Good Morning Folks. I need some advice on MY2004 CS two years and 45,000 km ago. Since I purchased the vehicle the transmission shifting has been a bit off. I liken it to the shifting on my Durango I traded in on the Cayenne, not that smooth but adequate which surprised me that the CS was not better. I had what I would say, less than smooth shift between 2-3 and 4-5. They were not horrible and I accepted that was the way it was. It was not until we purchase a 2006 CS that I learned the shifting should be smooth and seamless.
Recently, the past 4 months the transmission in MY2004 has been very interesting. At times the shifting is smooth, other times there are the issues I described above, other times there are slips where the 2-3 & 4-5 revs plus 800 RPMs before it shifts and these are all while driving sensibly in the city or on the highway without being aggressive shifting at 3000-3500 RPM. When being aggressive with the throttle, which I try not to do now, There is a massive clunk when down shifting and or up shifting with the shift points around 5000 RPM. The clunk is so massive that it feels like the transmission has been knocked out of the bottom. There is no consistency to the issues. The described can all happen on the same drive or none at all or alternate or repeat.
I have spent hours researching the many post on these issues and tried to decipher the what seems to be thousands forum mechanics opinions on the issues causes. (ie: Fluid Issues, TCU/TCM, Valve Body, Stepper Motor, Tranny Mounts and the list goes on) That said, I called the local dealership to book and appointment to have the Fluid changes since I am unsure if it has ever been done. MY2004 has 175,000ish kms on it I thought it might be place to start. I do most of most of the maintenance, crawling under and doing an oil change is one thing, but the messiness of this one has me a,little less than enthused to do.
I called the Calgary Porsche Dealership and explained I wished to have the transmission fluids and filter changed. The service manager was shocked I wanted a transmission flush and filter change. He said that he doesn't recommend it since that the fluids should last 16 years. The price was around $1000, 600 for parts and fluids and rest in shop time. I was a little surprised at the fee, but this is Calgary and no auto repair is cheap here and I just want it done right. Is this good advice with that interval? Independent shops are an option, but take weeks to get booked in and they are "ce la vie" if you need it quick The dealership has been good to me with issues and service and booking.
The service manager has recommended I bring it in and they do a diagnosis and update the TCU/TCM. I then drive it for a while and see if it is resolved. He explained that hes doesn't want me to spend money unnecessary fixes. I realize that is the valve body is going to be replaced that the flush and fluids will be incorporated into the repair. He quoted around $2500 for the Valve body replacement cost. The Cayenne is paid for so This type of repair cost is warranted since I only have normal vehicle running cost on it.
I guess I am asking if this seems to be a reasonable plan of action?
Thanks in advance!