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My used 2001 was just delivered off the car hauler... 2 weeks of waiting... and I knew that it had a few minor problems: turn signals wouldn't switch off automatically, fan motor didn't blow and a swaybar end-link was broken. I expected a 15+ year old car to need a few things; but upon arrival, it has a few more problems than it did when I bought it.
The sales manager said (in writing) that they'd have their mecahnic fix the fan and the end link. That seemed fair to me and I gladly paid them their cash and they arranged transport. Well, not only does the fan motor not work, but the entire dash cluster is out.
While pursuing these repairs from the seller (out of state and a mechanic of unknown Porsche knowledge) is likely going to get me nowhere.
I am in a bit of a dilemma. Without the dash, how am going to get this thing 30miles to my house? Aside from fuel level, speed and tach, how do I know basic things like: does the engine have oil pressure; or even oil for that matter? Water temp? The engine runs, but I'm unclear if other functions are effected (cooling fans work?)
I did check a fuse diagram and only found one to be labeled as remotely related to dash function. I replaced the 15A fuse, but no-go.
Advise would be great, as I don't want to break my new (new-to-me) 996turbo on the first day I drive it home. Thank you CJ
My used 2001 was just delivered off the car hauler... 2 weeks of waiting... and I knew that it had a few minor problems: turn signals wouldn't switch off automatically, fan motor didn't blow and a swaybar end-link was broken. I expected a 15+ year old car to need a few things; but upon arrival, it has a few more problems than it did when I bought it.
The sales manager said (in writing) that they'd have their mecahnic fix the fan and the end link. That seemed fair to me and I gladly paid them their cash and they arranged transport. Well, not only does the fan motor not work, but the entire dash cluster is out.
While pursuing these repairs from the seller (out of state and a mechanic of unknown Porsche knowledge) is likely going to get me nowhere.
I am in a bit of a dilemma. Without the dash, how am going to get this thing 30miles to my house? Aside from fuel level, speed and tach, how do I know basic things like: does the engine have oil pressure; or even oil for that matter? Water temp? The engine runs, but I'm unclear if other functions are effected (cooling fans work?)
I did check a fuse diagram and only found one to be labeled as remotely related to dash function. I replaced the 15A fuse, but no-go.
Advise would be great, as I don't want to break my new (new-to-me) 996turbo on the first day I drive it home. Thank you CJ
Take lots of photos. Document condition received. Notify seller of condition in writing, transport the car to a good mechanic if you can’t fix it yourself. Don’t drive it for the reasons you described. Be very patient.
If you have to drive it, download an app that you can use a wireless obd adapter to display the parameters. I’d just have it towed straight to a shop and fight to have the seller pay up.
Yes, thank you Dave. With my past Porsche experiences, I never expected that this one would be a cheap date...
The service history was uneventful. One owner. Southern California car... In looking at the wear surrounding the sunroof switch, the owner likely didn't worry about getting the heater fixed. I mean, how can the most worn part of the interior be the sunroof switch bezel?
It was unexpected to me that the dash cluster would die. It could have been random, or perhaps shaken on the transporter, or maybe a renegade mechanic.
I have done the easy things (check fuse and searched Rennlist forum for "dash out"). The Rennlist forums did indicate that these occasionally go out. Some have described getting the cluster "rebuilt". I'm taking the previous posters advice and will be bringing the car to a local Porsche repair specialist. In the meantime, I can work on things that are more in my skill set: Buy a new console and various other plastic bits (many are available "new")... buy some nice floor mats; you know, easy stuff.
Yeah! It was only a blown fuse... I guess my google search on 996 fuse map must have been a bum steer. The PPI (post purchase inspection) got it all cleared up and I actually got a chance to drive the car today. Hey, these things are fun!
My new console, radio trim and steering wheel have arrived from Suncoast. I had to pass on the sunroof switch bezel though; as it was $695.00. So, the Edward Scissor-hands nickname might just stick! Thanks all, cj.
01-19-2018, 06:11 PM
dash cluster out
