Os7213

Hi guys,

This is my first post here on the forum, Ive read the rules and I hope this is okay for a first post!

The car is a 996 C4S with 90k miles on it.
To make a long story short I would like to find some procedures and step by step of what to do with a engine/luggage compartment switch that's not working.
I already downloaded the service manual, I actually use the safety cable to open both lids but now I want to solve this intermittent problem.
Sometime the switch will work, sometimes not.
Doesnt matter if the engine is hot or cold.
battery is fine.
Is there an easy way to check if either the switch or relay is faulty?
I do own a multimeter but I would like more precisions on how to test the switch.
Should I try to clean the connectors with isopropilic alcool or a similar product?
Also do you guys have a place to source this kind of part other ebay?
I looked for a fair amount of time but the solution I found are mostly when the battery is dead and how to use the emergency cable to open the lids, which is already what Im doing.

Thanks for your help!

Agent Jester

wildbilly32

Os: Most any post is ok as a first post. Welcome. Year of car is always valuable when asking for help. Guess that it is a -2 car with electric hood releases, I have read that is is possible the junk/dirt/ debris can get into the switch area and might mess with the functioning. Read once that you can clean this area/switches/connections with an electrical cleaner after removing the sill cover and correct similar problems. Might want to give it a try since it is an occasional problem as opposed to a "never works" situation. I'll try to find this procedure.

Os7213

Hi!

thank you for your reply.
Unfortunately they both seems to work okay...
When the switch doesnt work I cant hear the 'clic' noise it does when opening.
On the other hand, on a good day both lid will open no problem...
Anybody else have exprienced this kind of intermittent problem with this switch?

wildbilly32

Year of car?

So even when the buttons don't work you can hear the frunk/hood actuators click? If so, that could be an adjustment issue, but strange it would be on both ends...

Os7213

Hi!
Sorry I was sure I included the year of car in my first post... You are right we are talking about a 2002 996 C4S.
Perfect I will give it a try even if everything seems to be clean there might be some debris or humidity trapped somewhere.

wildbilly32

What about the "can you hear the actuator clicking even when the hoods don't open" question??? If this is true, find a helper to lift up on the frunk/engine hood while using the appropriate switch, if helper can popup hood then probably an adjustment issue.

As for cleaning these buttons seems to be corrosion sensitive with moisture.

Os7213

Hi!

thanks for your reply!

Just got the car back today.
Send it to the garage for new tires and alignment.

I had some time on time and I did some test.
I defenately can hear a click if I press on the trunk lid.
It wont open even if a partner try to lift it. On the other hand the engine lid seems to work perfectly.
So I think you're right its probably a matter of adjustment/lubrification of the mechanism.

Do you have a working procedure for trunk lid latch adjustment?
When closing the trunk lid it defenately feel 'tight' so I have to press hard on it to lock it down.
No visual damage to the latch or anything.

Thanks again
Hugo

DBJoe996

Before trying to adjust the front latch mechanism, spray some white lithium grease on it. Second, there are two adjustable rubber bumpers on the hood (look, you will see them on either side), make sure they are screwed in (yes, they screw in and out for adjustment). Turn them right to screw them in a bit and see if that takes some of the pressure off when closing the frunk lid.

wildbilly32

^^^^ Like DB said!

Vancouver996

808Bill

Test your battery and make sure it has a full charge first.

Os7213

Hi

thanks again everyone

I tried lithium grease + screw in the rubber bumpers and it worked...
only one time but might be the right path!

I tested the battery:
While the engine is running the multimeter will show 14v but when I shut off the car the battery is drained to 12.6v and stay stable there for hours.
is it something normal?
I didnt try to unplug the battery so I still have to figure out if its the battery who dont keep its charge or something that is draining the battery.

De Jeeper

Those voltage readings r normal.

Os7213

Replaced the actuator...
Work perfectly!

Thanks everyone!