Crown
Board: Porsche - 911 - 997
Language: English
Region: Worldwide
Close
CloseForum - Thread
Re: UPDATE Re: system failure
ossi, I don't really have any more information, but if I can find out more when I pick the car up, I'll post it. The regional rep told me that the "front desk engineer" or something to that effect in Atlanta knew about the issue and had instructions on how to fix it. I don't know how the dealers get in contact to get this information, but presumably a phone call is all that is needed.
Bill, thanks, but I wouldn't call my reactions entirely even-tempered. I've had to go through more channels than I'd like to try to get things resolved, and it was only yesterday that the PCNA regional rep finally called me. While he was nice and is trying to help, I think that PCNA should have done more sooner in this case. I am, however, trying to be as nice as I can here by giving them one more shot at fixing the car.
For those interested, there seem to be a number of things that are potentially related to the system faults. Here's a list of what I can recall:
- The steering angle sensor in some cars has been known to cause system faults. There is some evidence that this is due to an incorrect PDI in which the sensor was left in the "shipping" position. But, it's not clear as PCNA has had dealers replace one or both parts of this sensor.
- The "grommet" problem has caused system faults in a few cars due to water getting into the car and causing corrosion and/or an electrical short. This was suspected on my car, but the grommet was secure and there was no evidence of water.
- The front hood latch is a known problem on what appears to be several cars. This part is either defective or was not properly installed, and is causing system faults to be triggered. I had noticed that the hood on my 997 didn't feel quite as secure as the one on my 993 or Boxster, but had assumed that this was by design as I had no other car to compare it to. I only noticed this when drying and polishing the car, being able to feel more "play" in the hood than seemed normal. On a couple of occassions I could hear the hood click into place and appear to be more secure, but again didn't think much of it.
- The various control units are being replaced on the recommendation of PCNA, even though it's not clear that these units are in fact the culprit. It seems more likely that the various sensors and triggers in the car are to blame, with the control units simply recording the faults. Depending on who you ask, there are between 13 and 25 of these control units in the car, many of them new on the 997.
- On my car the rear control unit, which controls the brake lights, rear wiper (which don't have), etc. was recording a fault and causing the taillights to be weakly illuminated. This looked a bit like the parking lights, but was independent of any user controls or other conditions. I had noticed these a couple of times when I saw the glow against the garage door, and soon knew that this meant that a system fault had occured. The faults were being triggered by a front control unit, but apparently these faults can propagate throughout the car.
- Water appears to be a factor in causing these faults, and in my case I could expect a system fault each time I washed the car. I always dried and then polished the car as well, so it may be the combination of actions that are the cause, but it's not clear. While polishing the car I noted the static buildup that others did, especially around the plastic bumpers. This may or may not have been a factor, but it seems to be yet potential culprit. That being said, washing, drying, and polishing a car are certainly no excuse for a problem like this.
- In my case the system faults didn't appear to be causing a mechanical or electrical problem in the car. In other words, the car drove perfectly and was most likely not unsafe to drive. However, the fault and the warnings in the owner's manual were enough to make me doubt the wisdom of driving the car much. Given the US legal system, what if I were to have an accident as a result of a system fault that I ignored? I don't even care to think about it.
I can't think of more right now, but will post what I learn. I am hopeful that it will be fixed, although I'm also still quite skeptical.
Bill, thanks, but I wouldn't call my reactions entirely even-tempered. I've had to go through more channels than I'd like to try to get things resolved, and it was only yesterday that the PCNA regional rep finally called me. While he was nice and is trying to help, I think that PCNA should have done more sooner in this case. I am, however, trying to be as nice as I can here by giving them one more shot at fixing the car.
For those interested, there seem to be a number of things that are potentially related to the system faults. Here's a list of what I can recall:
- The steering angle sensor in some cars has been known to cause system faults. There is some evidence that this is due to an incorrect PDI in which the sensor was left in the "shipping" position. But, it's not clear as PCNA has had dealers replace one or both parts of this sensor.
- The "grommet" problem has caused system faults in a few cars due to water getting into the car and causing corrosion and/or an electrical short. This was suspected on my car, but the grommet was secure and there was no evidence of water.
