guitarpley

Hi guys. Can somebody offer some guidance here... It started back in september...I became a proud new Papa to my 2002 996 C4 cab, with 46000 miles. Silver. Turbo rims...an absolute KNOCKOUT. She ran AMAZING...fast, powerful, smooth..the most linear car I have ever owned. All was well...until January 21st. While on the interstate, I got my first code: check fluid level. I immediately pulled over and shut her off. Steam. Never overheated - thank GOD. Called the dealer I got it from and was told "I'm sending a flatbed - let me handle it here - the Porsche dealer will rob you blind" Ok....$170 for the tow. So the truck comes...and I wasn't aware that the driver was pulling it up by the front lower control arms (we'll talk about that again in a minute). Next day, guy calls me and says - "pump is changed, but the rear tie rod is worn out so bad - that I can't let you take it- I ordered a new one and it'll be here in a few days". 10 days later....$695....I pick it up. Box of broken parts. "I saved you a fortune - and I even topped off your oil, it was 2 qts low!" "By the way...you probably want to get that rear-end aligned....its time" 2 miles later...I feel like I'm driving a sit-n-spin....my 2nd code: PSM FAILURE / ABS FAILURE. I call him. "Oh that's nothing - Porsches do that so you have to take it to a dealer just to get the codes reset - you're cars fine." Codes every 4 miles EXACTLY. PSM/ABS. Cars sliding all over its lane....somethings wrong. I take it to a local porsche guru with a SOLID reputation. I run down the story, show hom the parts. He looks grim. Apparently the 1st place (that had saved me a fortune) had replaced a rear lower control arm (drivers side)....he was certain that a jackstand had been put under it and SNAPPED it in two (shows me the broken piece) and he's obviously appalled at what he see's. He continues: the water pump hadn't even been bolted in all the way - still leaking. The front control arms are GUAGED out with fresh hook mark, and bent all to hell. (Remember the tow truck driver?) "By the way - your car has WAY too much oil in it" He bolts the water pump in correctly, runs a diagnostic...$162. Orders parts, makes apt. 4 days, $2856.23 later....whole realignment., new tire (rear passngr) new MAF...CV boot up front..clutch spring...2 front control arms, 1 rear for the passngr side (to match the 997 part number that the drivers side now had). Car runs like CRAP. Codes for battery/gen....brake distribution...abs failiure..idles like its being kicked in the nuts. Voltage gauge usually sits a hair below 14....now barely at 12...then to 14...back to 12 (never seems to be were it was when I turn it off) Had a voltage spike on my way to his shop. Went from 12 to 16 in 2 seconds. Threw a million codes at me. Shut it off, call him. Start it up....purring like a kitten. He takes it out. 25 minute spin...runs perfect. I take it home. 2 hours later, I get in, crank it -12 on the meter.....shoots to 16 - I shut it off (no codes). I wait. Restart...reading 14...slowly starts to rise...I shut it off. Swear. Restart....just under 14. My shop is reputable, and I know they're experienced...but the owner gets PISSED if I mention ANYTHING from these forums..I had already asked about cleaning a MAF, mentioned a few other things from here....he's not listening. I'm pulling my hair out. 3 weeks...almost $4000. My car runs like crap. It feels like its "floating"...not tight and grabbing the road like before. I have codes...and I'm broke. "Maybe its the alternator, maybe its the battery, maybe its the voltage regulator -Take it home and drive it like a porsche - see if that helps the battery situation". Will somebody PLEASE contact me and tell me what to do? I took it to Advanced Auto Parts ( At least they tested my battery). Fella says the cold crank amps are 640 instead of 680...not too bad. Does a load test (heat on, Hi beams on, 2000 rpms)....says its recharging ok. What the HECK???? Chris Guitarpley@gmail.com