911 FAN

Thanks guys I will get in there this weekend to see whats really going on. Im pretty sure its the fuel pump going bad. When I start the car cold and run it...no problem. If I stop and try to restart it when hot it as trouble starting. Since I am not all that mechanically gifted, do you think $966 is too much too pay to have it removed and replaced?

After driving my 1999 996 Carrera 4 on a 40 mile freeway ride, I parked my car to run errands, when I came back one hour later, the car wouldnt start, I called AAA and they came to jump car, but car wouldnt take a jump. Had it towed to Indy Porsche repair shop. They recharged battery, checked electric system and said it took a charge all electric system appeared good. I explained to them that about 3 weeks ago, the car did the same thing (wouldnt start) but the next morning it started with no problem. They recommend replacing fuel pump to solve problem. Is this a fix for the average driver or should I let them replace fuel pump for me.

Great stuff Bill. Im in the Inland Empire, where do you get your maintenance done at?

The hydraulics only move the top. The lid is driven by an electric motor and a worm gears. Either way there is a special procedure for after the top has been emergency operated. If I remember correctly you need to set the potentiometer for the top lid motor to a certain value and then do a convertible top calibration. Unfortunately I don't remember what the value is but I think its 6.3k ohms. Also you have to make sure the gold allen screw is in the correct position or otherwise the lid wont move.

Thanx for that information. I was thinking the worst like the hydraulics went out. My top moves, but since the lid wont open/close then the whole process is out of whack. I dont have any of the equipment to do the work myself, so I will have to take it to the shop to get it checked out. Thanx again. Would you happen to know how much it will be? Thanx.

When I first installed my ST some 5 years ago, I had similar issues. It turns out I needed to get the ST unit replaced (which Stephan did quite nicely)...never did hear what was wrong with it. There is theoretically a top calibration that can be done with the PST2 or PIWIS tool. Not sure what it does. I have used the manual crank several times and did not need to get the unit calibrated. Make sure the module is connected properly and tight....you might just plug and un-plug it again. You could also try a soft reset by disconnecting the battery (make sure you have your radio code). Otherwise it is off to a workshop with the Porsche tools mentioned above.

Thank you for the input. Im going to give it one more try this weekend and disconnect the battery and see what happens, (I have the radio code) Otherwise Im going to have to take it to my mechanic. One mechanic said it could be the hydraulics going bad, but I didnt have this problem before.

Now that my controller is working, it seems my top latch is not. I've gone through the instructions in the manual over and over trying to manually release it, but I can't get it to budge. I'm thinking there must be some kind of ratchet switch I'm not finding. Does anyone have a photo or exploded view of the top latch?

I'm pretty sure that's what's broken, but it's $450 for just a salvage latch, so I wanted to work through this one first.

Good luck with the troubleshooting, I have a similiar problem. When I manually opened the top using the emergency handle and now my top's cover wont open. Someone said the top must not be calibrated.

Hello All

Okay I have a '99 C4 Carrera Cab and installed my new Smart Top(ST). Easy installation However the ST stop working halfway up so in order that I open the top I had to manually open the top using the emergency handle. Well the handle did the job and I was able to adjust the ST, however it malfunctioned again going down and I had to close the top manually and now the top wont open and the dash light roof top indicator stays on.

The owners manual says take it to the dealer once you use emergency tool. Anybody have any good suggestions. I have taken ST off and re adjusted and the top goes half way up/down but the rear compartment doesnt react unless you open/close manually

I have a 1999 CARRERA 4 with Triptonic transmission, and 78, 0000 miles on vehicle. I noticed oil on the garage floor under the vehicle. I looked under the engine and noticed what appeared to be a slight oil leak on the drivers side of the engine. Any advice on the type of leak and repair costs. I live in Rancho Cucamonga California and Im looking for a good repair shop.