Some questions re my '99 911 cab tip

Dear friends, I feel a little conscious about polluting this form with my magpie approach to randomly asking questions so I'll try and consolidate a few in the hope the knowledgeable will be able to assist. As always, I cannot thank you enough - just goes to show how valuable the Internet is - its changed the whole ownership dimension by allowing a channel of expertise to be on tap.... Here goes... 1. There is a device behind the spare wheel at the front - what is this? It has 'Nokia' written on the rear and it looks like an amplifier or something 2. Are there any tell-tale signs that may indicate that a major engine failure is on its way? I have hear about coolant being found in cylinders, oil levels dropping etc...but is there a long list? 3. The opening handles of the bonnet and boot appear to behave randomly - sometime I can open them in one pull, sometimes I need a double pull and sometimes they don't open! Is there a method to this? 4. It there a kickdown switch either behind or integrated into the accelerator? I find that at low speeds when i need to kickdown I have to press-depress-press to knock it down a gear and get maximum acceleration. 5. Is it okay to put vaseline on the rubber bits of the windows to ensure squeak-free smooth seal? There are some felt bits too where the window meets the hoods - what can be put on the felt to make a better seal? 6. I couldn't get the cruise control working on a motorway run - maybe I don't know how to use it yet - but is there a way of checking it is in order? e.g. is there a fuse for this? 7. Is there a way to get rid of the orange bits inside the front headlights? Mine are actually clear, but there seems to be an orange bit on the inside. 8. What is the best canvas protector for the hood? the car is under a tree and although I will try to use a cover, this may become a hassle over time and tree gunk will inevitably find its way on to the roof! 9. how do I access the on board computer? Apparently I have one and I understand I can display its readings on the digital speedo? 10. I checked the option codes on my car and noticed it has park assist (i.e. wing mirror turns down when reverse gear is selected). This does not appear to happen - do I need to activate it. (btw, yes, I do have electric memory seats) So thats all for now. Apologies in advance if these have been done before (maybe a night with a glass of wine an rendezvous with the 'search' feature is in order!) Thanks!

Well in no particular order. 1) The thing behind the spare wheel is indeed the amplifier 2) Things that might be symptomatic of serious engine problems are Loss of coolant, oil in coolant,coolant in oil,excessive pressurisation of cooling systems,no oil pressure.But all could equally be something else. 3) there is a proper rubber lubricant/grease you can get for the seals. 4) the felt pieces on the small side windows do tend to lose their "fluff" but are quite easy and cheap(ish) to replace. There is an old thread on here about it with diagrams if you search the forum 5) engine cover and boot levers operate with one pull. May need cable adjustment or lubrication. 6)On board computer work via a third stalk (or 4th if you have cruise.) I'm sure others will answer the remainder or add to these. All operating instructions are in the owners manual.

Now, where are the pictures of your car I keep asking for?!

Park Assistant is indeed the rear parking sensors. Mirror dipping in reverse is part of the memory seat function. You need to set the mirror position and engage reverse when you set the memory.

:salut:

I love reading these threads!

Well, judging by rajkumar911's wide-ranging and never-ending raft of questions, I am sure it will eventually result in a new 911 book! His questions are almost savant in their scale and incisiveness.

Thank you! Guys - thank you so much for the answers - they help no end - although they do open up some new questions; but for now I shall refrain from adhering to a certain Chinese proverb! GT4 - are you a Porsche specialist? You seem to know an incredible amount! As for the pictures - I will definitely be posting them up - I dont want to do the car and the return of favor for your efforts in answering my questions any injustice buy just posting up a 'point and shoot' job. The SLR is ready - just need to clean the car and take it to an open space! Oh gosh...I couldn't resist...so do I need the stalk to access the on board computer? I thought there was a 'hack' where you can press a combination of buttons?

Re: Thank you! No, but there is a hack to retrofit the stalk.

Richard has forgotten to plug his mate Tony Wright of WrighTune. Who coincidentally retro-fitted my cruise control. As well as CC, Tony can "hack" the computer options with just a new button on the dash (£120 parts and labour). The advantage of this method is that it doesn't require either an expensive new stalk asssembly or the labour to fit the stalk. Here is the linky: http://www.wrightune.co.uk Choose "Retrofits" on sidebar menu.

Splendid. I think the single button OBC will suffice. Not sure whether the speed gong would have much value to me. Any other websites like that with mod options?

... hang on, I'm just downloading the internet. Re: speed gong, unless you set it at 30mph, with the windows closed and the radio and fan off you won't hear it. That is honestly not an exageration, wristwatches genuinely make a louder "gong" if that be the overly melodramic way to describe the beep.