Porsche 996 query

[nickg]

My Dad's 996 C4S tip (03 regn <40k miles) has had 2 instances in the last 2 weeks of oil lights coming on and warning messages on the dash that say "drive to workshop immediately" and "loss of oil pressure" (I am paraphrasing).

1st instance he turned the car off and on again and all was well so he kept driving.
2nd instance same thing happened but he called the indy guy he uses and took the car into him. The guy is talking about taking the engine apart to find the fault etc.

Anyone here have any experience or could point me in the right direction for some thoughts on whether this is a common problem, and what the diagnostic process should be.......?

Stats I'm counting on you on this one....

 

[verytalldave]

Have you tried posting this on a Porsche forum?


My old Lotus Elan would momentarily lose oil pressure if I cornered hard and the oil level was a tad low..............

 

[BlackC55]

Is the sensor ok?

I would replace that first before going into stripping engines.

 

[stats007]

Is the oil gauge indicating correct pressure? Are there signs of oil leaking from the Variocam or rear main seal (RMS)? Is the coolant showing signs of mixing with the oil or the oil showing signs of mixing with the coolant?

It *could* just be a faulty sensor - then again it could be signs of an imminent engine failure. I would get it to a main dealer (these should all be warrantied or you're mad) or respected indie ASAP.

 

[BTB 500]

Has he checked the oil level?

Assuming that's OK then I guess either the oil pressure is low (mechanical cause of some kind), or it's a false warning (pressure sensor or electronics problem).

Sounds like a question for a Porsche forum to me, too!

 

[nickg]

cheers guys - that'll do for starters.

 

[grober]

Try this article which details some of the problems in the flat 6 water cooled engine. It refers mainly , but not exclusively, to the early 3.4 engines thankfully. http://www.autofarm.co.uk/pdf/Total911_July06.pdf There have also been issues with recalls associated with chafing wiring looms which might also be a cause of erroneous readings. Hopefully your dad has some warranty cover.

 

[stats007]

I've posted the question on a Porsche forum.

When I bought mine I had the RMS and Variocam seals replaced along with the clutch as it's an engine out job.

Let's hope it's a sensor or your dad has the Porsche Warranty.

 

[recycled]

better hope it is a sensor. on cold the oil is always low anyway.
is the light on permanently ? or flickers on and off depending on how he is parked / motion?

 

[stats007]

The sensor is number 32 - part number 996 606 203 00 - around £40.

 

[Satch]

Asked a friend of mine who is a Porsche victim and his response was that on a996 the oil pressure sensor gives two outputs, one to the oil pressure gauge and t' other to a low pressure warning.

If there is a problem with the output to the pressure gauge get a modest "Go to Porsche dealer and have wallet emptied" type message appears.

But If there is a break in the signal to the low oil pressure warning, you get the doom laden immediate stop/investigate oil level message.

As well as checking the oil level he suggested you try to check the wires and connections to the oil pressure sensor but the unit itself can and does give up.

There is a legendary MAF/oil problem as well. Legendary because some people say it exists, other that it is a myth. Supposedly if the MAF gets a bit off colour the electronics can get confused and throw up oil warnings. Briefly revving the engine can make it go away but fault codes will be shown up on a diagnostic.

 

[recycled]

not sure about that one. never happened to me

 

[verytalldave]

I was secretly thinking of a Porsche as my possible next car. This thread has made me think again.

 

[recycled]

if this put you off a porsche, i wonder why anybody bothers with a merc then considering all the tales of woe

 

[C43AMG]

A Maserati Stats ?

 

[verytalldave]

if this put you off a porsche, i wonder why anybody bothers with a merc then considering all the tales of woe

Yes - but you must admit that Porsche servicing costs are in yet another league over MB.
MB is sort of affordable(ish) whereas Porsche is remortgage time.

 

[stats007]

Not at all. The hourly rates are actually lower at OPCs. Porsche have fixed price servicing as well. It only gets expensive if you need the engine out (clutch/RMS etc).

Brakes are expensive admittedly, but then you have to expect that on a high performance car.

 

[television]

A Maserati Stats ?

I will get a badge too from Ebay

 

[stats007]

A gold one Malcolm ?

Any news on this Nick? Hopefully just a sensor which your dad could replace himself - if so I can get a discount on parts.

 

[Tony M]

I was secretly thinking of a Porsche as my possible next car. This thread has made me think again.

Think again ! I ditched MB two years ago and switched to Porsche. It has been a pleasurable experience so much so I have just taken delivery of another one.

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