Hi everyone, first post ever here (actually second I just realized). Just got my 07 Cayman in May.
So I've been trying to google some answers, and getting lots of results, so maybe you guys can help me out.
I took the car through a touchless car wash last night. Got the premium wash. Then filled up with the highest gas
they had, perhaps 93 or 94. During my drive home the engine light turned on and the car started driving really wonky.
I drove home. A few google searches suggested that car washes are not good for the car (I got no manual with the vehicle),
so I decided to let the car sit overnight in case it needed to dry out.
This morning it was still going on. Used ODB2 scanner and discovered misfire in cylinder 2. It rained all night and is still
raining a bit now. Should I wait for it to dry, before taking it to the shop? Should I drive to the shop, less then ten minutes from
my house. Should I get it towed? Could the gas have been bad? I checked the oil and noticed that it is really low, also didn't know I had
to top it up regularly. Could this in anyway be the problem?
P.s. feel free not to comment about how stupid I am for taking it through a car wash. I know this now. I deliberately went touch-less.
And this is my first Porsche. I've never had a car, allergic to touch less washes before..
It sounds as if you have got water into number 2 coilpack which is likely given that they are prone to cracking.
If the gas was bad it would affect all cylinders and not just one.
Low engine oil wouldn't cause this problem but you need to keep an eye on it as it could be an issue in it's self.
The car wash thing is more a personal choice than anything mechanically detrimental. Don't beat yourself up over it. If it turns out to be a cracked coil pack, it would of shown-up sooner or later. The carwash didn't cause the damage.
I have never taken my Cayman (or any recent car) through any automated wash. Mainly because I think I'll do a better job in my driveway. If I lived in a condo or apartment, or if it could be exposed to freezing weather with road-salt, my decision would probably be different.
Thanks for the response. If this is the case, will it have to be replaced or can it dry out? Or can it be removed and cleaned?
Thanks.
In case you are interested here is a link to a video on how change the spark plugs and coil packs on a 987.
My first thought upon reading the title was coilpacks, too; very common failure. Fortunately, plugs and coilpacks are not a difficult DIY project if you're up to it. They're also not difficult for any indie shop to do, either. Coilpacks are about $30 ea at
Pelican Parts
.
Judging by the video above, #2 is fairly easy to get to. Sometime in the upcoming year I should do new plugs. Is it common to re-use the coilpacks if they are in good condition?
Absolutely. My car is a 2007 with 51000 miles and is still using the originals.
No way the car wash is the source of your problem. Like others, I prefer to hand wash the Cayman, as I can do a better job than the auto car wash can do. But I drive mine all winter, and while I will use waterless car wash some days, the car gets so filthy that you have to use the commercial places. I wouldn't worry
I normally wash by hand but I do use the touchless automatic from time to time. It has an underbody spray at high pressure and I could see that getting water to the coil packs. It should dry out quickly though.
Before buying a coil pack, try swapping #2 with one on the other side of the engine. It is only a 10 minute job to remove and install a coil pack.
That way you can verify the coil pack is the problem. If it is, your new code will confirm it. If you still have a code for cylinder #2, then you have a different problem.
BTW, ALWAYS replace all 6 when changing
spark plugs
, coil packs, etc
