It's the traction control, or at least that's what happens on my car if I forget to shut off the TC before a run. With the TC on if I put the RF wheel off the ground the TC cuts power to the engine until the wheel is back on the ground. I wish there was an easy way to disable the TC completely.

 

I think you are correct and so does my tech. How do you disable it?

 

I haven't driven my car since october, but I believe there is a TC button on the dash to the left of the steering wheel that you need to press (to turn off) after each time the car is started.

 

I don't think turning off the the TC completely disables it's functionality just minimizes it. A buddy of mine disconnected his steering angle sensor to completely remove the interference.

 

TC button is located to the left of where the HVAC control panel likely was. That would be to the right of your steering wheel (if in the USA)

 

You mean the button that WAS by the steering wheel before the dash was gutted.

 

If it's a USA 1999 996 C2 NON-E throttle car, it should NOT have traction control/PASM.
Which means no switch, and time to look elsewhere for the problem.

 

Viking,

I have a USA 1999 996 C2 Non-E throttle car and I can assure you that mine has TC and a button. There is also a factory LSD. All of that PASM stuff came about with drive by wire.

 

Traction Control (TC)
TC prevents spinning of the driven wheels when starting and accelerating. Driving stability and traction are improved over the whole speed range.

WARNING
The increased safety that is provided should not induce you to take greater risks with your safety.
Risks of accident due to inappropriate speed cannot be reduced, even by the TC.

The TC is ready for operation every time you start the engine.

The TC information light in the instrument panel is lit while the TC is performing a regulating action and warns you to adjust your drving style to road conditions.

Function
Driving stability control:
If the TC detects an excessive difference in rpm between the front and rear wheels (spinning) the engine power is automatically reduced.

Brake regulation:
Besides reducing the engine power (driving stability control), the TC brakes the driven wheel that is spinning.

There is some further information but that is the meat.

This from the 99 manual. I had a 99 Boxster cable throttle with TC and this is what it did. When I traded it in on 02 I bought a 02S specifically with no PSM.

If you read the description and the OP complaint, I think the TC is on board.

 

I didn't remember it that way and when I checked PET it seemed like all the TC stuff started with E-throttle, and we raced a 99 996 that didn't have it. But if you have it on your 99 then obviously I am wrong. If that is in fact the cause then you can probably have it programed out of the ECU. A simple trick would be to disconnect wheel speed sensors but then you would also lose the ABS which isn't recommended nor probably what you want.

 

Would going to the motorsport ABS delete the TC system? I think the factory ABS limits the braking to around 1g. With the big tires, I am sure he can get better de-cell. One thing I did learn is do not delete the ABS system, especially on the cars designed with it and big brakes. Very hard to get pedal feel that allows you to avoid lock up.

 

With PASM I know it does, with TC alone I would guess not, although not 100% sure.

 

I raced a 99' Spec Boxster for a year with TC. I programed a message on my AIM dash saying "Turn Off TC" though it was really unnecessary. The first turn you made reminded me to switch it off....

 

Sounds like TC to me too. Used to have a '99 C2 that definitely had TC and felt just like you describe when it activated.

LSD would be an excellent idea.

 

TC confirmed. My car shows it in th instrument cluster. Just need to find teh plug and reinstall a switch if its missing (TC might be handy in the rain, no?)

LSD? I'm in the market. Guard or Porsche?