20 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHNew 996 owner, 2001 black coupe
Reported or suspected cause
usually the switch mounted in the trans
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Reported cause
Reverse lights issue is usually the switch mounted in the trans.
Leading evidence: 'usually the switch mounted in the trans' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'usually the switch mounted in the trans' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check bulbs too' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I like that you listed he changed the brake pads a decade ago
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I actually replaced the cowling already thanks though.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
- Replaced all lightbulbs with original incandescent from the LED previous owner had installed
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Unless the IMS(B) was replaced with the �IMS Solution�, you�re way overdue for a new one...I�d recommend �the Solution�, which will be good for the life of the car since you did say you want to keep it til you can�t drive anymore.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Unless the IMS(B) was replaced with the �IMS Solution�, you�re way overdue for a new one...I�d recommend �the Solution�, which will be good for the life of the car since you did say you want to keep it til you can�t drive anymore.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Unless the IMS(B) was replaced with the �IMS Solution�, you�re way overdue for a new one...I�d recommend �the Solution�, which will be good for the life of the car since you did say you want to keep it til you can�t drive anymore.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
20 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261027T175704Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Hi all,
Glad to have access to such a great forum with so much info available.
My father took me to the Porsche dealership when I was younger and the salesman gave me a quite large poster of a 996.2 gt3 in speed yellow. He said "see you in thirty years". I kind of thought about it in the back of my mind as I got older and only now decided I was at a place in my life where I was willing to get one.
Finally got the chance to purchase one that checks most of my boxes. I would have preferred throttle cable and no sunroof, but this is nearly exactly what I was looking for. See hood sticker for options. I only was interested in: black on black, not 4wd, litronic lights only, 6 speed manual only, not convertible. I was not interested in any other color than black so there weren't all that many to choose from. I plan on keeping this car until I can no longer drive it and aim to take great care of it.
Has 190 thousand kilometres.
Previous owner took great care of the car and has retrofitted a third center radiator among many other things. He purchased the car about 10 years ago and it had around 80 thousand kilometres at the time.
He did the LN engineering IMS in 2011.
Here are a few other things he did over the years:
- Brake rotors and pads (2011)
- Water pump and low temp thermostat (2011)
- Exhaust manifold bolts (2011)
- Air oil separator (2011)
- Expansion tank to water pump hose (2011)
- Chain tensioner and camshaft brake set (2011)
- Clutch (2011)
- Clutch release bearing and pilot bearing and slave cylinder (2012)
- Idler pulley (2012)
- New side radiators (2018)
- Center radiator replacement (2019)
- Coolant temp sensor (2019)
- Coils and plugs (2019)
The car drives flawlessly. PPI went smooth. A few other notes, it has a bumper mesh installed to prevent debris from accumulating in the rads, has an aftermarket program running the radiator fans written by the previous owner which is actually a step above what Porsche designed in my opinion and has the original radio, spare and tool kit.
A few things I thought were weird: came with a 996.2 manual that does not have the matching sticker to the hood in the box where the sticker goes, not sure if the manual was lost and replaced with this? Reverse lights don't work. I was stunned at how cramped I felt in the seat with my knees barely clearing the steering and having to drive with my legs hugging both sides of the wheel, I have now gotten used to it with seat fully backed on rail and completely lowered both front and back, but it is still way tighter than any other car I have owned. Not designed for tall people I guess.
Things I have done so far:
- Full compound and polish, incredible revival of the car's paint and looks much different now (see before and after pictures of key scratches above driver side handle)
- Michelin AS4 on the turbo look wheels
- Replaced all lightbulbs with original incandescent from the LED previous owner had installed
Things I plan on doing:
- Brake fluid
- 0w40 Motul 8100 X-max
- Manual transmission fluid
- Air filters
- Replace windshield cowling (very faded)
- Clear corner markers
- New rubber mats
- Wheel refinishing (they have a few major knicks)
Preventative maintenance I am considering doing, but need further advice on:
- Water pump and thermostat, PPI said it was fine but it is 10 years old now and with 100k km on it, probably due?
- Sachs clutch kit, although it feels fine, should it be replaced anyways if 10 years old and 100k km?
- PPI found that camshaft deviation was just barely within spec, how should I proceed?
- Coolant expansion tank even though no signs of cracking or leaks assuming it is the 20 year old original?