- The front hood latch is a known problem on what appears to be several cars. This part is either defective or was not properly installed, and is causing system faults to be triggered. I had noticed that the hood on my 997 didn't feel quite as secure as the one on my 993 or Boxster, but had assumed that this was by design as I had no other car to compare it to. I only noticed this when drying and polishing the car, being able to feel more "play" in the hood than seemed normal. On a couple of occassions I could hear the hood click into place and appear to be more secure, but again didn't think much of it.
- The various control units are being replaced on the recommendation of PCNA, even though it's not clear that these units are in fact the culprit. It seems more likely that the various sensors and triggers in the car are to blame, with the control units simply recording the faults. Depending on who you ask, there are between 13 and 25 of these control units in the car, many of them new on the 997.
- On my car the rear control unit, which controls the brake lights, rear wiper (which don't have), etc. was recording a fault and causing the taillights to be weakly illuminated. This looked a bit like the parking lights, but was independent of any user controls or other conditions. I had noticed these a couple of times when I saw the glow against the garage door, and soon knew that this meant that a system fault had occured. The faults were being triggered by a front control unit, but apparently these faults can propagate throughout the car.
- Water appears to be a factor in causing these faults, and in my case I could expect a system fault each time I washed the car. I always dried and then polished the car as well, so it may be the combination of actions that are the cause, but it's not clear. While polishing the car I noted the static buildup that others did, especially around the plastic bumpers. This may or may not have been a factor, but it seems to be yet potential culprit. That being said, washing, drying, and polishing a car are certainly no excuse for a problem like this.
- In my case the system faults didn't appear to be causing a mechanical or electrical problem in the car. In other words, the car drove perfectly and was most likely not unsafe to drive. However, the fault and the warnings in the owner's manual were enough to make me doubt the wisdom of driving the car much. Given the US legal system, what if I were to have an accident as a result of a system fault that I ignored? I don't even care to think about it.
I can't think of more right now, but will post what I learn. I am hopeful that it will be fixed, although I'm also still quite skeptical.
Re: UPDATE Re: system failure
Thanks for the comprehensive update Skip. We all look forward to the final verdict, which will only be rendered once you get the car back and drive it. It would be interesting if a replacement of the front control module was indeed responsbile for the problems. We'll keep watching this space.
Re: UPDATE Re: system failure
Skip,
If you know that water is causing a problem then why not try to mask off problem areas? Use that blue tape and some plastic. I know it seems hokey but if you're washing the car yourself it would seem like it would prevent some of this stuff. Yes, there are bugs but why not work around it so you can drive and be happy and not stew? FWIW.......
If you know that water is causing a problem then why not try to mask off problem areas? Use that blue tape and some plastic. I know it seems hokey but if you're washing the car yourself it would seem like it would prevent some of this stuff. Yes, there are bugs but why not work around it so you can drive and be happy and not stew? FWIW.......
System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24 hrs
I'm so upset about this that it's tough to write this, but here's the latest:
- Last Thursday I got in the car to drive to work, car showed a System Fault, so I took it to the dealer.
- The dealer started trying to figure it out, contacting PCNA in Atlanta, getting info on what to replace, check,etc. They kept the car over the weekend to test things out such as the "wash it and cause a system fault" problem, which they could not reproduce.
- The PCNA regional rep called me on Tuesday and out of the goodness of my heart I agreed to give them one more chance to fix the car. If the car wasn't fixed this time, he would initiate the refund procedure.
- One of the suggested fixes was to replace the front latch assembly, which includes servos, sensors, etc. Another local dealer took these parts of another car and sent them to my dealer to be installed as waiting for the parts from Germany would take some time.
- At the suggestion of PCNA in Atlanta, the mechanic also checked the handbrake, which was okay, although I'm not quite sure what exactly was being checked.
- The dealer called around 4:30 PM on Wednesday and I drove over to pickup the car, gladly exchanging the Ford Escort rental for the beautiful 997. I drove the car home, stopping by a couple of stores for holiday dinner food and drink. I parked the car and went to bed last night with the hope that this nightmare was finally over.
