New member with questions
12-12-2009 | 11:12 PM
#1
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New member with questions
Hi Everyone,
As you can see I'm a new member to the list. I just picked up a 2000 996 C4 Cab with 26K miles from my uncle. He's owned the car since 2002 and it has been fairly well maintained. I think oil change and breaks, but not much else. I'd like to make sure I keep the car in the best of shape. I mostly use it only on weekends, so its not a daily driver. The PPI came back great and there were no issues that the dealer brought up. Here are my questions:
1. Is there anything specific I should have checked out by my local porsche mechanic?
2. anything else I should be aware of aside from yearly maintenance?
3. Any advice on how to best maintain the car and not completely break the bank?
Also, I just noticed that every 1 out of 4 starts the red coolant light will blink as soon I start the car, but the temperature needle is fine (straight in the middle, once its heated). I've read this could be the coolant level. I'm planning on bringing it to the mechanic next week to have him check it out. Any other ideas? Again, it doesnt blink every time I start the car.
Thanks again for the help,
Anthony
As you can see I'm a new member to the list. I just picked up a 2000 996 C4 Cab with 26K miles from my uncle. He's owned the car since 2002 and it has been fairly well maintained. I think oil change and breaks, but not much else. I'd like to make sure I keep the car in the best of shape. I mostly use it only on weekends, so its not a daily driver. The PPI came back great and there were no issues that the dealer brought up. Here are my questions:
1. Is there anything specific I should have checked out by my local porsche mechanic?
2. anything else I should be aware of aside from yearly maintenance?
3. Any advice on how to best maintain the car and not completely break the bank?
Also, I just noticed that every 1 out of 4 starts the red coolant light will blink as soon I start the car, but the temperature needle is fine (straight in the middle, once its heated). I've read this could be the coolant level. I'm planning on bringing it to the mechanic next week to have him check it out. Any other ideas? Again, it doesnt blink every time I start the car.
Thanks again for the help,
Anthony
12-13-2009 | 11:13 AM
#2
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11,801
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From: Kittery, Maine
Welcome Anthony...(hint)you'll get some answers after posting some pics of your C4.Your PPI should have pinpointed any issues needing attention. You can save $ by finding a good Indy Porsche mechanic as an alternative to a Porsche dealer, your choice. GL
12-13-2009 | 01:36 PM
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12-13-2009 | 01:41 PM
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12-13-2009 | 01:44 PM
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Anthony,
Congratulations and welcome.
I am assuming you have the manuals that came with the car.
Please take a look at the recommended service intervals and make sure that given the car's age (and/or mileage) that all of the service/checks have been done (brake fluid flush, belts, plugs, etc).
Also, if you haven't already, I'd suggest joining PCA and getting to know the folks in your region, especially the independent mechanics/shops.
There are some "major" issues to be aware of, like Rear Main Seals, etc, but for the most part, once all the TSB's have been performed and the car properly maintained (again, search is your friend on how to do almost any DIY job), it is a reliable car.
Congratulations and welcome.
I am assuming you have the manuals that came with the car.
Please take a look at the recommended service intervals and make sure that given the car's age (and/or mileage) that all of the service/checks have been done (brake fluid flush, belts, plugs, etc).
Also, if you haven't already, I'd suggest joining PCA and getting to know the folks in your region, especially the independent mechanics/shops.
There are some "major" issues to be aware of, like Rear Main Seals, etc, but for the most part, once all the TSB's have been performed and the car properly maintained (again, search is your friend on how to do almost any DIY job), it is a reliable car.
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12-14-2009 | 11:36 PM
#9
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 552
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From: Montreal, LA, Amsterdam.
Hey Anthony,
Yes you're right it is your coolant level (someone has been driving his new ride HARD, with a big smile on his face
)
It's actually really easy to top-up your coolant, it's in your engine bay and has a fill line on it, you can't miss it, just make sure your engine is cool before you unscrew the top because the 911 engine runs HOT and stays hot for a long time, and make sure you use the same coolant the dealer uses (ph levels and such are rather specific ).
