996 Targa questions
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Paris, France
996 Targa questions
Hi all,
After much waiting and salivating, I finally have my new car, a gorgeous 996 Targa.
After a few days with the car, I have a few questions that some of you might be able to answer.
The first is about the opening rear hatch, which has an auto close feature. This works fine most times, but sometimes I seem to mess up the closing manoeuvre by pressing down on the hatch or something and the hatch then refuses to close by itself. When that happens, it takes some effort to get it closed properly by playing around with the hatch control on the remote and getting things just right so that it closes and doesn't spring open again straight away. Also, it seems that when I f... up the closing procedure like this, I have to wait awhile for the auto close function to activate again. Does this seem normal to you guys? Is it a kind of safety feature to protect the auto close mechanism?
My other question may be connected to this. I've noticed the car's electrics sometimes exhibit erratic behavior. For example, one time I clicked into reverse (I have the reversing sensors option) and once I moved back into first again, the constant beep of the sensors that you get when you near an obstacle stayed on. I had to turn the engine off and start it again to get that noise to stop.
Any ideas? BTW, my car is a 2003 model with low mileage (16.000 kms).
After much waiting and salivating, I finally have my new car, a gorgeous 996 Targa.
After a few days with the car, I have a few questions that some of you might be able to answer.
The first is about the opening rear hatch, which has an auto close feature. This works fine most times, but sometimes I seem to mess up the closing manoeuvre by pressing down on the hatch or something and the hatch then refuses to close by itself. When that happens, it takes some effort to get it closed properly by playing around with the hatch control on the remote and getting things just right so that it closes and doesn't spring open again straight away. Also, it seems that when I f... up the closing procedure like this, I have to wait awhile for the auto close function to activate again. Does this seem normal to you guys? Is it a kind of safety feature to protect the auto close mechanism?
My other question may be connected to this. I've noticed the car's electrics sometimes exhibit erratic behavior. For example, one time I clicked into reverse (I have the reversing sensors option) and once I moved back into first again, the constant beep of the sensors that you get when you near an obstacle stayed on. I had to turn the engine off and start it again to get that noise to stop.
Any ideas? BTW, my car is a 2003 model with low mileage (16.000 kms).
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,048
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From: Indianapolis
I've had the same things happen with the hatch mechanism--it sometimes seems like it's too smart for it's own good. Quite honestly, I just don't really use the hatch that often, so I haven't noticed it recently.
I've noticed no other electrical issues, although I don't have the parking sensors. Sounds like the switch that senses "Reverse" in the transmission may be acting up.
I've noticed no other electrical issues, although I don't have the parking sensors. Sounds like the switch that senses "Reverse" in the transmission may be acting up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 807
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From: Randolph, NJ
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First Congrats on your choice and Welcome. Are you aware that you picked up one of the rarest 996 available, only 128 was created in 03. In regards to your hatch back, I have not seen that behavior your describing, I generally use the auto feature. The electrical is not a problem for me either. The Targa in IMO is the best of both worlds, the openness of a Cab, the strength of the Coupe and the natural light via the glass panel is awesome. It truly enhances the Porsche experience. Best of luck Amigo. 
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Hong Kong
Yep - I love my Targa too. The natural light coming in is great, especially when you can have the air con running to keep the temp just right. Pity there isn't a turbo version. :-)
The auto locking mechanism can be a bit fussy. I find that the way to get it to work is not to be too gentle with it. i.e. you kind of need to let the hatch drop down (don't force it down) to get it to work properly. If you ease it in carefully, the sensor or mechanism does not seem to work.
I haven't had any problems with the reverse sensor. It may just be a one off, but if it does happen again, best to take it to the dealer to have a look.
The auto locking mechanism can be a bit fussy. I find that the way to get it to work is not to be too gentle with it. i.e. you kind of need to let the hatch drop down (don't force it down) to get it to work properly. If you ease it in carefully, the sensor or mechanism does not seem to work.
I haven't had any problems with the reverse sensor. It may just be a one off, but if it does happen again, best to take it to the dealer to have a look.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Paris, France
Originally Posted by RJMDAD996
First Congrats on your choice and Welcome. Are you aware that you picked up one of the rarest 996 available, only 128 was created in 03. In regards to your hatch back, I have not seen that behavior your describing, I generally use the auto feature. The electrical is not a problem for me either. The Targa in IMO is the best of both worlds, the openness of a Cab, the strength of the Coupe and the natural light via the glass panel is awesome. It truly enhances the Porsche experience. Best of luck Amigo.
I couldn't agree with you more. I've loved the glass roof Targa ever since my first Porsche, a 993 Targa! I'm really glad to be back in the "Targa fold" and this time, I think I'll stay (roll on the 997 Targa
).You may remember me as the guy from Paris (France) you talked to by email a while back, when I was looking for Targa pictures to help me handle the wait until I got my own. Thanks for the advice you gave me then... you helped Rennlist gain one more happy Targa owner
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From: Paris, France
Originally Posted by deons
To think I wanted to sell mine!.
Nice looking car. I have the same twin exhausts and I think they look great
Thanks for the info about what the dealer did for you. I'll get mine checked out.
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From: Paris, France
Originally Posted by donkeyman
Yep - I love my Targa too. The natural light coming in is great, especially when you can have the air con running to keep the temp just right. Pity there isn't a turbo version. :-)
The auto locking mechanism can be a bit fussy. I find that the way to get it to work is not to be too gentle with it. i.e. you kind of need to let the hatch drop down (don't force it down) to get it to work properly. If you ease it in carefully, the sensor or mechanism does not seem to work.
I haven't had any problems with the reverse sensor. It may just be a one off, but if it does happen again, best to take it to the dealer to have a look.
The auto locking mechanism can be a bit fussy. I find that the way to get it to work is not to be too gentle with it. i.e. you kind of need to let the hatch drop down (don't force it down) to get it to work properly. If you ease it in carefully, the sensor or mechanism does not seem to work.
I haven't had any problems with the reverse sensor. It may just be a one off, but if it does happen again, best to take it to the dealer to have a look.
Your solution makes instinctive sense to me as the hatch does seem to respond better to a slightly "rougher" treatment.
I'm going to see what it's like over the next couple of weeks and then take it to the dealer to be checked out.
I'll keep you guys posted.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
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Another tip for you Targa drivers. Get into the habit of regularly checking the tightness of the bolts in the hatchback hinge mechanism. If they come lose, they will cause minor rattles that are seemingly impossible to find . . .
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Paris, France
So I went to the dealer today and he put the computer on the car... and it turns out there is a fault on or around the latch mecanism. They're gonna keep the car for a week cos it's apparently a big job to get to the parts that need to be looked at. I sure hope this is covered by the warranty!
I'll post back when the job's done and I get the car back.
I'll post back when the job's done and I get the car back.