E Kap

I have had a K&N filter in a few cars in the past. I can't tell any difference in performance. I have also read other people's experience and it seems to have no observable benefit. There are some potential problems. If the filter is oiled too much, it can cause some warning lights to go off regarding the MAF. Not worth it.

Any single DIN aftermarket stereo will fit in a boxster. Check out the Crutchfield.com site. It will allow you to put in your car and will give you many more options compared to Best Buy. Also, the prices are better. You can also pay for installation at an approved site near where you live, which will also be less expensive and generally have people with more experience. You can purchase a single DIN DVD or Nav system that is motorized. If you want at larger screen, you can purchase an installation kit. You will have to move your AC controls. Check Ebaymotors and search for a double DIN installation kit. Cost about $170.00.

good luck

Loren:

I can't find the part number or anywhere I can purchase the cushion. I called my local Porsche dealership in Tampa and they had no idea. Can you point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Eric

I am looking to purchase the insert cushion piece that goes between the rear seat and backrest for a 1999 C4 cabriolet. Can't find any on ebay or a google search. Does anyone know where these pieces can be purchased or if any store produces these. I have seen pictures of many 911's with them, but I think they are all aftermarket.

Had the same problem with the only key I got when I purchased by 1999 C4. The key just stopped working as a remote, but opened and started the car fine when inserted. Wound up purchasing a new key fob and key from Sunset and had the local dealership cut and program the key. Now I have a remote that works and a second key without a functional remote in case I lose the new key. Have some peace of mind. If the key fob is 10+ years old, spend the money and get a new one. Less headaches.

My top is opening and closing slowly again. Added hydraulic fluid about 4 months ago and this took care of the problem. I have a slow leak somewhere, probably a cylinder. Here is my question. With the small space to work in, I had problems getting the fluid into the opening. Does anyone know what size or type of rubber tubing will fit correctly into the opening to add fluid. Is there a tool to purchase for this?

Eric

Have you used this firm? What was the cost of a rebuild on your 996 cylinder?

I had the same problems about 3 months ago. My pump was cracked. Got it replaced and that took care of the problem.

In a few cases the pump is leaking or the tank - either way remove the wheel well liner to see for sure.

Wow! Think this author is a little angry. All I know is that I love my 996 and like many of you, have not had alot of mechanical problems. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but as for me, I'd purchase another 996 in a second!

I also have a 1999 C4 Cabriolet. Just a month ago, I had a similar problem. The top would open and close slower and would just stop about half way. I would have the help it close and open by pulling or pushing the top. I ordered Porsche hydraulic fluid and added it per the DIY directions. The fluid level was low and the repair was easy. The tops works great again. Total price about $40 for the fluid. I am not mechanically inclined, so if I can do it anyone can.

Good luck.

Eric

Just a quick though, the soft top uses a hydraulic pump to open/close it's not uncommon for it to leak and loose fluid or just randomly run low?

The latter (low fluid) seems to be the some what easiest to solve, it involves actually using a syringe to inject fluid back into the pump!

I'm not totally sure on this fix but there is lot's of info in the DIY section if you do a search.

Hope this helps

If you take your time, there is no reason you can't find a solid car at the right price. I agree with everyone regardng getting a PPI. There are alot of cars out there which have been well maintained. Unfortunately, there are also alot of 996 owners who are in a financial situation with the economy and need to sell their cars. Good for you, not so good for them. Find a car that has been well serviced and has records. Also, if they have the car maintained with the same mechanic, ask for the number and call the mechanic. It's amazing how much information a mechanic will provide you when you ask nicely. After looking for 9 months and gathering information on 4-5 potential cars, I finally chose a '99 C4 Cabriolet with 68,000 miles. 6 months and 5,000 miles later, very few problems. Nothing with the engine. I couldn't be happier. Good luck! Somewhere out there your 996 is waiting for you.

