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YOUR RESEARCHFirst Time Porsche Owner
Leading reported evidence
Install replacement and adjusted in a day and half
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
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0
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1
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Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Removed the old, installed the replacement and adjusted in a day and half with basic tools.
Leading evidence: 'Install replacement and adjusted in a day and half' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Adjust with the flip of the switch' (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.
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Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Swapped the fuse from the passenger seat and ran it through all stops.
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Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I work in a hospital, so I just used an old IV tubing set.
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Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I use Lexol products, but there may be better stuff out there.
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57 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.
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Generation: 20261026T135432Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Sorry for the double post. My last thread somehow got deleted.
Anyway... Been a long time water-cooled VW owner...
Picked up my first Porsche on May 11th... it's an '03 C4 Tip Cabriolet with 69k miles for $8500. Why so cheap, the seller was up front with the issues it had. He said it had a bad rear driver side window regulator, to remedy this issue, he removed the glass from the regulator and left the car with the top down. Leaving the top down it dried out the leather seats. They were all hard, cracked and torn. The top was noisy and slow to close and open, another reason to leave the top down. The driver seat wasn't adjusting with the flip of the switch. Last, the dreaded P0442 engine code tripped the engine light.
When I first saw it in person...
First thing I ordered was the gas cap to see if that'll clear the engine code... unfortunately it didn't. Gonna take it to a reputable local Porsche shop to diagnose and repair.
Second, was the window regulator. From my research, I was not looking forward to it. Jumped on eBay and found a used regulator with a window for $317 shipped. The part came in and I went straight to work. The internet was right, this was definitely not an easy swap. Removed the old, installed the replacement and adjusted in a day and half with basic tools.
Hmm something is missing here...
Almost out... just a few more swear words! :P
Wow the carnage!
Third, the driver seat. I was worried it was a major issue, because the seat was adjusted all the way back and I could not access the rear bolts to remove the seat. So I thought to check the easy stuff first, the fuse. Eureka, found the 30 amp fuse blown! Swapped the fuse from the passenger seat and ran it through all stops. So far so good! Phew finally an easy fix!
Forth, the top. Ran to my local Porsche dealer and bought a bottle of hydraulic fluid. Looked up on how to access the pump and added fluid. Ran the top a couple cycles and added more fluid. Runs like a champ now! Another easy fix... I'm starting to think I stole this car from the previous owner.
Intimidating at first... but so easy to service.
Fifth, the seats. I'm debating whether to get them reupholstered locally or source another set. This depends on how much the P0442 fix will be.
Wiped her down last night and took a drive...
Congrats. I wonder if you could try to recondition the leather back to life? Might be worth a shot to try to do a clean and condition to see if you might be able to save them? I use Lexol products, but there may be better stuff out there.
Thanks Capt... I can't take all the credit. A buddy of mine who owns a 997.2 TT was the neighbor of the previous owner. Right place and right time kind of deal.
Nice find.
Yeah, I did the rear regulator on my car too. It was not so fun, but doable as a DIY.
I just added fluid to my top as well. I couldn�t get a hose small enough to try to suck out the old fluid, so I just added more.
These cars aren�t so bad to work on. They are beautiful on the inside, too, so that makes it fun to work on.
Beautiful car! I'm glad to see you bring it back to it's full glory. Get all the important stuff done first before any cosmetic repairs. Heck, put a seat cover over it in the meantime. I know this is a moot point since you snagged this beauty for only $8500, but have you made plans to get the engine checked out and up to snuff?
Yeah that regulator is something else! I just took my time, walked away when I got frustrated. Although, I did drop 2 sockets and an extension down the side! Luckily I had a flexible magnet to fish them out.
I work in a hospital, so I just used an old IV tubing set. I used a syringe and sucked out all the old fluid. The old fluid was a tinge darker than the new fluid.
I agree, I was pleasantly surprised how easy they are to work on.
Lol, I don't remember all but, I think I was just plugging the forum as a great resource and posted some pictures etc. Also go to Pelican Parts Tech section for all your repair and maintenance needs.
How does a post get deleted?
Thanks Nutty!
When I bring it in for the P0442 code, I plan on getting the tranny's fluid replaced. I'll do my own oil change. From there the plan is to bring it in 6 months later for another fluid(coolant, brake) replacement.
As for the seats, I can live with them as they are without covers. For the mean time I'll keep my eyes out for that great deal I can't pass up.
For your last question, the plan is to just do regular maintenance.
Ok yes, Pelican is where I got the tech support on the top and regulator.
When I went back to add pictures, somehow after hitting save, my post came back as not valid. I've emailed the admin, but thought it would be easier to just make a new post instead.
Seems like a killer deal if you can get that code doesn't end up costing you a bunch. The body looks pretty straight and not too beat up. You can try something like leatherique to restore the seats, its relatively inexpensive and easy to apply. I usually put some latex gloves on and liberally apply it. Leave it for a few days, especially if you can leave it in the sun a bit and let it do its thing. Its probably the cheapest first step outside of recovering them or finding new seats. Although depending on how the seats are finished it might not do much.
Sounds like you have the right tools, which really matters. I didn�t think about an IV tubing set, but did think about a syringe maybe with a flexible needle. I don�t even know where to start to get that.
Yes the PO at least kept it in the garage. The body is very straight and the paint is great! The top was dirty, but cleaned up well. The headliner needs a cleaning, but the elastic bands lost their elasticity, not sure if they're replaceable.
I'll research the leatherique. Honestly though, I think the leather is too far gone to save.
You might give leather honey a try too, that's seems to be absorbed nicely into the leather seats.
