Mikez996

I understand that I may get some nasty replies, but I just have to vent. I have loved Porsche my whole life and bought my first a year ago. It's a MY 99 996 cabrio with 85,000 miles. Not a concourse car, but in pretty good shape. To get to the point, it has had a lot of "common problems". Every time you turn around, I'm replacing something; water pump, battery, alternator, ignition switch, IMS bearing, engine mounts, numerous oil leaks. Now my check engine light is on again. What's going on? I'm starting to look at 993's and newer 996's. Is there a year that doesn't have so many "common problems", or is this just a Porsche thing? Sorry if I have offended all the other Porsche lovers, but I have had plenty of other cars with high mileage that did not give me half as much grief. I think I just need someone to say "Mike, that's it, now just enjoy this wonderful machine", or something like that. Thank you for letting me vent!!

I'm changing the fluid and filter on my 99 996 this weekend. I will be following the DIY tutorial from this forum but I have a question. When I did the oil change the car had to be at operating temperature. Does the tiptronic have to be " warmed up" before I drain the fluid? If so, why? Thanks for your help and suggestions.

The Becker CD220 has never turned on in the 1999 911 that we purchased a month ago. The car also has a factory amp, eq, and 6 cd changer. I'm taking it to the dealer next week and I have a feeling they are going to tell me I need a new radio. What are some of my options? Should I take it out myself and check the fuses? Take it to Best Buy and have them put a much cheaper ( probably better) radio in? Thanks for your suggestions.

I have a 1999 996 convertible. When the top is up there are two oval shaped metal covers right above the mirror. One on either side of the latch. They make a chattering sound, even on semi- smooth roads. What are they,and how can I stop them from shaking? Thanks for your help.

I just replaced the water pump on my 1999 cabrio. Now the high coolant temp is flashing intermittently. The tech manual says, "bleed the coolant system". How is this done? At least 2.5 gallons of dirty antifreeze was drained out and only 2 went back. Could there be that much air trapped in the system? Thanks for your help

I just replaced the water pump- the bearing was shot. The idler pulley is spring loaded. What else should I be looking for to ensure proper tension? Thanks for your help.

I am the new owner of a 1999 cabrio. The windshield has a green tint that I assume is on the inside or sandwiched in between the glass. My question is, has anyone out there had success with polishing pads? I'm afraid that it is scratched too much for just rubbing compound. Thanks for your help.

My 1999 911 has a small coolant leak that I can not pinpoint. Does a "universal" cooling system pressure tester fit the 996? Has anyone done this with success?

Yes, we use Stant pressure testers in the shop just about every day. You will need to obtain the correct adaptor for a Porsche, but the Stant system will work with anything........

Thanks JFP. I was just looking at the Craftsman tester. It has 8 adapters. Does the car have to be running? Because the coolant leaks on one of the pulleys and ends up all over the place, making it hard to spot the leak. Thank you. Mike

No, the car does not have to be running. You can also add a UV dye that will show where the leaks are as well. As for the Craftsman unit, we use Stant becuase the make adaptors for anything which you can add as you need them; sets that come with a cluster of "most popular" adaptors usually don't make sense because you end up with a bunch of stuff you never use..............

My 1999 911 has a small coolant leak that I can not pinpoint. Does a "universal" cooling system pressure tester fit the 996? Has anyone done this with success?

Yes, we use Stant pressure testers in the shop just about every day. You will need to obtain the correct adaptor for a Porsche, but the Stant system will work with anything........

Thanks JFP. I was just looking at the Craftsman tester. It has 8 adapters. Does the car have to be running? Because the coolant leaks on one of the pulleys and ends up all over the place, making it hard to spot the leak. Thank you. Mike

My 1999 911 has a small coolant leak that I can not pinpoint. Does a "universal" cooling system pressure tester fit the 996? Has anyone done this with success?