- This morning, less than an hour ago, I got in the car to go for a morning drive before the holiday festivities. I started the car, buckled the seatbelt, and saw this all too familiar message:
- Also, as before, the tail lights come on in some sort of dimmed mode:
That's it, I surrender, as it's obvious this car has gotten the better of me, the dealer, PCNA, and Porsche. I will no longer
over this, and I'm going to try to keep this from making me any more 
or 
, and I won't be 
over the loss of this car.
I would still like to have a 997 S, but not this one. Right now I'm inclined to wait a while to see if Porsche can figure out how to build one correctly, as I really don't need the stress that owning this one has caused.
- Last Thursday I got in the car to drive to work, car showed a System Fault, so I took it to the dealer.
- The dealer started trying to figure it out, contacting PCNA in Atlanta, getting info on what to replace, check,etc. They kept the car over the weekend to test things out such as the "wash it and cause a system fault" problem, which they could not reproduce.
- The PCNA regional rep called me on Tuesday and out of the goodness of my heart I agreed to give them one more chance to fix the car. If the car wasn't fixed this time, he would initiate the refund procedure.
- One of the suggested fixes was to replace the front latch assembly, which includes servos, sensors, etc. Another local dealer took these parts of another car and sent them to my dealer to be installed as waiting for the parts from Germany would take some time.
- At the suggestion of PCNA in Atlanta, the mechanic also checked the handbrake, which was okay, although I'm not quite sure what exactly was being checked.
- The dealer called around 4:30 PM on Wednesday and I drove over to pickup the car, gladly exchanging the Ford Escort rental for the beautiful 997. I drove the car home, stopping by a couple of stores for holiday dinner food and drink. I parked the car and went to bed last night with the hope that this nightmare was finally over.
- This morning, less than an hour ago, I got in the car to go for a morning drive before the holiday festivities. I started the car, buckled the seatbelt, and saw this all too familiar message:
- Also, as before, the tail lights come on in some sort of dimmed mode:
That's it, I surrender, as it's obvious this car has gotten the better of me, the dealer, PCNA, and Porsche. I will no longer
over this, and I'm going to try to keep this from making me any more or , and I won't be over the loss of this car.I would still like to have a 997 S, but not this one. Right now I'm inclined to wait a while to see if Porsche can figure out how to build one correctly, as I really don't need the stress that owning this one has caused.
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24 hrs
skip,
sorry to hear the latest. i think it's time for you to give it back - sound like you finally are at the edge.
i hope i am not in for the same... i will wash the car tomorrow to see how it is after the fix on tusday.
happy thanksgiving, despite...
-r
sorry to hear the latest. i think it's time for you to give it back - sound like you finally are at the edge.
i hope i am not in for the same... i will wash the car tomorrow to see how it is after the fix on tusday.
happy thanksgiving, despite...
-r
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
SKIP, really sorry to hear of the latest disappointment. I think you have been extremely patient with this car, dealer, PCNA & PAG. One can only endure so much disappointment and failure before arriving at the point of surrender. I think you are well served to turn back this car for a full refund. Yyou need for some time to re-establish a feeling of comfort with another 997S is very understandable.
I had a huge disappointment earlier this year with a 2003 M-B 500. I really liked the car. It was my second identical car after the first one was exchanged for the second by M-B because that was the only way they could provide the Navigation system that was sold to me but not yet ready for delivery (long story).
I had the second car about four months and had logged about 2,700 miles, when as I was backing out of parking space, the right front suspension gave way. The bolt holding the lower control arm in place had lost its nut and worked free of the pivot point. Fortunately for me and others it happened in a parking lot and not on the freeway. Unlike your situation, this was a purely mechanical problem. How it happened and who was at fault I will never know. I no longer had any confidence in the car or the dealer. I took a big hit and traded it in on a brand new Lexus LS430. It has turned out to be the best sedan I have ever owned.
I have to say that I (and perhaps others on this forum) am wondering if and when I might also be struck by this same problem you and OSSI have encountered. I hope it never happens, but my confidence level is not what it once was.
I appreciate your articulating what has happened with your 997 and recognize how difficult it is to re-play it all through your keyboard.
Happy Thanksgiving! Life goes on.
I had a huge disappointment earlier this year with a 2003 M-B 500. I really liked the car. It was my second identical car after the first one was exchanged for the second by M-B because that was the only way they could provide the Navigation system that was sold to me but not yet ready for delivery (long story).
