E Kap

Totally agree about calling Zig at Cabriolet Hydraulics. i drove the car to him and he installed 2 rebuilt cylinders, cleaned the system, added new hydraulic fluid for less than $800 out the door. He also guarantees his work. The top has functioned perfectly every since.

Have no idea if this helps. Had a similar problem last week. Believe it or not, had a person interested in buying my car and he drove it to a local Porsche dealership and they could not get the car to start. Turned out to be some kind of purge valve that got stuck in the open position. The function has something to do with allowing gas fumes to exit properly. They ordered a new valve and after $360.00 (not bad for a dealership), the car runs fine. I had some mild irregular idling issues that now no longer occur.

Eric

Having problems with transmission noise occurring when in any gear and moving with foot off the gas. Sound goes away when moving and pressing on gas pedal or when pressing on clutch. My research seems to indicate a bad pinion barren housing.

I got an estimate from GBox for $1300 to repair the transmission, not including shipping and handling. They also recommended a new second gear and new shift sleeve while they are working on the transmission. Does this price and additional recommendations seem reasonable? Any other suggestions for companies repairing this problem? I am in Tampa, Florida. Any places near me fix this problem?

If I send the transmission out, how many hours should my independent mechanic charge me for removal and then installation of the repaired transmission?

While the transmission is out, any other suggestions of things to change/fix/update?

My car is a 996 C4 Cabriolet with 87,000 miles.

Sorry of the many questions. Help and advice is appreciated.

Eric

1999 C4 Cabriolet:

I have noticed a strange sound (the best way I can explain it is a grinding type sound) which seems to come from the engine area. The sound does not occur when the car is in neutral and does not occur when I take am in any gear with my foot on the gas. It only occurs when I am moving and I take my foot off the gas when the car is in any gear. Any thoughts?

What is a reasonable price for repair/replacement of a manifold gasket in a 1999 996 C4?

While getting the gasket replaced, what other work (if any) should be completed while the mechanic if replacing the gasket?

I also have a 99 Cab. I went to Bradenton , Fl. (I live near Tampa) and had Ziggy from Cabriolet Hydraulics install 2 refurbished cylinders. He has a patent on his process and will guarantee the cylinder for 2 years. Price is very reasonable. Very nice guy. Here is his website link.

Eric

www.cabriolethydraulics.com.

Well after having to refill my hydraulic fluid for my cabriolet top every month, I decided to finally give in and have it repaired properly. I called Ziggy at Cabriolet Hydraulics in Bradenton, Florida and was very impressed. He repairs used cylinders and guarantee's them for 3 years. I drove to his company and had him install hydraulic cylinders on both the right and left side. Took about 2.5 hours. Works great and now I don't have to worry about my fluid running low again. The price was reasonable and he seemed like a very knowledgeable person. I would not hesitate to recommend him if you are looking for hydraulic cylinders at a fair price. If anyone is interested, his web site is www.cabriolethydraulics.com.

So the problem began to get worse. First gear would pop out and sometimes make a grinding noise about every 4th time. I had the transmission oil changed and no help. I ordered the upgraded second gear detent from GBOX. (www.gboxweb.com) Cost about $105.00 I called them to explain my problem was first gear and they thought it would help. I had the detent installed by my mechanic. Took about 1 hour. The results are excellent. No problems with first gear. If anything, each gear feels crisper (if that makes any sense). I would strongly recommend this fix if anyone has a problem with first or second gear popping out.

Thanks for the advice. Excuse my ignorance, but where is the idle speed motor and how do I clean it?

1999 C4 996 manual transmission. During the past month, when I first start up the car and I am backing out, the car will stall. I then try to start the car and nothing. Will not crank. I will have to try to start it about 4-5 times and then it will start and works normal for about a week and the same thing happens again. The only other change I have noticed is a mildly rough idle when the car is cold. No warning lights. Any suggestions?

