jdfoster

This morning while getting onto the freeway, I shifted to 3rd only to be greeted with the engine hitting the rev-limiter and a loss of acceleration. Once I'd safely merged with traffic and I could try going through the gears a bit, I found I can't access any gears that require the shift **** in the forward position. The shifter moves into position, but it's mushy and obviously not engaging anything w/ the transaxle. Any suggestions on where to start looking? Thank

moburki

Cable probably popped off trans connection. This happens a lot as the clip gets brittle and snaps. Simple re-connect and zip tie in place.

jdfoster

Wouldn't that be ironic! I recently purchased the car, and the PPI noted a couple of zip-tied attachments under the car which the seller "remedied." Thanks for the tip.

808Bill

Those clips SUCK! The zip ties are the remedy...

Kris Murphy

Those zip ties on those clips should actually be a Porsche part number. Running a manual trans car without them is just asking for trouble, usually at the worst possible time. Plus, it's not often that a 5 cent piece of plastic will fix your 996. Of course if they had a Porsche part number on them, they would be $19.95 each.

jdfoster

I dug out the PPI. It looks like a previous owner fixed the problem, then based on the PPI comments the seller (a private dealer) removed the ties. Photo from the PPI report:

808Bill

But did the put the factory retaining clips back in?

jdfoster

That was our agreement, but I haven't been under the car since I bought it about two months ago, except to troubleshoot a rattling exhaust tip. If the factory clips are missing now I have no way of knowing if he did or didn't.

dporto

If the cable slipped out, just put it back where it belongs and... You guessed it - Zip tie it !!!

cds72911

If you happen to already have safety wire pliers, it is another alternative to the zip ties that may be more durable. I use safety wires in place of zip ties in this area.

ThatSalesGuy

Had the same issue. Mine wasn't at the granny, but the clip on the cable broke at the shifter. See pic attached.

808Bill

Then get under there and check it out! It's not hard to check...

jdfoster

I haven't been home much to have time for wrenching, but I finally got under it last night:

A couple of zip-ties later and I'm back on the road. Thanks!

Atrox

Ahsai

Very common problem and you should feel lucky this is the only problem