Congrats on what looks like a great find! Just don't keep track of the expenditure on elbow grease :-)
I'm actually in the market for one. The friend who told me about this car recommended Ohana Detail.
Do you do the detailing or are you recommending someone?
Last Friday I called my local Porsche repair shop to set up an appointment for Monday, today, to have my P0442 code checked out.
I have only seen the light turn on once after replacing the gas cap, clearing the code and driving her hard for the past 30 miles. So Saturday morning, I decided to take my chance with smog. 3 minutes later the smog guy says, "You're all set!" and I fight back saying, "Are you sure?"
So I quickly hand him my card, gave him a $2 tip and got the hell out! Went straight to DMV and registered her.
I still have my appointment set for today, but I think I'm going to get a PPI done instead and see what else this car needs. Question: Does the PPI include an oil analysis? I guess it doesn't matter, I'll ask when I get there.
I'm starting to hear my driver's window regulator starting to go. Anyway, been really lucky with repairs on this car.
Aloha from Henderson. We should all meet up at the Saturday morning car meet on Eastern, or at the Cars und Kaffee event June 30th in the arts district.
Glad your happy, my pleasure to assist. When you need another or something else, let me know. Tell your friends and family.
Other LV crew, I can help you guys out too.
Haven�t done much with the car except maintenance and driving it to work 1-2 times a week.
I did score a hardtop on the cheap for $200. According to a church grounds keeper in LA, they got it as a donation and had it in their storage for years. He was in charge of clearing out the storage so he listed it for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
I like the 2-tone look, ties in the wheels. It has a few dents and scratches, but the interior is in great shape, no tears or holes. Eventually I�ll have it body worked and painted. I just couldn�t pass up the deal.
"I'm starting to think I stole this car from the previous owner."
Let there be no doubt...you did. That is a somewhat crazy price vs. the expected value drop from the defects you knew you were getting.
Not to be debbie downer, but I'd definitely check for something more sinister elsewhere. Hopefully there is nothing to find, and you simply scored.
Hoping to see the car at some local event.
Thanks KC!
For reals, thanks Bill! I was on Oahu and Big Island 2 weeks ago... I was going to look you up, but saw you were on Kauai.
Trust me, for a first Porsche, I was second guessing the purchase all the way through. I did bring it to Trophy for a PPI, in my case, a "Post" Purchase Inspection. Coolant, front tires, alignment, interior leather and the front hood got repainted, all made the bad list. IMS not done, knock on wood, won't be for now. Unless I start to see a glitter bomb of an oil filter. Yeah there's a Vegas group post floating around that
@Dr_Strangelove
started. Last meet up at Eastern had a pretty good 996 turn out.
LOL! You just reminded me... the light in the frunk doesn't turn off when the front hood is closed.
Thanks moto... it's far from perfect, but you know the saying, you get what you pay for.
Thanks Horsepwr! Trust me, I would too! Well, not really a dozen, but a manual would be the cherry on top.
Like the title states... it was REALLY fun while it lasted. Being a family of 5, the Pcar wasn�t practical right now. So I sold it and picked up a used SQ5 for the wife. Like I said, it�s been fun and I met some cool cats in the 996 community! Anyway, here are some of the last pictures I took. If anyone needs H&R lowering springs for a �02-04 Carrera 4, let me know. They�re BNIB never opened. Paid $320 shipped, looking to get $300 shipped in the 48 states.
WHAT!? Where is the
Unlike Button
?
Pls still check the LV meet thread! When my schedule finally allows me to go to a show - I will post and I want a ride in that SQ5. I've been curious about them for a long time. Hope it treats you well!
Yah, it kind of baffles me when active members sell they're cars elsewhere before mentioning it here on RL. But he may have gotten an offer he couldn't refuse and just took it.
For reals! But I didn't have to sell the Pcar and she wasn't forcing me to sell it. I figure this will give me more buying power on my next midlife crisis car. Maybe something with an S badge next. I have 2 years to think of something, looking at either a 996.2 4S or 997.1 2S or Caymen S. Definitely a coupe next go around.
Actually did the KBB online instant cash offer and was offered $16k. Just to compare, I went to Carmax and they offered $14k... I was surprised by that, usually Carmax offers are higher than their competitors.
I felt like one of them wheeler dealer shows. Here�s what I spent on her.
Yeah I honestly didn't get the enjoyment I thought I would with the Tiptronic, which is one of the top 3 reasons for letting it go. I have that post set to email me when it updates, so I will take you up on that offer. So far it's an interesting car. Had the "Drive Select" set to "Dynamic"(Sport Mode) and she didn't like it. I switched it to Comfort mode and she said it felt like a different car.
Yeah my kids are 14, 12 & 7... The 7 year old and I cruised a lot in the Porsche, I guess coz she fit perfectly in the rear seats without her booster.😂 Took my 12 year old to school one morning and that gave him some street credit... LOL! My 14 year old didn't care too much for it.
Ah man for real? Honestly, with you all having 996's already, it didn't cross my mind to list it here.
It was more like I didn't want to go through the hassle of privately selling it... even though I could've made $1-2k more.
Glad you made a big profit, good for you! The SQ5 is cool, we have a Q5 and could put a tune on it to get SQ-levels.
Anyway, I hope you come back again some day.
I cant say much for that, I did the same thing. Then again, first person to come look offered with cash in hand.
The only downside was the tiptronic. The seats I would have done myself. I did the same thing and sold mine rather quickly. Next time get a 6 speed for sure. I am starting to peruse the Turbo cabs...
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