I can definitely see the fluid level in the plastic container. When I fill it to the top, the fluid level is about 1/4 inch from the top of the container. Like everyone says, this is a very easy procedure. Took me about 45 min the first time and now about 10 min start to finish.

Can anyone figure this out. When I am stopped and first put the gear in second and then move it to first and release the clutch the car rides and shifts fine and stays in first gear. If I start the car in first gear, it will pop out about every tenth time I do this. I am having my transmission oil changed tomorrow morning, but I would like to know what is causing this.

Loren:

No changes to my shifter alignment and I do not have a short shifter. I have been reading up on the web and most people seem to recommend a transmission oil change. So, I will go there first. I have also seen recommendations of installing a shift detent plate. This appears to be the recommendation if the second gear pops out, but there are a few suggestions of doing the same for first gear with good results. What is your opinion about installing a shift detent plate and is the plate standard for any gear?

Eric

Hi Loren:

Thanks for your assistance. The car has about 84,000 miles. The car had a "transmission service" at 68,000 miles in July 2010. There has been no recent gear lube service. I don't really know what you mean about gear oil (is that the same as tranmission fluid?). If you have any recommendations about any service the car should have, please let me know.

Eric

99 C4. I have noticed that on a few occasions, the first gear will pop out into neutral. Seems to happen when I first start the driving the car in the morning. Any thoughts or suggestions? Seems to be occurring more frequently.

I know you put a lot into this car, but I don't think it adds that much value financially. You need to find the right buyer who will appreciate the car and the work you have done. In the US, I don't think the car is worth more than $30,000 US dollars.

I have a 99 C4 cabriolet. I purchased the car with a replacement GAHH top with a rear glass window and defroster. Great quality top. I had a Boxster in the past and also purchased a top from GAHH. There prices are reasonable. If you call them, they will provide you with the names and numbers of local dealers they approve. If you use these dealers, the top and any repairs are approved under their warranty.

Michelle,

The fix is easy (even for a non-mechanical guy like me), but it's not as simple as unscrewing a cap. Make sure you have a large syringe that is attached to a rubber tube with a very small width. the tube can't be more than 1/4 inch in diameter. You will actually see the plastic holding container filling up with the hydraulic fluid.

Eric

1985 928S @ age 45

2000 Boxster @ age 48

1999 996 C4 Cabriolet @ age 50

I don't know what to do, but I would have the person who installed the top call Robbins and ask for help. I had a similar problem years ago when I had a GAHH top installed on my Boxster. It had something to do with making adjustments to a wire that runs the length of the top. Once he knew what the problem was it was an easy fix.

Eric

1999 C4 with about 87,000 miles. Friday I had a coolant leak from a rubber tube with a small hole. Thankfully, i could easily see the leak and had a garage located close cut the end of the tubing and reinstall it. I think I lost about 1/2 gallon of coolant. He replaced it with water. The car is driving fine, no further leaks and the temperature is unchanged from prior to the leak. I live in Tampa, Florida with temperatures about 85 these days. Here is my question. Do I need to do a coolant flush and replace with new coolant, or is it fine to drive the car as is with the water replacement?

Bridgestone Potenza RE6000 or RE9000

Have not fixed a torn seat. But, if you purchase a new top, I strongly recommend GAHH. The quality of their replacement tops are excellent and having a rear glass window with a defroster is well worth the extra cost.

I purchased a 1999 996 about 1. 5 years ago. Had the car aligned and drove straight. About 1 year later the car drifted to the right just like you described. I also have Bridgestone front tires. The shop tested the alignment which was fine. He switched the front wheels (right to left) and that took care of the problem. Drives straight as an arrow.

Eric

I have a 1999 996 with about 84,000 miles. Just had my drivers side rear window regulator fixed today by an independent company. Cost of the unit $600+. Total cost with labor $1016.00 Ouch!

Just wondering, how common is a failed regulator? Is it likely my other windows will go soon, or do most regulators last for decades?

Eric