I had the second car about four months and had logged about 2,700 miles, when as I was backing out of parking space, the right front suspension gave way. The bolt holding the lower control arm in place had lost its nut and worked free of the pivot point. Fortunately for me and others it happened in a parking lot and not on the freeway. Unlike your situation, this was a purely mechanical problem. How it happened and who was at fault I will never know. I no longer had any confidence in the car or the dealer. I took a big hit and traded it in on a brand new Lexus LS430. It has turned out to be the best sedan I have ever owned.
I have to say that I (and perhaps others on this forum) am wondering if and when I might also be struck by this same problem you and OSSI have encountered. I hope it never happens, but my confidence level is not what it once was.
I appreciate your articulating what has happened with your 997 and recognize how difficult it is to re-play it all through your keyboard.
Happy Thanksgiving! Life goes on.
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
All, thanks for the support and suggestions. With respect to the next steps, here's a snippet from the post that covers that:
Many in the USA are on holiday tomorrow, so it may be Monday before I know anything. I'll keep you posted as I find out.
Quote:
- The PCNA regional rep called me on Tuesday and out of the goodness of my heart I agreed to give them one more chance to fix the car. If the car wasn't fixed this time, he would initiate the refund procedure.
Many in the USA are on holiday tomorrow, so it may be Monday before I know anything. I'll keep you posted as I find out.
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24 hrs
Skip, Porsche is aware of the problems. Buying a brandnew model immediately after introduction always buys you a 50:50 chance that there will be a problem, usually within the first couple of thousands of miles/kilometers.
I know this doesn't comfort you at all but this is how it is unfortunately. I don't expect to see any problems with the 997 engine/drivetrain/mechanical part but due to newly introduced electronics stuff, I exp
ect a few bugs from that part, incl. some minor build quality issues which might be related to production procedures at the beginning.
So there are two possibilities: waiting a year or so for the bugs to be sorted out (Porsche is pretty fast compared to other high volume manufacturers like BMW or Mercedes) or taking the jump into the cold water and going for a novelty...with the risk of a novelty.
My car has now 6000 km. I got a pre-production car, I think it is number 200.
No problems at all, well...maybe the clutch squeaking noise which got stronger on cold weather but Porsche never heard of this and it seems to be limited to my car. I suppose sooner or later, they ask my dealer to exchange the clutch/pressure plate/disc to check on it and I don't really care about it because I'm happy they do it.
My Cayenne is a different story: I got a car built in march 2004 and despite a problem with the microswitch of the rear hatch window lock, this car has been flawless so far and I have already 13000 km and drove it to Italy, Austria and France. I'm very pleased with it.
My point: give Porsche another chance to fix your problems. If the car is OK after the fix(es), keep it. If not...well, that's a different story. Good luck.
I know this doesn't comfort you at all but this is how it is unfortunately. I don't expect to see any problems with the 997 engine/drivetrain/mechanical part but due to newly introduced electronics stuff, I exp
ect a few bugs from that part, incl. some minor build quality issues which might be related to production procedures at the beginning.
So there are two possibilities: waiting a year or so for the bugs to be sorted out (Porsche is pretty fast compared to other high volume manufacturers like BMW or Mercedes) or taking the jump into the cold water and going for a novelty...with the risk of a novelty.
My car has now 6000 km. I got a pre-production car, I think it is number 200.
No problems at all, well...maybe the clutch squeaking noise which got stronger on cold weather but Porsche never heard of this and it seems to be limited to my car. I suppose sooner or later, they ask my dealer to exchange the clutch/pressure plate/disc to check on it and I don't really care about it because I'm happy they do it.My Cayenne is a different story: I got a car built in march 2004 and despite a problem with the microswitch of the rear hatch window lock, this car has been flawless so far and I have already 13000 km and drove it to Italy, Austria and France. I'm very pleased with it.
My point: give Porsche another chance to fix your problems. If the car is OK after the fix(es), keep it. If not...well, that's a different story. Good luck.
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Well, that's about it. You went way beyond the call of duty for any car enthusiast. Thank God above that PCNA is doing the right thing.
