Kjan4

An update: The shop found that the vehicle (ECM) is recognizing the different gear selections, however the trans is not responding appropriately. They have confirmed that when in reverse the wheels begin moving forward, and park does not hold the vehicle in place. All external items have been ruled out. They are suggesting a rebuild (starting $9100) or new (starting $16,000).

I'm between a rock and a hard place here, and wanted to get some opinions from the community. As a car with almost 130,000 miles, I cannot see $9100 as a worthwhile investment on a 996 Targa with those kind of miles.

I have asked the shop to source an used trans and give me a quote on that, although they were reluctant to do so. I'll more than likely also get a second opinion from a different shop. What is everyone's thoughts? Depending on price of the used trans (if this is even a good idea) my options are as follows:

1. Replace with used trans
2. Sell as a rolling chassis
3. Put into long term storage - with the thought that 996's will increase in price in the future (long shot?)
4. Drive it off a cliff

All opinions welcome. Thanks guys.

porschemikeandnancy

I second getting a second opinion. It seems to me that a transmission that went 130k miles wouldn't just "break completely". I would suggest that some "control module" - whether inside or outside the tranny is defective.

And I'd ask around amongst indie Porsche repair shops for the name of a transmission specialist.

wyovino

I just had my Tiptronic in for slippage in fourth gear. The shop opted not to fix it because it's not that bad at this time. They said a rebuild would be about $6000, which is still a lot, but much better than $9100. Ask for a recommendation of a shop from a trusted indie.

Btw there are things that can be tested/replaced without rebuilding the entire transmission. Did they pressure-test the valve bodies?

kromdom

Try calling Dieters or KonigMotorsports if they can give you a quote over the phone. Best of luck.

Kjan4

Thanks for the great replies thus far, you guys are giving me confidence that this thing hasn't completely **** the bed yet. Given that the shop I took it to was going to just remove the transmission and freight it to a "specialist" somewhere north of San Diego, I am weary - the only plus side to this was that it included a 2yr, unlimited mileage warranty.

After just now getting off the phone with an actual trans shop, I've gotten some interesting info. In the state of California, for a trans to be considered "rebuilt" there are many things that actually need to be replaced. I am more interested in having it "repaired", which is a route this gentleman is willing to explore. He also informed me that because of the fact that both reverse and park started acting up at the exact same time, it is more than likely something related to electronics as these two gears do not correspond internally. Furthermore, looking into his computer he informed me there are no more "new" transmissions of this sort being built, and Porsche is offering "refurbished" ones for $8k... so where the previous shop got the $16k figure from, I am unsure.

After talking to the manager at this particular shop for nearly 45 minutes, I am inclined to take it there. The prices and uncertainty associated with where I have it currently is frightening.

Thank you all for the suggestions. Further opinions and thoughts are welcome!

Kjan4

Update:

Wow - Unsurprisingly, the original "Porsche Specialist" I took it to was way, way off. I ended up taking it to a guy who only does transmissions, specifically automatics. He told me a bolt had fallen out of the linkage, and once they replaced the bolt, reverse and park then engaged properly once again and the car drives fine! How great, for only $200 I am back on the road.

Before I hung up the phone, he informed me that he doesn't think the electronic mechanism that controls the tiptronic is operating properly - What he explained is that the gear that the vehicle is actually in, is not being displayed properly on the dash. However, I am not buying it - I have not had this issue with the vehicle ever, as it shifts through all 5 gears properly and did so when I drove it to the shop. So a) they are mistaken or b) they sabotaged it.

Anyway, I'm picking the car up this afternoon and will report back here after driving it for a few days!

wyovino

That is great news! He may think that the car starts in First which would mean that the gauge is wrong when it shows Second

Slakker

That is great news! It does further my distrust of 95% of all mechanics out there. It's just really tough to find the good ones.

ZuffenZeus

This the another "switch-a-roo" story in recent months regarding tiptronic transmissions. You should read the story from KrazyK (NC krazyK that is, not the one from Texas).

Kjan4

Excellent point. I think you're correct, because when I picked up, he told me he took the car on a short test drive and everything was working properly for him. I haven't had a single issue with it and have already put roughly ~50 miles on it.

Hmmm... I'll need to find this. Thanks for the clarification on which KrazyK Ha! Do you happen to remember the title of the thread? Thanks.

kromdom

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ersection.html

I actually suggested that he contact you since I have a hunch your problem may be similar to his (or vice-versa)

Kjan4

Thanks for sharing Krom. Just read it. How terrible. Here's to hoping his fix ends up as simple as mine! It pays to do your research (in terms of mechanics) and get second opinions! I went from a quote of upwards of $8000-$9000 to a fix that ended up being $200, all because I found a mechanic with the knowledge and legitimate interest to do right by his customers. A shame that this is so rare to find now.