alcantara
• leather sport seats backrests
• porsche crest on headrest
• extended nav, bose, XM
• GT3 RS front + fender flares

best,

Tekky

UPDATE: In case anyone cares, I gave up and sold the car last month. Loved the car but just wasn't worth putting about $3K to fix the tiptronic.

A good fixture for a Porsche mechanic. good luck!!!

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Hi all.

Have the same issue with a 986 boxster. After Many trips to the Local Porsce dealer and over $1000 later, they have an 80% accurate theory that is the transmission computer wich for me means another $1500. They say this computer is not reading the transmission signal correctly wich causes the car to go to safe fail mode. Removing the batt cables and sometimes turning engine off and back on resets the signal but it comes down to the transmission computer. I will keep you all posted.

I found this tech forum online and was wondering if there was a final answer to the problem of getting the car out of limp mode. I've got a similar situation coming up...

I either made the greatest car purchase of my life or I could be in for a troubled future. I purchased a 1995 Porsche 968 tiptronic with 111K from a dealer recently for extremely cheap (about 5 grand). The car was listed on craigslist.com at a used car dealer out in the middle of nowhere. I talked to the guy selling many, many times before purchasing and he said that the car is a 8/10 on the exterior and a 9/10 on the interior. He said mechanically the car appears to be outstanding, except it is stuck in the limp mode with the tiptronic. He said that he doesn't have the diagnostic tools to fix it at his shop and he doesn't have the patience to send it on a flatbed to some other city that has the tools to try to get fixed and then flatbedded back to try to sell after what is an unknown amount of repair work to try to make an unknown profit, etc..etc..etc.. So he just wanted to move the car quickly and get it off his lot. Hence the low price. This is the story he sold and the one I bought.

As far as the tiptronic and the transmission is concerned... He said there is no grinding, no clunking, no odd noises. The car drives fine, but only in the single limp mode gear. Starts fine, goes in and out of P, N, D, R with no issues...but is in limp mode. I think the 95' tiptronic on the 968 was the same one being used on the 911's at that time. I read in a 968 forum that somebody had this problem before and it was a problem with the connection to the battery or something.

I bought the car and am having it shipped (the guy even set that up for me...awefully nice of him) straight to the front doors of IMA motorsports out in Chantilly, VA where they said they'd take a look at it. Does anyone have any input as to what I should expect from the repair shop? Was it a simple electrical connection issue or did things end up much uglier later on.

Hopefully a quick fix....if it turns into a 5-10K repair, I'll probably resell the car or part it out. Thanks for any input you might be able to provide.

Dane

Hi all, Here's an UPDATE:

Still can't figure out why the Tip trans doesn't work properly yet! Changed the trans wiring harness, changed the Tip trans switch pack...still doesn't work properly. My Durametric software said it was the switch pack but that wasn't it... Realize now it must have soemthing to do with another problem - reverse lights stay on in "D" drive mode. I believe the reverse lights circuit not working properly is somehow sending a signal to the Tip Trans Control Unit which in turn causes the trans to go into "Emergency" Mode. Now trying to correct the reverse light situation before spending anymore money on Trans parts. Not sure if the Tip trans ahas a REVERSE Switch on the trans...anyone know? If yes then it may be a simple fix, otherwise will need to keep checking other possible areas. FYI: Bought most of those 964 repair and info manuals with no success. If anyone or a mechanic has come across this situation before, I would appreciate any advise. I know in time I can figure it out...only have time on weekeneds to tinker with car...

Many thanks! 808C4

Hello all,

I am happy to report...after a couple of years I finally figured out the problem! Turned out to be the bonnet light fixture grounding against the inside of the hood. After pulling the light fixture out to change the bulb...I discovered when replacing it into the hood holder that the fixture seemed to be very close and making direct contact with the metal. So I pulled it out again...put another 7.5 amp fuse in the fuse box, it didn't immediately blow this time...an haloyula the interior light came on, the dash gear indicator selector light came on and the glove box light worked!!!

All's good now!!! Now to fix the reverse lights on in Park problem...will keep you posted.

Aloha,

808C4

SUPER COOL!!! How much for the Bluetooth with Ipod version? Will this work with my 2006 C2 with PCM?

Thanks, 808C4

I am very pleased with the unit. BT syncs seamlessly with my BB 8130 and performs flawlessly.