One thing is for sure: you used up ALOT of your lifetime allocation of BAD luck, so you should have nothing but smooth sailing in matters like these for a long long time!
Hang in there Skip!
What's kinda _scary_ about this is that it seems to be UNFIXABLE. Makes you wonder if we really appreciate how complex cars have gotten and how even the mfgrs can't comprehend it fully when stuff goes wrong. WOW!
We're a long long way from the staggering simplicity of malfunctioning plugs, points and the occasional cracked distributor cap!
One thing is for sure: you used up ALOT of your lifetime allocation of BAD luck, so you should have nothing but smooth sailing in matters like these for a long long time!
Hang in there Skip!
What's kinda _scary_ about this is that it seems to be UNFIXABLE. Makes you wonder if we really appreciate how complex cars have gotten and how even the mfgrs can't comprehend it fully when stuff goes wrong. WOW!
We're a long long way from the staggering simplicity of malfunctioning plugs, points and the occasional cracked distributor cap!
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
RC, no offense, but there's no way that I'm giving them another chance. They've had 8 chances, had my car in the shop for far too long, and I've been much nicer about this than should be expected of anyone. This particular 997 does nothing but make me angry right now, and it has to go.
I do want a 997, as I've stated repeatedly, despite this unbelievable experience. I just don't want this particular 997.
MaxErnst, I am also amazed that it seemingly can't be fixed, despite the huge number of components that have been replaced. In my not so humble opinion, Porsche should airlift this thing back to Germany and have the engineers take it apart and figure out why it is such a bad car. Whether it's due to bad design, bad quality control, or whatever, Porsche should use this as a learning experience of what not to do.
What really bugs me is that I've not been able to enjoy this car like I should. I went into a meeting last Thursday at work and was already mad over the latest system fault. The main reason for buying a car like this is for the joy of driving them, being able to arrive at work with a smile on my face and ready for the day. That this car has managed to cause me so much grief and stress is insane, and it's why I'm so disappointed in Porsche right now. For someone who currently owns 4 Porsches and who is normally a champion for the marque, this is quite sad.
I do want a 997, as I've stated repeatedly, despite this unbelievable experience. I just don't want this particular 997.
MaxErnst, I am also amazed that it seemingly can't be fixed, despite the huge number of components that have been replaced. In my not so humble opinion, Porsche should airlift this thing back to Germany and have the engineers take it apart and figure out why it is such a bad car. Whether it's due to bad design, bad quality control, or whatever, Porsche should use this as a learning experience of what not to do.
What really bugs me is that I've not been able to enjoy this car like I should. I went into a meeting last Thursday at work and was already mad over the latest system fault. The main reason for buying a car like this is for the joy of driving them, being able to arrive at work with a smile on my face and ready for the day. That this car has managed to cause me so much grief and stress is insane, and it's why I'm so disappointed in Porsche right now. For someone who currently owns 4 Porsches and who is normally a champion for the marque, this is quite sad.
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Hey Skip,
You have been more than patient. In fact, you've had the patience of a saint. Get rid of that cursed 997 before your experience with Porsche completely sours. Hopefully Porsche is listening and rectifying the situation with its design, production process, or suppliers.
You have been more than patient. In fact, you've had the patience of a saint. Get rid of that cursed 997 before your experience with Porsche completely sours. Hopefully Porsche is listening and rectifying the situation with its design, production process, or suppliers.
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Quote:
Skip said:
Porsche should airlift this thing back to Germany and have the engineers take it apart and figure out why it is such a bad car. Whether it's due to bad design, bad quality control, or whatever, Porsche should use this as a learning experience of what not to do.
yeah, would be nice to know how dedicated Porsche actually is to prompt and efficient investigation into a problem they couldn't fix.
Would be very interesting to know what happens to your former car.
They supposedly ship blown engines back to the factory for failure analysis (something I heard); your car should be very interesting to them.
Here's another way to look at it, Skip: get rid of the car, get your money back and forget about getting a new one for a year or so. Since it's not your only Porsche that should be easy. 2006 options might be more broaded and more satisfying involving some changes worth the wait multiple Porsche ownership qualifies you to endure relatively easily.
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Quote:
Skip said:
- I started the car ... and saw this all too familiar message:
Skip, midst your problems, one of your photos raised a tangential point with me. Please address this question only if you're feeling up to it.
