996 woes

I bought a 1999 C4 with 18,000 miles in sept. Since then it has been in the shop twice. The first was for an oil leak. The rear seal was replaced. This may have been the second replacement. Last week I noticed oil on the floor and called fo an appointment. Before I could get there, the car died. It would turn over but not start. It as towed to the dealer. I now have been told that there are 6 failure codes and the fuel system is one. The dealer is stumped and they have to call PNA for help. Does anyone have any ideas- also should I demand a new engine,or at least an extension of my warranty for these issues. Alan Bernstein

When i read such posts, am really really scared of what might happen to mine when i face such a problem here.. Don't worry alan, at least you got a source of help, am sure your pblm will be solved.. Waz 99C2996

Don't understand why the dealership would be stumped...are they any good at what they do? Or is this a low volume dealer with a small service department?

It is Len Stoler in Baltimore. Closest to my home,but small.

Don't ALL dealers get the same info from PCNA...Manual Supplements..TSB's etc. Don't understand why a "small" dealer is stumped. THat worries me also, because I work with a small dealer near Cape Cod

The most important is not to hate the car. I guess they will solve it out, our engine is so simple to maintaine, it shouldn't be a big deal, specially that P-parts are cheap comparing to other sports cars. Good luck

I would give Valley Motors a try. They have always been able help me, with no run around. Tom

Alan, a common problem with the 996 (all model years) is the failure of the oil separator. It is located on the driver side of the engine and close to the fire wall. A split or crack in this plastic piece will cause an oil leak that will occur close to the left rear wheel and suspension. When it fails, it will usually set off a check engine light because it is tied into the oil breather system from the heads. I have seen a case where one of the breather tubes to the separator cracks, which spews exhaust temperature gas over the top of the engine and melts everything around it, including vaccuum tubes and the wiring harness to the alternator. This could obviously keep a car from starting or running if it gets too bad. Ask the dealer if they've determined where the oil leak is coming from. They shouldn't need a damn computer code to figure that out. If it is the separator, they should drop the engine and go over the top side to ensure there are no cracked or melted parts on top. Good luck. Karl

Alan,the only thing you'll get demanding anything from PCNA is a headache.My 99 996C2 coupe has had all the usual problems as well as a new transmission-all in 16K miles.PCNA will under NO circumstances extend the factory warranty. Parts installed are covered for 2 years.I spent $1500 dollars for extended coverage until my lease is up.Unfortunately, I'll have this car for another 22 months.I had a region service manager actually tell me "Its doesn't matter if the car costs 80 or 180 thousand dollars-thats why we offer a warranty-we have no further responsibility.With any luck hopefully you'll get a new (Actually remanufactured)motor. Whatever you do-make sure you have extended warranty coverage.