Dave P

Well guys, they got me!
I was lurking on another board when I read the information about the transmission recall Porsche has ordered for our beloved C4S, Boxster S and some 996 6-speeds. I just got off of the phone with my Service Advisor and he checked the list and I'm on it.

After 1132 miles my transmission seems OK, although this morning I noticed that the shift from 1st to 2nd was a little clunky no matter how or when I shifted.

Anyway, the Service Advisor ordered the new transmission and will let me know when it arrives. I guess I'll have to go through this break in stuff all over again! <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Palting

Better now than when it's REALY broken!!

I don't think you have to go through the 2k mile break-in for a new tranny. I'd probably just make sure I go up and down those 6 speeds frequently the first several hundred miles. That should be more than enough.

Good luck!

Dave P

Palting,
Thanks for the encouragement. I am also glad that I'm taking "Merlot" in on my own terms rather than limping into the dealership broken. That was why I called the Service Advisor as soon as I realized that the recall campaign was real, rather than waiting for my letter to come in the mail.

So far, everything about this car (other than the funky shifting) has been great. I'm really glad to know that the shifting issue wasn't me not knowing how to drive. I drive my 5sp Jeeps all of the time and never have any problems!

I'll keep everyone posted on the progress and hope it remains as positive as it is!

cooper996

I have a C4S with June 12 completion date. Have'nt heard from my dealer, is that date close to the ones being recalled?

Dave P

Coop,
It is mainly May and June builds, but they are also taking into consideration other Porsche owners who are reporting transmission difficulties. You can call your Service Advisor and find out if your VIN is on the list. The dealers were notified on Thursday 9/12 and customer letters started going in the mail on Monday 9/16.

cooper996

Just talked to my dealer and my VIN is not on the list for transmission recall. (June 12 build)
My wife and I are leaving for a 3 week vacation in Europe on Sunday, we will be touring the Porsche factory on Tuesday, I will kick the QC managers *** on your behalf.

hsummy

I called my dealer to find out if I'm affected and they told me I had to bring the car in to their shop to determine if the transmission was "on the list".

I noticed several of you saying that you called and they could tell from the vin number. What's the story here?

dan996tt

Hank,

Same over here. My dealer told me that there is no list (BS?) and that they would check mine to see if it is necessary. Don't know the reason for the run-around but mine is going in next Wednesday.

I also mentioned that my brakes are screeching and they said to give it time to wear in. Is this reasonable?

Regards,
Dan

TP

I got a notification by mail from Porsche USA. Did anyone else get this?

bocky

Hi Hsummy and targaman:
I think your dealers are wrong about the list. I called the my dealer in Burlingame, CA with my VIN # and the tech advisor said my VIN # was not on the list. But bring in the car so we can check out why I am having trouble shifting from 1st to 2nd (I have been complaining since Jan 02)

But, at the same time, another tech advisor in the same dealer told me there was NO such thing as a '03 factory sport exhaust with a dash on/off switch. He double checked with the parts manager and the GM for any Porsche tech bulletin. He said Nothing!! Go Figure So I printed the forum thread showing the image of the dash on/off switch and the entire post so that I could education our beloved "factory trained professional" tech advisor/dealer. <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />
bocky
'02 Carrera C2 coupe

hsummy

I just got back from the shop and there is a list with transmission serial numbers on it. I know this because I was in the shop with the technition as he wrote down my trany's number and looked it up in his book.

My C2 996 Cab, May build, is also having the issue of slipping out of second gear when cold and going down a hill and while not accelerating. Sonnen, the dealer, told me they had another C2 02 996 with the same problem and Porsche told them to order a new gear box and replaced it under warrantee. He is calling Porsche about mine now so I'll let you know.

Dave P

Well it's going to be interesting seeing how Porsche handles this recall. A few years ago, when Lexus had a major recall like this, they bent over backwards taking care of their customers. I know a P-car is not a Lexus (thank goodness), but I would expect better treatment from the dealers than some of you have mentioned. There is a list of affected serial numbers. Porsche has sent out letters to owners of the affected vehicles (I got mine Monday). My letter was chewed up in the mail, so thankfully I already knew what was going on and what the procedure was for followup. My transmission has not yet arrrived so no new news to report there. Hang in there fellow manual owners-our cars will be perfect again before long!

porschekiddyuk

i dont understand what all the panic is about with the gearbox recall,there is a list of possibly affected cars,they have to be checked by the dealer for the gearbox number and an additional mark on the side of the box.if the number is in the range and the second mark is missing,the box is changed,it is that simple.

996FLT6

Can someone tell me what part of the tranny that caused the recall? Has PAG stated what was wrong and would the new trannys be free of said problems? Regards. Mike

bocky

Hi Hank and Dan:
Just got back from the dealer today, and personally saw the "Campaign Bulletin" dated 9/12/02 12 pages total of information and VIN #s of the affected 996s. Then there was another CB for the Boxsters.
Hope this helps you to convince your dealer <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> , or just ask your dealer to call Rector Porsche service department in Burlingame, CA I am sure they would be happy to fax a copy to your dealer <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

996FLT6: One of the guys on the other 996 forum just had a new tranny put in and he said it is better but "very tight". He did not mention which part was bad. My dealer keep insisting that "it is the syncros" <img src="graemlins/a_smil17.gif" border="0" alt="[blabla]" />

Dave P: So far I am getting a lot of lip service from my dealer because my VIN# is not on the list, but I have been complaining about this problem since Jan '02 <img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Bocky
'02 Carrera C2 coupe