JDSStudios

I don't see "broken differential" posts either. This is very odd!
I wouldn't be as surprised if I was racing it- but I've never tracked it!

SH || NC

Should have been CPO then, yes? All services?

JDSStudios

I think this mechanical failure is completely unrelated to the original problems,
which still worry me, cause they will be back, just a matter of when,
since I did nothing else besides clearing the codes.

I think it is a coincidence that both problems happened in the same day,
in sequence- Cel first, broken differential 20 minutes later.

JDSStudios

It's a 2002, bought on 2006 in the US- no warranty;
I doubt Porsche will help.

theiceman

Could you not leave it as a C2s with the option to fix it later if you found a better deal on a front diff at a wreckers or something ?
DC automotive or Partsheaven surely would have one of these.

JDSStudios

Several guys here mentioned that, and even though that would not be
my kind or mod, I should have re-consider it, because of the huge cost
of a new differential.

However, some mods would have to be done to the PSM, and possible
other computer related functions.

It is too late now, part has already been ordered, but I should have thought
of getting a differential from one of the guys that removed his!

JDSStudios

Update #2:
For those who followed this thread, one odd thing was that I could not find threads
in this forum with other broken differentials on AWD.

Well, Pfaff Porsche returned my Friday phone call this morning, and according to
the service adviser (Peter), several 996s and 993s have had their front differential
"burned", (to use his exact word) and therefore, replaced.

When asked about the reasons for failure:
Most failures were due to the differential seal leaking the oil, leading to internal failure.

What's with Porsche and "seals" leaking?

Bottom line: $5000.00 Differential, minus core exchange of $500.00,
plus labour and taxes, it will be north of $6500.00. I will know for sure at the end of this week.

theiceman

I am just a curious observer from another forum but the 996C4S guys should be able to answer this . Does the front diff have a drain port and fill port so gear oil levels can be checked and changed or is it a sealed unit ?

htny

Everyone has hit the major points, and I think it's a great idea to see if a turbo front diff can go in there, a lot of those laying around on 6speed, or run without the diff as otherwise suggested. Check with sunset or suncoast prior to paying the 5K for the part either way.

But back to the matter at hand, from the number and type of errors you reported, you've got what seems to be either a failing or failed wiring harness or a screwy DME, make sure you resolve those issues prior to putting the car back on the road!

Good luck!

JDSStudios

Thanks.
The part was already ordered last week.
Those are good suggestions, and I will eventually take it in to get it checked.

CosmosC4S

Hi JD, I just caught up with this thread. Terribly sorry to hear of your bad luck. Big time bummer.
Good Luck on the repairs.

JDSStudios

Thanks Cosmos
I called in today, and the differential arrived at the shop.
It will be installed tomorrow; I will be in Ottawa until Thursday,
so will pick it up on Friday, if all goes well.

SH || NC

Any updates?

JDSStudios

Just to put this thread to rest:

* differential was exchanged
* throttle body was cleaned, and CEL, ABS and PSM never returned

It was expensive, however the only repair since I bought it in May 2006 (3 years).

gota911

JD,

I am glad you got her running again.