My only complaint is 225 contact max. in phonebook - but this is a Porsche OE restriction, not MObridge

Parrot mic near dome light works well, as reported by others on other end of the line - low noise and clear communication.

The Ipod interface works well, but sometimes does not respond instantly to button input. A 1 second pause before response to input is observed sometimes.....

Otherwise perfect.

mObridge links:

http://www.mobridgeinc.com/vehicles/porsche

http://www.mobridgeinc.com/node/63

Install:

Follow PCM removal :

http://www.caymanclub.net/reviews/showproduct.php?product=92

and/or

Step 1 - Remove small carpeted trim piece from side of center console by PCM (Beside PCM) using Torx wrench size T-30

Step 2 - Remove two leather side trim pieces using Torx wrench size T-20

Step 3 - Using 5mm Allen wrench turn four (two each side) black hex locks 1/4 - 1/2 turn (CCW, I think) to unlatch side locks. Do not force these. They turn very easily in the correct direction. Open glove box on passenger side to access these latches.

Step 4 On pasenger side, back out 7 mm hex head screw

Step 4 - Carefully slide out PCM

A-pillar: route wire up a pillar and through headliner- use a credit card or similiar to push behind trim....there are other threads on this.....

After pulling out PCM, swap fiber optic strands CAREFULLY as per MoBridge instructions for Tyco connectors and tap into power and ground using 12 gauge taps and 22 gauge blade connectors from Radio Shack. Here is a picture showing the taps and orange fiber optic cables.

A sweet place to mount the unit with extremely easy access for SD card firmware upgrades is behind the glovebox, in a slot with just the right width, under a foam trim piece. I used industrial strength Velcro form Ace hardware to mount the light unit behind the glovebox,

The following photos show the mounting of the unit in the slot between firewall and back of glovebox:

Ready for insertion, with all wires and cables routed, I added a cable sheath as well:

View looking up from floor on passenger side- unit mounted in slot between electrical control box and plenum chamber, just behind glovebox, and held fast with extra strength Velcro - no bump will dislodge this from the velcro !:

Finally, snake the cable up from underneath into the glovebox:

I found this tech forum online and was wondering if there was a final answer to the problem of getting the car out of limp mode. I've got a similar situation coming up...

I either made the greatest car purchase of my life or I could be in for a troubled future. I purchased a 1995 Porsche 968 tiptronic with 111K from a dealer recently for extremely cheap (about 5 grand). The car was listed on craigslist.com at a used car dealer out in the middle of nowhere. I talked to the guy selling many, many times before purchasing and he said that the car is a 8/10 on the exterior and a 9/10 on the interior. He said mechanically the car appears to be outstanding, except it is stuck in the limp mode with the tiptronic. He said that he doesn't have the diagnostic tools to fix it at his shop and he doesn't have the patience to send it on a flatbed to some other city that has the tools to try to get fixed and then flatbedded back to try to sell after what is an unknown amount of repair work to try to make an unknown profit, etc..etc..etc.. So he just wanted to move the car quickly and get it off his lot. Hence the low price. This is the story he sold and the one I bought.

As far as the tiptronic and the transmission is concerned... He said there is no grinding, no clunking, no odd noises. The car drives fine, but only in the single limp mode gear. Starts fine, goes in and out of P, N, D, R with no issues...but is in limp mode. I think the 95' tiptronic on the 968 was the same one being used on the 911's at that time. I read in a 968 forum that somebody had this problem before and it was a problem with the connection to the battery or something.

I bought the car and am having it shipped (the guy even set that up for me...awefully nice of him) straight to the front doors of IMA motorsports out in Chantilly, VA where they said they'd take a look at it. Does anyone have any input as to what I should expect from the repair shop? Was it a simple electrical connection issue or did things end up much uglier later on.

Hopefully a quick fix....if it turns into a 5-10K repair, I'll probably resell the car or part it out. Thanks for any input you might be able to provide.

Dane

Hi all, Here's an UPDATE:

Still can't figure out why the Tip trans doesn't work properly yet! Changed the trans wiring harness, changed the Tip trans switch pack...still doesn't work properly. My Durametric software said it was the switch pack but that wasn't it... Realize now it must have soemthing to do with another problem - reverse lights stay on in "D" drive mode. I believe the reverse lights circuit not working properly is somehow sending a signal to the Tip Trans Control Unit which in turn causes the trans to go into "Emergency" Mode. Now trying to correct the reverse light situation before spending anymore money on Trans parts. Not sure if the Tip trans ahas a REVERSE Switch on the trans...anyone know? If yes then it may be a simple fix, otherwise will need to keep checking other possible areas. FYI: Bought most of those 964 repair and info manuals with no success. If anyone or a mechanic has come across this situation before, I would appreciate any advise. I know in time I can figure it out...only have time on weekeneds to tinker with car...

