Hi Folks,

I have an 02 996 Turbo which has been a great car so far.

Lately I've had two main issues. The major one is the rear spoiler keeps triggering an alert when on the freeway an going over 80 even though it actually does extend and retract.

The dealer wants $2500 to fix it. I'm not sure what's being monitored but I suspect there maybe a slow leak or something else.

Has anyone had an experience in this and what it should cost to fix it?

Also, my ignition key cylinder is acting up - the A/C won't come on even though the car starts, and when I remove the key I really have to tinker to get it to recognize the key has been removed (and for the radio to shut off, etc).

TIA

 

The spoiler is a very common issue, and is going to eventually fail completly. Usually one side will get stuck as the hydraulic fluid leaks out. You options are to replace the entire hydraulic assembly like the dealer recommends, or going to a fixed type rear spoiler.

 

Oh, and your ignition switch is bad....another common issue. It is about a $40 part and an hour to replace.

 

Thanks Doc!

What should getting the spoiler repaired cost me at a 3rd party shop?

Is this something I can do myself?

The local dealer wants $700+ to do the ignition switch, so I guess I'll shop around.

Thx!

 

Lol $700 to do the ignition switch? I need to charge more....a lot more, lol. $150 bucks should get that changed out parts and labor.

Spoiler will probably be somewhere in the 1500-2000 range depending on what you can get a hydraulic unit for. Typically we don't even bother with them once they go, my customers will typically switch to a GT2 wing instead. It is more money, but you won't have the problems again either.

 

Yeah a bit crazy if you ask me.

Sorry for all the questions, how much should the fixed spoiler run?

Are either of these do it yourself prospects?

 

Thanks so much.

Can you tell me what part(s)? Is this something I can do myself this weekend?

The cylinder is spinning, and the head lights as well as the AC don't work.

It also doesn't detect when the key is removed some of the time.

 

Doc, you seem to be the resident expert on Porsche. I have been out of the game for about 10 years and have recently bought a 2007 997TT. I was just wondering if I should get the Porsche Certified Warranty. I will drive my car roughly 5000 miles per year.
Any help would be appreciated.
One last thing, how often should I get it serviced if I am driving only 5000 miles per year?

Thanks again.

 

With the 997TT, I would get the certified warranty if it isn't too ungodly expensive. The 997 line is a great line, but the cars can have some really quirky control module issues which can get expensive quickly.

As far as servicing, I would at minimum have the oil changed and the car inspected once per year.

 

The switch is a little black plastic switch that is secured to the back of the main ignition switch by two pinch screws. You need a REALLY small flat blad screw driver to get the screws out. Usually they aren't too terribly tight, and I can just use a small screwdriver bit in a small extension and get the screws loose without trying to get a ratchet up there. It is a VERY tight fit under the dash. You have to remove the air duct on the drivers side, which simply pulls off.