The photo shows white numbers on a black background, which is standard on the 997. You have the S, though, which should have the opposite panel (black writing on a white background). How did you change this?
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Quote:
MaxErnst said:
...What's kinda _scary_ about this is that it seems to be UNFIXABLE. Makes you wonder if we really appreciate how complex cars have gotten and how even the mfgrs can't comprehend it fully when stuff goes wrong. WOW!
We're a long long way from the staggering simplicity of malfunctioning plugs, points and the occasional cracked distributor cap!
Good point MaxErnst!
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Skip, I'm so sorry to read what you've been through.
As its been said many times already you have been exceptionally patient and understanding
Your posts will give some serious concerns to a lot of new and soon to be owners (including me) especially the fact that PO do not seem to know the solution to the problem at this time.
A possible compromise for you might be that PO give you a replacement car with a stipulation that should the same fault appear on the replacement vehicle a complete reversal and return to you previous agreement (car refunded) would result. Both you and PO would benefit... needs detail, but could work
As its been said many times already you have been exceptionally patient and understanding
Your posts will give some serious concerns to a lot of new and soon to be owners (including me) especially the fact that PO do not seem to know the solution to the problem at this time.
A possible compromise for you might be that PO give you a replacement car with a stipulation that should the same fault appear on the replacement vehicle a complete reversal and return to you previous agreement (car refunded) would result. Both you and PO would benefit... needs detail, but could work
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Quote:
MaxErnst said:
yeah, would be nice to know how dedicated Porsche actually is to prompt and efficient investigation into a problem they couldn't fix.
In the course of earning my daily bread I have been involved in the past in the investigation of problems with indusrial products. The problems often first arise in the hands of "real paying customers", in spite of extensive testing under the most extereme conditions by the manufacturers.
The reason there is no immediate fix is often because the product's manufacturer might therefore be starting from "zero" when the problem arises, and he cannot even reproduce the problem himself in order to analyze the cause, and therefore depends entirely on the customer to provide as much reasoned, rational and relevant information as possible to enable him to pinpoint the cause.
Only when you know the real cause can you really start to think up a solution.
Skip, instead of just loudly ranting and raving unproductively, has taken the time and trouble to try to describe the problem in as much detail as he can. We can only hope that all his information is being passed down the line to the people charged with and in a position to solve it.
They'll be grateful if it does reach them, because it will make their job easier and speed things up.
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Quote:
fritz said:Quote:
MaxErnst said:
yeah, would be nice to know how dedicated Porsche actually is to prompt and efficient investigation into a problem they couldn't fix.
Skip, instead of just loudly ranting and raving unproductively, has taken the time and trouble to try to describe the problem in as much detail as he can.
They'll be grateful if it does reach them, because it will make their job easier and speed things up.
Yay SKIP!
Hip hip hooray, hip hip horray, hip hip horray!!!!
thanks buddy!
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Quote:
Skip said:
All, thanks for the support and suggestions. With respect to the next steps, here's a snippet from the post that covers that:Quote:
- The PCNA regional rep called me on Tuesday and out of the goodness of my heart I agreed to give them one more chance to fix the car. If the car wasn't fixed this time, he would initiate the refund procedure.
You probably know I am not a fan of Porsche the company. The cars they produce though are usually well engineered.I suspect the problem with your car is minor though it is consistent in setting off alarms. As a result, you are in a negative frame of mind.
Despite your love for the 997, my recommendation is to take a refund if possible and wait a year. If you replace it immediately, any subsequent problem with the replacement will be magnified and you will not or never enjoy the car.
After a year, they will get the car right like they did with the 996.
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Quote:
ArthurY said:
Skip, midst your problems, one of your photos raised a tangential point with me. Please address this question only if you're feeling up to it.
The photo shows white numbers on a black background, which is standard on the 997. You have the S, though, which should have the opposite panel (black writing on a white background). How did you change this?
Hi Arthur,
The funny thing is that I didn't even notice this until you pointed it out. The dash lights are on in the photo, although I did not turn them on. Apparently the same thing that is causing the rear lights to come on is making the instruments illuminate. I have no idea why this is so, but it's yet another "gremlin" in the car.