On my first Porsche I opened it up (to top up) when I thought it was cool enough and the thing turned into a hot spring...lets just say it's no fun trying to get that damn cap back on with boiling coolant spewing out.
congrats on your new ride, enjoy!
Cheers,
Sid.
ps. I'm new to RL as well, from one newbie to another, how do start a thread?
I figured out just about everything else but that one seems to be eluding me.
Yes you're right it is your coolant level (someone has been driving his new ride HARD, with a big smile on his face
)It's actually really easy to top-up your coolant, it's in your engine bay and has a fill line on it, you can't miss it, just make sure your engine is cool before you unscrew the top because the 911 engine runs HOT and stays hot for a long time, and make sure you use the same coolant the dealer uses (ph levels and such are rather specific ).
On my first Porsche I opened it up (to top up) when I thought it was cool enough and the thing turned into a hot spring...lets just say it's no fun trying to get that damn cap back on with boiling coolant spewing out.
congrats on your new ride, enjoy!
Cheers,
Sid.
ps. I'm new to RL as well, from one newbie to another, how do start a thread?
I figured out just about everything else but that one seems to be eluding me.
12-15-2009 | 09:32 AM
#10
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From: Colorado
I thought the Cayenne forum was:
Buy
Read
Get Scared
Post a newbie thread about how excited you are to finally own a Porsche
Get made fun of
Post pics
Get made fun of again
Read more
Get more scared
Make a post about a CEL, bluetooth or maybe the horn not working
Get made fun of again
Buy
Read
Get Scared
Post a newbie thread about how excited you are to finally own a Porsche
Get made fun of
Post pics
Get made fun of again
Read more
Get more scared
Make a post about a CEL, bluetooth or maybe the horn not working
Get made fun of again
12-15-2009 | 09:57 AM
#11
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11,801
Likes: 14
From: Kittery, Maine
Hey Anthony,
Yes you're right it is your coolant level (someone has been driving his new ride HARD, with a big smile on his face )
It's actually really easy to top-up your coolant, it's in your engine bay and has a fill line on it, you can't miss it, just make sure your engine is cool before you unscrew the top because the 911 engine runs HOT and stays hot for a long time, and make sure you use the same coolant the dealer uses (ph levels and such are rather specific ).
On my first Porsche I opened it up (to top up) when I thought it was cool enough and the thing turned into a hot spring...lets just say it's no fun trying to get that damn cap back on with boiling coolant spewing out.
congrats on your new ride, enjoy!
Cheers,
Sid.
ps. I'm new to RL as well, from one newbie to another, how do start a thread?
I figured out just about everything else but that one seems to be eluding me.
Yes you're right it is your coolant level (someone has been driving his new ride HARD, with a big smile on his face
)It's actually really easy to top-up your coolant, it's in your engine bay and has a fill line on it, you can't miss it, just make sure your engine is cool before you unscrew the top because the 911 engine runs HOT and stays hot for a long time, and make sure you use the same coolant the dealer uses (ph levels and such are rather specific ).
On my first Porsche I opened it up (to top up) when I thought it was cool enough and the thing turned into a hot spring...lets just say it's no fun trying to get that damn cap back on with boiling coolant spewing out.
congrats on your new ride, enjoy!
Cheers,
Sid.
ps. I'm new to RL as well, from one newbie to another, how do start a thread?
I figured out just about everything else but that one seems to be eluding me.
12-15-2009 | 03:27 PM
#14
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 552
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From: Montreal, LA, Amsterdam.
12-15-2009 | 04:50 PM
#15
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From: Winston-Salem, NC
Sid,
On the 996 Forum main page (which lists all of the Threads) at the top left side of the page (immediately above the gray frame) is an Icon that reads Post Topic. Click on that to start a new thread. That same icon is also located at the bottom left side of the page.
On the 996 Forum main page (which lists all of the Threads) at the top left side of the page (immediately above the gray frame) is an Icon that reads Post Topic. Click on that to start a new thread. That same icon is also located at the bottom left side of the page.