What kind of reader do you use? With PIWIS you can select the message and display additional details.

 

I have a piwis 2 and 3 and a durametric. I dont currently have a P18B4 to expland on it. The main issue now is the clicking and acting like the clutch is slipping.

 

I too have a P18B4 error code (2009 Cayman S).

PWIS too does not provide any further details, and two Porsche service centers have each suggested a full software reload from the mother ship is needed.
Manifestations when driving include failure to select reverse when cold (<5C), and a THUMP on first to second upshift when cool (<10C).

The failure to select reverse is negated by selecting reverse again, and the second gear thump isn't present if I shift above 3000 rpm.
Nothing else, and I just drive around it, and leave as-is.

From my readings, it appears the P18B4 error code is a catch-all, 'outside of parameters' reporting code that may represent a hardware performance result outside of the software expectation envelope... my guess anyway.

 

DELETED

 

Only reset the PDK TCU learning back to factory.
No change.

I've avoided the Porsche dealer reload, because one mentioned the TCU may brick itself, and I might need a new TCU entirely.
Too much FUD about on PDKs still, and hopefully the Pirates and similar can start providing some more transparent options...

 

Hello!,

The left drivers side of my PDK has a very small weep in the area around the axle driveshaft flange so I was told from a Porsche repair shop (red circle in below image). I decided to replace the metal gasket myself. I started by removing the axle and drained the gear oil fluid. When I took the fill plug out of the differential side (right) of the transmission gear oil came rushing out? About 200ml (I measured it). Seems like the gearbox was overfilled as you fill it to level with the fill plug, I thought this was odd. I removed the driveshaft from the transmission and then the flange to replace the metal gasket. All went well and I cleaned up the area and re-assembled everything. I filled the diff with new 75w 90 gear oil to the fill plug level. I drove the car for a few days and then checked for leaks. The axle flange was totally dry but I noticed a tiny weep (like a single drop) from the breather plug (blue circle) just a few inches to the left of the drive axle. I wonder if the Porsche shop may have got the location of the weep wrong and it's actually coming from the breather plug.

My question is, if the gearbox was overfilled would this cause a leak from the breather plug?? Or is this a bigger issue and the driveshaft seals are leaking in the diff and hydraulic fluid has invaded the gear oil by the 200ml difference?

Before I even think about diving in and replace those seals in the transmission could the weep from the breather be from an overfilled gear oil?

Thanks

-Kav.




Here is the mess around the left side of the transmission before I cleaned it up,

This is the gasket I replaced

 

Kav,
The differential housing is filled via the same plug as the gear housing. It maintains a decent amount of gear fluid in itself, so you should expect to see fluid when draining via the smaller plug on the diff housing.

I would be concerned with the internal axle shaft seal between the differential housing and PDK fluid housing. When the axle is removed, it is oftentimes damaged. It can cause both fluids to intermix and can cause damage to clutch pack/valvebody/etc.

The breather plug you circled in blue is a weep hole for internal gear stack shaft seals. PDK fluid is pumped rearward to this carrier which contains these seals. When one of those seals fails, fluid weeps out of this plug.
You will have to send off the transmission to fix. The gearstack has to be removed in it’s entirety along with gears to reach these seals

 

General update to perhaps assist others...
My P18B4 error was cleared when I had my TCU reset back to factory defaults.
Two weeks later, the PDK failed to select second changing down into a corner (in manual mode).
Dash said 'Visit Workshop', and it would not select any gears.

Prior to this, failure to select reverse and second gear thump when cool, were still present too.

I shut car off, took out key, and then restarted.
All transmission functions worked fine for the drive home, and my Foxwell said I had a P1991 error - engine torque intervention not possible.
With the PDK functioning perfectly, I cleared the error and not only is it running smoother than previous now, but its failure to sometimes select reverse AND second gear thump when cool have both gone.
Further, all shifts up and down, in Sport and otherwise are all noticeably smoother (with even my regular passenger commenting similarly).

I am hoping she remains off the flat-bed of shame, as for now everything is just perfect.

 

What a legend for this level of detail

 

I know this isn't the right place for it, but I figured people here might get my situation better than the sales topics.
I have tried to replace the solenoids in my PDK transmission in order to fix my PDK. Turns out that wasn't the issue. Later a specialist confirmed that it was the distance sensor and not the solenoids. Therefore I had the original OEM solenoids as surplus for 'just in case'. Now my 997 is sold and I have no need for these solenoids anymore.

So if anyone in this topics needs OEM, but used, solenoids drop me a DM. The can be had for a reasonable offer because I know how expensive this process is can get. Please note I'm in Europe so shipping is on you.

 

@Ottawadesi did you ever sort this out? I feel like I am going through something very similar post PDK service and want to know if there’s a remedy of sorts.

i feel the rpm surges in high gear cruising at mild throttle and just today a very slight judder between 2-3 shifts when the car was fully warm.

would love some feedback. Tried to tackle all possible engine side issues like TB and MAF to no avail. Taking it back to the reputable Indy that did the service for a inspection /recalibration later next week but sort of at an impasse.

 

Hi all, I am facing the P0711 error and I am going into the idea of recrimping the temperature sensor cables as suggested in this topic.
To who needs to buy the criming tool I suggest looking at video and go for a "cheap" JR READY CRIMP TOOL.
Hope to find the light at the end of this PDK tunnel!

 

A few years ago, my 987 would surge in 7 at low to mid throttle positions - just sometimes, and perhaps 100 to 200 rpm.
Could not really feel, but could see on tach and hear.
I thought perhaps clutch slipping, and after one particular incident I did the soft reset (turn on AC, open door, furn off ignition, face Stuttgart and give a little bow, or whatever the obtuse sequence was supposed to be), and the issue appeared to stop.

This however, was before my distance sensor went to silicon heaven, and the whole TCU was reset.
As noted above though too, I had a second gear thump when cold, and a second full TCU reset has seen that event disappear.

Your km may vary....

 

where at in Jersey are you located and how much does that typically cost .