Many thanks! 808C4

:huh:

This is my first post here, and looking to buy my first Porsche.

Can anyone help with 2 issues:

1. Are there any potential areas (large repair bills) to focus on? Transmissions, engine, aircon compressor, door seals, electrical systems etc. I drove the car, and the Tip when cold didn't want to shift gears manually.

2. The car I'm looking at is in fantastic condition, both mechanically and cosmetically. Can the 964 be used as a daily driver? I'd imagine that if any 19 year old car was the best candidate for this, it will be the 911.

Howzit,

Any C2 is a great car overall! Well refined as much as possible compared with older 911's (still them too!). If the 90' you are considering is in awesome condition and the price is right then buy it! ...Because you are considering a Tiptronic car then I highly recommned you look for a 92-94 car...FYI: from 92 on the Tip trans has been updated + some other small things. I believe from 92 on it is the same Tip trans as used in later 993's. When driving in Manual mode you are now able to start in 1st gear. Basically the older cars (89 -91) when coming to a stop automatically down shift into 2nd gear, thus when you acellarate you are starting off in 2nd gear. The newer cars downshift automatically to 2nd gear but you can manually downshift to 1st gear for more spirited starts. I used to hate the Tip trans becuase of the slower take offs...not for racing though. But when I purchased a 92' cab with Tip trans for my wife I found the tip to be pretty fast and easier on the left leg and hip in slow traffic. Personally I prefer a manual gearbox but this is up to you. Good luck!

Oh one more thing...DON'T buy a car wih Tiptronic Trans if it isn't working properly. It will be a nightmare to fix and cost big bucks. You can review some of my own exeperiences with it in these forums.

Interesting. Would love to see pictures of your install. How much did it all cost, and can you detail the installation process?

Thanks!

-James.

Howzit,

Keep in mind I bought a Solisto Extra for my Nav PSM1 headunit...they make also make one for a 220 and/or many other Porsche OEM radios. Here are a couple of pics so you see what I am talking about. I'll add more when I have more time. Basically you should checkout the website URL I posted earlier.

BTY: I installed mine in the fornt boot in the same location as the CD changer with the cable pictured. You can also purchase a cable that connects directly to the head unit, then run the line and install the box in your armrest, then attach your iPod... Again, it's very easy!!!

I paid 99 Euro for the Solisto Extra and 14.99 Euro for the cable. This is a special holiday price.

Good luck! Let me know if you need anything else.

Aloha, 808C4

Interesting. Would love to see pictures of your install. How much did it all cost, and can you detail the installation process?

Thanks!

-James.

Howzit,

Keep in mind I bought a Solisto Extra for my NAV PSM1 headunit...they may also make one for a 220 and/or many other Porsche OEM radios. Here are a couple of pics so you see what I am talking about. I'll add more when I have more time. Basically you should checkout the website URL I posted earlier.

BTY: I installed mine in the front boot in the same location as the CD changer with the cable pictured. You can also purchase a cable that connects directly to the head unit, then run the line and install the box in your armrest, then attach your iPod... Again, it's very easy!!!

I paid 99 Euro for the Solisto Extra and 14.99 Euro for the cable. This is a special holiday price. ...oh yeah, iPod not included.

Good luck! Let me know if you need anything else.

Aloha, 808C4

Hi all,

I recently got an iPhone 3G, and although my Becker aux cable is working well with it, I would like a charge / audio connection, as well as steering wheel control of the iPhone.

Looks like this would provide most of this : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011UK2HE It's a Kensington LiquidAUX Auxiliary Car Kit with Remote.

I am thinking about getting one, and trying to hardwire the power connector into the 12V line. Has anyone else tried this?

Thanks,

-James.

First of all, many thanks to everyone for their help and insight to help me get an iPod in my car!!! After much painstaking research I have found the ultimate fix/solution to the challenge of adding an iPod to our precious Porsche's is....Solisto "Extra" from Germany is the only way to go...even if you have a PSM1 Nav headunit!!!

Here is the link for all to know: http://www.solisto.de/index.php?page=home〈=en

Note: Be sure to click on the English Flag icon (upper right corner)...unless you read German.