- What should I look at for suspension? It does feel a bit loose but nothing terrible. I feel like if I do suspension work I will just go all out with Ohlins...
- Stainless brake lines?
Anything else I haven't thought of that would be worth doing I would be very curious to hear your thoughts? Does anybody know what the Webasto heater sticker is about, couldnt find much info on this?
And now what everyone is here for pics:
Nice car.
Reverse lights issue is usually the switch mounted in the trans. Pretty cheap am easy to fix but check the bulbs too. I have seen both bulbs burn out.
I would not worry about the clutch. Time does not wear it out, only milage and driving style.
Suspension could be anything. Its all 20+ years old. Change out all the rubber parts. Fcpeuro has a package thats reasonable with good oem aftermarket parts.
Unless the IMS(B) was replaced with the �IMS Solution�, you�re way overdue for a new one...I�d recommend �the Solution�, which will be good for the life of the car since you did say you want to keep it til you can�t drive anymore. Other than that, all the other stuff you outlined looks good. Good luck with �er 👍
OP - Congratulations on the sweet ride! You�ve done some homework, so good on you. Seems a lot of stuff was addressed 10 years ago, some some work will be required, for certain. If you don�t already have one, get a proper diagnostic tool for your use. It will pay for itself the first time you get a light. And you will get some warning lights. It�s an old Porsche.
Is the engine original? Do you plan on tracking oil health?
My recommendations are based on personal experience and lessons learned during my 996 ownership. If your IMS is NOT the �Solution�, then mileage and time, per LN documentation, say replace. Is your cam deviation positive or negative? Negative deviation, in general, will be from wear. Positive deviation is from timing adjustment. Your diagnosis will be colored by service documentation and other correlated data. Pro techs can call me out if I�m gravely mistaken. Water pump and such are a good replacement call. Suspension parts will make your driving so much better. You can replace things in stages for the suspension. I did shocks and springs first, then control arms and caster and toe arms all together. Fresh alignment, etc, make huge changes for the good!
For driver comfort, I did Extendmyseat and a steering column spacer. Now my feet, knees and hands are in more comfortable positions.
You may want to investigate your AOS health. Lots of threads here on what to do about that.
Enjoy your Porsche in good health!
Just wanted to update.
Absolutely loving the 996. Did H&R springs and Bilstein B8�s, H&R 15mm spacers front and rear, new tie rods, numeric cables and shifter, solid engine mounts, new trans bushing, light upgrade from retrofitlab.com, steering wheel extension from Italy, headlight washer delete, european corner markers, water pump, thermostat, power steering fluid, trans fluid, loads of other stuff� What an underrated car it�s unbelievable. Michelin Pilots Sport 4 all season seem really good to me.
Had the whole car dry ice blasted, wow what a difference that made to the undercarriage.
I decided not to do the IMS for now� will do LN solution eventually, but somehow I feel convinced the engine will catastrophically fail! I always manage to somehow break everything I own or touch... Doing Motul xmax twice a year and don�t drive it all that much so fingers crossed. Has 197k km now and everything feels rock solid.
Only thing that has failed/broken is one of the headlight ballasts, replaced with a used one from I think an SL500.
Noticed a tiny rust bubble spot starting near a knick on the driver side front fender on the inside lip.
next things I will do are H&R sway bars, fuel filter, new end links and maybe one day a new windshield but I�m terrified the install will not be waterproof. Reason I want a new is the one on it now has so many little pits that in the full sun the glare is hard to see through. Wipers jump also in medium rain. Only wishes are that it was mechanical throttle although I�m not sure the difference would be noticeable maybe also factory Aerokit or at least Aerokit front bumper to match the side skirts, I find the Aerokit rear wing a bit too intense. Getting a bit of squeaking on the front end now which was terrifying at first because I did entire suspension install myself and was freaking out thinking I missed the torque spec on something, now I�m pretty sure it�s just bushings or something benign.
Cheers to all the 996 haters for keeping the price on these gems so low!
also really wish there was an easy way to delete the super lame North American �bumperettes�.
Thanks but that video was PAINFUL to watch. On the plastic restore, try this - much easier. Really no need to remove all of the trim to restore the luster:
If you want to frame the plastic back to a matte finish this stuff works amazing. It�s just a gentle wipe. Just make sure if you get it on the paint or windows you wipe it off immediately with a microfiber towel.
https://ammonyc.com/collections/exte...-pro-trim-coat
