QuinolKO

Hi - got an issue and would love any help!

2005 Boxster - 63,000 miles.

In Dec, 2016 - check engine light goes on and I bring to my independent.
they replace the Leak Detection Pump.
Very next day, get the check engine light - and they say the part failed, they replace the leak detection pump again (no charge). It's a genuine Porsche part btw

now it's 7 weeks later, Feb, 2017 - get that same error and the dealer (not my independent) says to replace the leak detection pump.

really feels like the pump is not the issue but I'm a little stumped how to explore further. Other forums are pointing to purge valve, check leak with smoke machine, look for a cracked hose...

If anyone has guidance or suggestions? Would really appreciate some perspective on this! thanks!

Macster

What did the dealer service department have to say when you told it the leak detection pump has been replaced twice already and I guess the same error occurs?

What is the error code? With this someone may be able to offer you some diagnostics you can do yourself.

However, they are the same ones a Porsche service department tech would do, or should do, rather than just throw a leak detection pump at the error.

QuinolKO

thx Macster,

I did let them know it has been replaced 2x times, so we agreed the tech should look for other problems.... they looked at the gas cap, the purge valve, and inspected hoses for small cracks. at this point, they are saying the problem is "intermittent"

so the failure is not currently occurring, and they've reset the code.
(they did not know the specific code when we spoke on the phone- but ill ask again when i pick up today.)

at this point, the dealer is agreed we should not replace the leak detection pump. but rather, will take a wait and see approach. so this could re-occur tomorrow, or in 6 months, hard to know.

possibly it's time to invest in a diagnostic tool so that I can read this error directly and reset myself. I'm looking online Durametic seems to have a fairly sophisticated option for $287, versus other error readers are less expensive. I'm going to spend some time on these forums and do some additional research before buying.

Schnell Gelb

Durametric gets my vote!
But the Dealer has a much more sophisticated version . I seems he is waiting for a hard fault to emerge. I hope you don't have a Smog Test pending?
Have you any other symptoms like fuel smell,difficulty refilling with fuel?

QuinolKO

looks like the error code was
P0456 Fuel Tank Ventilation System (Minor leak)

and no other issues with fuel smell or refueling ; )

Schnell Gelb

The simple test would be a "smoke test". That is standard procedure for evap. system fault detection. It is diy standard tool/technique and should be well within the capability of any competent Indie.
So it is fixed ?

QuinolKO

thanks, Schnell Gelb.

A smoke test does seem like a reasonable next step. not sure why the dealer didn't give that a shot.
prolly better off taking to an independent to save some bucks.

At this point, the error code was reset and car seems fine. I'm not worried for now but fully expect that code will come back at some point until i find the real source of what I'm now assuming is a small leak.

Macster

A minor leak of the fuel tank ventilation system could very well be due to a leaking fuel cap.

Rather surprisingly the one on my 2002 Boxster never leaked but the tether broke and I bought a new cap/with a new tether. I had a chance to look at the old cap and the rubber seal was very cracked and it was a wonder it was not leaking.

You might want to check out the cap check its seal for any signs of degradation. I can't recall the cost of the new gas cap for my car but it wasn't very much.

Schnell Gelb

Clearing the code - buy a cheapo code reader to monitor for Pending Codes. A Pending code = Failure at Smog Test time.Or get a code reader app for your smart phone (Torque maybe?) But better to buy a Durametric cable IMHO
Dealer- better to find an M96 specialist.Most techs at a Porsche dealer know little about old Boxsters. Ask here for a referral to some competent ,honest Indies in your area.Find one with a yard full of 996 and 986 cars and happy customers !
Meanwhile , a challenge - find the gasket for the fuel cap as Mr.M suggests. He bought the entire cap but it would be fun to find just the gasket. Probably impractical because the gasket is a captive fit above the threads? Maybe this ???
http://www.autoatlanta.com/Porsche-B...Seal-srch.html

Zookie

Did you figure this out?

QuinolKO

Not really. I replaced the gas cap, no change. And i spoke on the phone with the indep that had replaced the part previously, and he still thinks it's a bad leak detection pump. And is blaming his "parts guy". Meanwhile, that shop is in richmond va, and im now in savannah ga. Ive asked for a refund on the part but did not get a reply. So im now looking for a local indep in savannah and seems like ill need to replace that part again, which ive been putting off. But the check engine light is on so i have a daily reminder of my failure to solve this issue.

Zookie

does yo car Idle weird sometimes? flashing CEL sometimes?

QuinolKO

Nope- but now that i think about it- that replacememt gas cap came from craigslist. Im gonna buy a new one and see if that solves it.

Schnell Gelb

Suggest you get an OEM cap from RND Euro Parts. I found they were cheaper/faster than anyone else.
I just got one.
http://store.rndeuroparts.com/catalog/Porsche

Cbonilla

I had a P0456 once. Replaced a 14 year old gas cap with 100k miles behind with a new one from Porsche. Problem never recurred