***I strongly suggest carrying the tow hook in the glove box in case there is ever an electrical malfunction. ***


What a nightmare over labor day weekend.

Over the long weekend our 2002 996tt had an electrical charging system error message and a PSM failure come on the OBC while driving. When we parked the car and shut it down the car would not re-start. All electrical circuits were dead.

The two lids on the car are electronic and not cable operated like the 993. I never thought much about it until now but it is a huge design flaw that Porsche should fix. The engine lid should be cable operated so the jump start terminals are availble.

We tried the emergency procedure for supplying power to the fusebox to open the lids but for some reason this did not work. Porsche roadside assitance (apprarently contracted to AAA) was not helpful and we had to wait over three hours in the sun before anyone cam to help us.

Today, after 10 phone calls we waited while they sent two tow trucks. The first was not a flatbed (I told them it had to be a flatbed) and the second did not have the tow hook that attaches to the front bumper. I called Rector Porsche and they would not loan us the tow hook while suggesting that they use hooks to drag the car onto the bed which I refused to let them do.

I wonder if I should write a letter to PCNA - so far we have had a unpleasant ownership experience with this car ... engine replacement @ 1,000 miles, oil leaks, coolant leaks, p/s fluid leaks, and now this It is heartbreaking to spend a premium and have things like this happen.

I strongly suggest carrying the tow hook in the glove box in case there is ever an electrical malfunction.

Hopefully the car will get towed tomorrow once Roadside assitance sources a two truck driver with a Porsche tow hook, I find it frustrating how the dealers do not work with roadside assistance.

 

Sorry to hear about your experience. Definitely a bummer.

What tow hook is it that you recommend for the glove box? Is it in the tool kit that comes with the car?

 

I believe it is the tow hook that comes with the tool kit in the trunk - it screws into the front bumper in case the car must go on a flatbed.

Prior to this incident I took this for granted - never thought I would have to use it.

Hopefully things will be resolved soon

 

Thanks Garrick. While it doesn't sound like a common occurance, I think I'll move mine to the dash any way!

 

Looks like you bought a Monday-built car after Octoberfest. I'd raise hell with PCNA. You've had way too many problems with your TT.

 

I must be lucky today. I took the eye (tow) hook from my 993tt and it turns out to be compatible to the 996 - so the car is at the dealer right now.

I voiced my concerns to the dealer and suggested that they contact PCNA about the poor quality of roadside assistance. Apparently the roadside assistance is contracted out to AAA and they know nothing about these cars.

When I get the car back the first thing I do is relocate the hook in the glovebox - this should never have happened but I do not want to be in this situation ever again

 

Doh! I could have helped you out. I know exactly the lil' hook you're talking about. In fact had you called, now get this, I would have said, I have a FLAT battery as well. I cannot open anything dammit

PS Did you get my Email from last week? I've had issues sending/recieving email from you It was just about your call from last week on the EBC...

 

ARe you guys kidding? If you get a flat battery you cannot open any of the hoods? How are you supposed to carge the battery?? (DOh - trickle charger through the lighter maybe??)

 

Ah! Thats what the glove box is for - the TOW Hook

Then theres those with aftermarket front bumpers and no tow hook hole

It will be interesting to hear exactly what went wrong....

 

Hi John, you are exactly right. If your battery becomes flat you cannot simply open the hood or anything of the sort. You have to get a donor battery and use that... Not like we all carry those around

 

And that only works if assuming don't have other electrical problems - we could not open ours even with the donor battery.

I had to get the donor tow hook from my 993 to get the car towed.

I never thought these things until now, lol

 

BTW there are Manual access wires for hood and engine covers located below the RF headlamp and below LR tail lamp.
There has to be some method of "fishing" them out in an emergency tho I'am clueless as to how that is done...but they are they were put there for a reason.
I know some people have relocated the hood wire from under the headlamp to the tow hook location.