The guys at Solisto are the "bomb!!!" Although it took some time to order the parts needed they took the time to really help me! Great thing is it wasn't much more to purchase than all the other ways out there and Solitso has everythng you will need. The result is now I have iPod quality tunes in my baby....and up to 594 songs to enjoy! The unit fits nicely either in the front boot or can be setup in your center console armrest. FYI: The unit enables the iPod to be controlled via your stock radio controls. Check it out...YOU won't be disappointed!

BTY: The Solisto Extra works with iPod, iTouch and iPhone....yes I said iPhone! Now that's German technology for yah!

BR, 808C4 :)

PS: Let me know if you have any questions or want to see pictures. It's a five minute hook-up if you install the unit in the front boot. I am currently making a proper mounting bracket...will update everyone in the near future.

I have a slipping clutch. I have 2 questions

1. Should I use a Porsche assembly or is there an assembly that will give more milage...I dont think 38000 miles is reasonable.

2. I dont use any oil but should I plan on doing the RMS at the same time?

Thanks

Strongly agree with RFM...you should go ahead and change/update the seals while you have the trans out! I recently had a new clutch put in at the Honolulou Porsche dealer (Keith's great!) and had the seals updated at the same time - I was happy I did because although I thought I wasn't losing oil...turns out the RMS did fail. If you really want to take care of your "precisous baby" then you should spend the extra couple of hundred bucks to ensure she drives right for a long time!

FYI: Besides ruining your engine, a failed RMS can also cause your clutch to prematurely go bad...

Good luck!

808C4 :)

Can any body tell me where I can get some pre cat oxygen sensor replacement at a good price.,

I don't want to go Sunset import route for those extra mark out with just a porsche logo stamped on it

thanks

I bought mine for my 1999 C4 at Autohausaz. Great price for the right Bosch part...shouldn't have to modify anything - "plug and play"

Here's the link: http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.a...Oxygen%20Sensor

Aloha,

808C4 :)

Hi Loren,

Really appreciate all your help! Do you have available the complete wiring diagram from back to front of the car for a 1992 C2 Cab w/Tip trans.

I feel somehow the reverse lights and the Tip trans Parking circuit are somehow connected in my Tip trans problem. I have checkd the Backup light relay located in the front bonnet and it's fine. The reverse lights only malfunction when I start the car from the "park" mode...and this is also when the Tip doesn't function properly. Basically it goes into "limp" mode as I have described before. So in order to drive the car I have to start the car in Nuetral also as described in another forum question. If I am able to isolate which wire is at fault (broken or grounded) I am confident it can be fixed relatively easily. FYI: The DME and Tip computer seem to function properly. Or perhaps it simply could be a bad "Park" switch??? If this is the case do I need to change out the whole Tip switch pack??? I hope not! :o

Thank you!

808C4

Hi Rich,

Sorry to hear you are having the same problem... One suggestion you can try to get home in normal mode is...when the problem arises, try restarting the car with key in acc. position, put the trans into "N", press and hold the brakes - of course, then start the car while it is in "N" position. Starting the car like this will enable you to work the Tip trans as normal...or at least until you can get to your home or shop to diagnose the problem.

*** One important note: IF YOU START THE CAR IN THE MANNER I HAVE DESCRIBED..BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO HIT OR PUSH THE TRANS LEVER FORWARD AND ACCIDENTALLY INTO "REVERSE"...THE LOCKOUT TO REVERSE WILL NOT WORK AND THE COMPUTER DOESN'T KNOW TO LOCKOUT THE REVERSE MODE...THIS CAN BE DISATEROUS IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE DRIVING FORWARD. EXERSICE EXTREME CAUTION IF YOU DO THIS. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT DUE TO THIS TIP/TRICK. I AM MERELY TRYING TO HELP THOSE THAT NEED A METHOD OF GETTING THEIR PRECIOUS 911'S HOME SAFELY. ***

Sorry to sound so dramatic...it's really not that bad if you are careful. I have needed to drive my wife's C2 Cab Tip like this for several months now with no problems or at least until we figure out how to fix the problem at hand. It may take a while to figure it out though as we do not drive this car very often...usually only on Sunday mornings. FYI: My daily driver is either a 99' C4 or 91' NSX.

I'll be sure to keep everyone posted of my progress.