When the instruments are illuminated they appear as white on black, and the only way to see the white is by using a flash on the camera, which tends to obscure the system fault message that I was trying to show:
I don't know how they achieve the white background, but it must be using some reflective property as it only appears so when there is a light source:
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Quote:
ArthurY said:Quote:
Skip said:
- I started the car ... and saw this all too familiar message:
Skip, midst your problems, one of your photos raised a tangential point with me. Please address this question only if you're feeling up to it.
The photo shows white numbers on a black background, which is standard on the 997. You have the S, though, which should have the opposite panel (black writing on a white background). How did you change this?
Looks to me like the pic was taken with the headlights on. It changes when you do that.
Nov 27, 2004 4:20:59 AM
- Skip
- Junior
-
- Loc: Colorado, USA
- Posts: 55, Gallery
- Registered on: Apr 15, 2004
- Reply to: Trundle_GT3
Re: System Fault again after 6 days in shop and less than 24
Quote:
Trundle996 said:
Perhaps DTR lights are set to on in the PCM individual memory settings?
No, they're not set to on. The weird thing is that it's not the headlights that are on, it's the tail-lights. They look to me like they're in the "parking light" mode, as they don't appear to be full-strength.
I'm pretty sure that the instrument lights have come on each time there is a system fault, now that I think about it. I don't really focus on that sort of thing when driving the car, and as a result never noticed it before.
What I can't explain is this message that was displayed on the PCM:
(Just trying to show that I still have a sense of humor despite this ridiculous experience.)
UPDATE
I spoke with the regional rep and he is starting the paperwork on the buyback process. It's apparently handled by a 3rd-party, not Porsche itself, called ISG or something like that. I'll know more in a couple of days about the paperwork, process, etc., but I can't say that I have the warm and fuzzies at this point...
Nov 29, 2004 7:18:22 PM
- musclepwr99
- Newbie
-
- Loc: Los Angeles , United States
- Posts: 5, Gallery
- Registered on: Jul 2, 2004
- Reply to: Skip
Re: UPDATE
Hi Skip and Ossi,
I also post this question on rennlist.com. My car has similar problem just like yours. This morning I noticed that my memory seat (from power seat option) did not work. I just don't recall either before or after the system fault appeared. Is yours working? I wonder if the front control module caused it. Thanks.
I also post this question on rennlist.com. My car has similar problem just like yours. This morning I noticed that my memory seat (from power seat option) did not work. I just don't recall either before or after the system fault appeared. Is yours working? I wonder if the front control module caused it. Thanks.
Nov 29, 2004 8:07:55 PM
- Skip
- Junior
-
- Loc: Colorado, USA
- Posts: 55, Gallery
- Registered on: Apr 15, 2004
- Reply to: musclepwr99
Re: UPDATE
musclepwr99, to my knowledge my front power seat never had any problems. I've used it a few times over the past few weeks and never noticed that it wasn't working as expected.
So you have the infamous system fault? Is your car one of the launch cars? It would be interesting to find out if all the faults are on launch cars, which may point to a rushed or otherwise defective manufacturing or quality assurance process...
So you have the infamous system fault? Is your car one of the launch cars? It would be interesting to find out if all the faults are on launch cars, which may point to a rushed or otherwise defective manufacturing or quality assurance process...
Nov 29, 2004 8:17:08 PM
-
Carlos from Spain
- Rennteam Moderator
-
- Loc: Spain. , Spain
- Posts: 21152, Gallery
- Registered on: Feb 9, 2003
- Reply to: Skip
Re: UPDATE
Quote:
Skip said:
I spoke with the regional rep and he is starting the paperwork on the buyback process. It's apparently handled by a 3rd-party, not Porsche itself, called ISG or something like that. I'll know more in a couple of days about the paperwork, process, etc., but I can't say that I have the warm and fuzzies at this point...
Hope everything comes through OK Skip, its really sad to see what one hopes to be to be a sourse of joy and pleasure turn out to be a source for unhappiness and stress instead. Keep us updated and hang in there.
Forum
About Rennteam | Help | Terms of use | Privacy Policy | Support | Contact | Imprint | Archive
Powered by
Community
and