I can't agree more! Wishing all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

I have a 99 C4 Cab. Like many of you, I have had the insulation foam material blow out through the AC vents. I thought overtime this would stop, but the material continues to come out for 6 months now. The AC and heater seem to be at the correct temperature, however it seems the air is not blowing out as strong as it did in the past. I am thinking some of this material is stuck and reducing air flow. Any suggestions how to clean out/open up the air flow system?

Eric

Well, Santa left me a bottle of Porsche Hydraulic Fluid under the tree. Just as everyone said, you don't have to be mechanically inclined to add more fluid. After adding the fluid, the top works perfectly! I did notice the plastic bottle which holds the fluid seemed to have a thin film of fluid when I touched it, but no fluid dripping. The metal retention ring which holds the plastic bottle to the unit above was a little loose so I tightened the ring. Hopefully that was the cause of this hydraulic fluid leak. Again, thanks for all the help. Merry Christmas!

Eric

Thanks all for the information. I am going to add fluid myself and see how things go.

Eric

I have seen several cabs that needed fluid after a few years that did not have "leaks." At least any that were noticeable. If a cylinder is leaking then the level will go down fairly quickly and will need to be replaced.

I have not added hydaulic fluid yet. I called Reeve's Porsche in Tampa to get a quote. He quoted me about $100 to add fluid and thought the cylinder may be going bad. Said it was about $1200 to fix. Then I called Suncoast Porsche in Sarasota. This service manager said he had never seen hydaulic fluid go low unless there was a leak. Said I would probably have to replace both cylinders for about $2400. He would check on the fluid level and add for about $250.00. Which I think is high and much higher compared to Reeves. He said you have to replace both cylinders, since if you only replace one the pressure on the old cylinder would be too high and cause the old one to leak.

Here is my question. Are these guys correct? Does hydraulic fluid level reduce over time if there is no leak, or does a low level mean a leak. If there is a leak, is there any harm in replacing the fluid every now and then if adding fluid takes care of the problem. I would rather add fluid once or twice yearly, then pay $1200 to $2400 for new cylinders.

Eric

Try pressing the button on the parking brake, in and out about 5 plus times.

Thanks for the response. I love this forum. I can't get to this for a few weeks. If I try opening the closing the top with insufficient hydaulic fluid, will I do any damage?

Eric

I have a 1999 C4 Cabriolet. I use the convertible top often down here in Florida. For the past week, I have noticed it takes the top more time to open and close during the cycle when the actual top is moving (not the shell). Now I have to manually help the top to complete the opening and closing cycle by pulling or pushing the top when opening and closing mid cycle. Any thoughts/suggestions?

Eric

First, you need to decide if you want a convertible or not. That would be the primary factor for me. They are louder, but as far I am concerned so much fun on a nice day with the top down. Also, the rear seats have a more foward angle, making the rear passengers a little less comfortable. I have a 1999 C4 Cabriolet and love it. The C4 is handles great on wet roads. My choice would be the C4 Cab.

I have had the doors open for 3 hours or more, cleaning/waxing the car. After, car started right up, no problems. Also, I was listening to the radio at the same time. My battery had no problem running out.

Eric

1999 C4

Thanks Loren.

How do I get access to the fan?

Eric

1999 996 C4

It seems my AC/Heater fan blower is not blowing as strong as it did in the past. Very little air comes out of the vent until I increase the speed about half way and even at max, it is definately not as strong. Otherwise, air conditioner and heater are working fine. Any suggestions?

Eric

I was also thinking about changing these bulbs. I don't think you can use the brighter LED's because they don't fade from on to off when you lock your car. They will only go on and off instantly. If you don't mind loosing that feature, the LED's would work for you.

Eric

Well, I took my car to a mechanic I trust and finally found the problem. The right side had a failing lower ball joint. He ordered and replaced the lower control arm. He actually replaced both sides, concerned the left side would go soon. The ball joint and the control arm were available as a unit. Cost $900 including installation for both sides. Fixed the problem. No more annoying squeeking sounds. So, if anyone has a squeeking sound that occurs with vertical suspension movement and eventually also occurs when you turn the steering wheels right and left after driving the car about 30 minutes, check out the lower ball joint.

Eric