Aloha, 808C4 :)

Thanks Tom for the suggestion/tip. I did pull the light fixture out and it lloked to be intact. The bulb even looked fine... Do I need to pull the gauge out and chek the wire behind it? I also pulled the fuse box to check the underside of the fuse...the wires looked ok. There must be a fault somewhere along the line because the when I place a new fuse in th efuse box...it immediately blows. Would yu happen to have a wiring diagram for this?

Appreciate you taking time to help me!!!

Aloha,

JS (aka 808C4)

Check the backup light relay under the dash on the left side.

Hi Loren,

Sorry but there is no relay up under the dash onthe left side. However there is a relay in the front bonnet fuse box. Do you think my back up light sitaution may have somethin to do with the Tip switches? Still very frustrated wiht the Tip Trans beause I know it's something simple that is not workig. Any advise?

Best and thank you!

808C4 B)

Thanks very much guys!!! :) :clapping: Finally someone replies to help me....this forum is the bomb!

FYI: Fo rthose that care, I am making headway to fix my wifes C2 Cab with Tiptronic. Isolated the shift mode problem to the Reverse Light circuit. If I start the car in "N" the Tip system works properly. Now I need to figure out how to correct the Reverse Light circuit/wiring so I can start the car normally and so the Tip system will work properly. Will keep everyone informed. If anyone has any advice it will be greatly appreciated!!!

Mahalo, 808C4

Okay now I'm pretty disappointed! I changed the 7.5 fuse and it immeditley blows...what could be wrong? Guys I need your help on this one! I checked the door pin switches and they both look fine, I checked the interior light fixture and it doesn't appear to have a short. FYI Tried the light fixture in all three positions and the darn fuse contiues to blow. What else could it be or where is the most common place to check??? Your expertise is much welcomed - please advise soon!

Best, 808C4

Will this cable work with a Cr 220 with Navigation? I have a 99' C4 with the double-din deck and navigation...heard there were issues with simply hooking up an adapter cable? If it's as easy as you make it sound I will be very happy! If anyone knows how to hard wire an ipod to my deck please let me know so I can get ridof my changer...really getting tired of changing CD's.

Thanks!!! 808C4 :)

Yeah, the older cars as much as we all "Love" them their AC's just don't and can't keep up with the heat during summer months. We have a 1992 C2 Cab with upgraded R134 AC and it can barely keep up with Hawaii's mild summer climate. BTY: My 99' C4's AC has "Ice Cold" AC...

If you desire an air-cooled 911 then you will need to deal with the inadiquate AC...I suggest at least finding and buying a lighter colored car (white, silver, etc.) to help keep the car cooler, otherwise save your "mula" and buy a 997! PS. Love my 99'C4 but don't get caught having to fix all the inherit problems 996's have to deal with...this is a whole other story. Good luck!

808C4 :rolleyes:

Thanks very much guys!!! :) :clapping: Finally someone replies to help me....this forum is the bomb!

FYI: Fo rthose that care, I am making headway to fix my wifes C2 Cab with Tiptronic. Isolated the shift mode problem to the Reverse Light circuit. If I start the car in "N" the Tip system works properly. Now I need to figure out how to correct the Reverse Light circuit/wiring so I can start the car normally and so the Tip system will work properly. Will keep everyone informed. If anyone has any advice it will be greatly appreciated!!!

Mahalo, 808C4

Wow, that was lightning fast! Many thanks!!!

808C4

We are a small shop and looking at the Durametric tool.

We have a x431 but it is no help with Porsche.

Really interested in anyone opinion.

Thanks Daryl

Hi Daryl,

I recently purchased the Durametric tool and for the price, I HIGHLY recommend you buy it for your shop!!! I purchased the "Enthusiast" version for my 92' 964 Cab and 99' 996 C4, has been a great help in resetting the Check Engine Light and determining various fault codes. Saved me lots of time (no need to take my babies to the dealer) and LOTS of money too!

Very easy to use and the guys at Durametric are very helpful. I now only wish I had purchased the "Pro" version because it can be used on an unlimited amount of cars... so I could help my friends + the "Pro" kit comes with the 50' extension cable and all the different connectors.

The only thing, I feel, would make the software better is the capabilty to turn "on" and "off" options. e.g. door locks. They said they are working on it.

Of course this tool doesn't handle everything the factory software does but it is very easy to use and

you have the abilty to check the most common areas for problems. FYI: They are always improving the software and provide updates for life.

Good luck! 808C4 :)