Eric - Plug Guy

Kind of strange, it closes ok, but needs a tiny bit more pressure. Although it hooks, I don't hear that common 'click' and when I release it from the inside lever, the lever seems to have a bit more play. I know I'll be in for service on this one.

When I lock the car, I get the infamous horn beep - so I know something's wrong with the latch or the sensor.

Took a look at it tonight, and can't see much that is adjustable without major removal. Just wondered if anyone has done this with a '99 and had much success, or if I'll be replacing yet another part of this car in the next few days.

Tool Pants

The plug guy should know this stuff. New style latch came out in Februrary 2000, with a better microswitch. Switch is not a separate part. You can see the wires to the switch here....

raffi

hey eric, I have had some experience playing with the front hood latch on a 99 C4. It once got stuck and I had to pry it open with force. When I took it apart I noticed the metal hinge inside was worn and out of place. This was causing the metal piece to not wind up properly and trigger the sensor so it will know the trunk is closed. anyway i ended up soldering the piece and fixing it, since i was out of warranty. I then saw someone selling the hood latch on ebay for $10 so i replaced it and it was better than ever, closes without any effort. I have also seen a few other 99 owners with the same problem. I think the dealer charges $200 for the hood latch. It is very simple to replace. Btw, if you have the same problem as I did, which I am almost sure of, you're hood is likely to get stuck soon when the metal piece completely comes out of place.

Eric - Plug Guy

Thanks. Tool Pants....will that switch assembly work on a '99? I thought the 2000 model year started the electronic release, whereas the 99 is mechanical.

Thanks!

Tool Pants

Well, I looked at my parts list for part numbers and the new style microswitch is avalable as a separate part - 996 613 206 00. When I see the latches being remove because of a faulty switch at the shop, they do not just replace the switch, they replace the entire latch/switch assembly. The parts list does not indicate the new style switch is for certain years, so it should be for all years. Jeff

Loren

Electronic release was in MY01.
All cars MY99-MY03 now use: 996 613 206 00 New microswitch

raffi

Hi guys, I was under the impression that the new microswitch was responsible for shutting the trunk light if the trunk stayed open for extended periods. I dont think it will make any difference how hood opens or closes or if the new switch will even be depressed while using the old latch which may be worn.

Eric - Plug Guy

The latch referred to above as a replacement part contains the microswitch anyway. List is around $160 total.

And TP is correct, there is a newer part that replaced the original.

Thanks for the help guys!

Kevin M.

Jeff or anyone.. is it possible to convert a 99 manual release to a the 01 Electric release?

Tool Pants

With enough money you can do anything to a car. One of our Boxster owners has a 2000 with the mechanical trunk releases. He converted both to electrical via a remote but he used aftermarket parts.

I do not see why you could not buy the parts from Porsche to convert to electrical releases as it is a very simple system.

996 AERO

ERic,

I always get the "infamous one beep of the horn" when I lock the car. Does this mean there is a problem somewhere? Don't recall reading it in the owners manual.

Eric - Plug Guy

Hat's off to Tool Pants!

I bought the new part (at a slight discount), and it sat for a week until I had some time. Meanwhile each time I armed the car I got beeped, so I was ready!

Took all of about 35 minutes with nominal lighting and just as nominal tools (where the heck is my socket wrench?).

Everything went very smoothly.

Was obvious when it was tightened up that there's a lot of adjustment room on the mounting screws, so it took a couple tries before it was right.

The hardest part? Those darned half-turn caps to hold down the plastic/rubber that runs across the lip and under the latch and across to the edges of the headlights. Those things are nearly impossible to get to 'latch' properly without major force.

Thanks again TP!

MLA911

Eric, might I ask where you bought the part from? I am having difficulties with my hood latch as well. It takes alot more down force to close, although I am not getting the honk. I need to replace it before I end up denting the hood.

Thanks!