15 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
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YOUR RESEARCHPlease Help Make the Diagnosis
Reported or suspected cause
alternator
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
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0
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0
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Leading evidence: 'alternator' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'alternator' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check ) battery first' (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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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
I checked the drive belt to the alternator and it was fine.
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Suggestion · Original poster
The bottom line with these aftermarket warranties, even though they profess "bumper-to-bumper protection" is that they ease the financial pain of repair work.
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Suggestion · Original poster
The bottom line with these aftermarket warranties, even though they profess "bumper-to-bumper protection" is that they ease the financial pain of repair work.
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 · Original poster
Thus far, I have had to replace the headlight switch and the warranty covered the cost of the switch but not all of the necessary labor to replace the switch.
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15 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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1 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Car: '02 C2 Cab. Just (today) clocked 65K miles.
Yes, I have performed the perfunctory thread searches.
Here's the scenario:
Just after the clock turned 65K miles (literally), as I was driving the battery generator light came on immediately followed by the OBC warning light.
I looked at the volt meter and the needle was wavering from just below 12V to well above 14V. As I accelerated, the needle maxed to 16V and the ABS as well as the red Brake light came on followed by an OBC warning of a faulty brake distribution.
I pulled over to the side of the road, turned on a few electronics (A/C, radio & lights) and watched the volt meter needle come down to about 14V. With the car in neutral and the volt meter at ~14V, the previously illuminated brake and ABS lights went off. But, the battery generator light remained illuminated.
I checked the drive belt to the alternator and it was fine. Also, the cooling system temp. and oil pressure gauges were registering within normal limits.
Unfortunately, I appeared to lose acceleration power in most, if not all, gears (? limp mode). I was about 40 miles from home/indy shop and on the back roads of Connecticut. Rather that wait for AAA, I decided to drive the car (hopefully not erroneously) to the indy shop, albeit carefully and slowly.
While driving, I figured out that if the car remained in neutral, the volt meter hovered around 14V and the brake/OBS warning lights remained off while the A/C and radio worked fine. The battery generator light remained constantly illuminated.
But, once I put the car in gear, the volt meter pegged to 16V, and the brake/OBS warning lights re-illuminated followed by the A/C and radio not functioning. So I drove the car to the indy shop with a series of accelerations getting the car to speed, followed by putting the car in neutral and coasting -- for about 40 miles.
I think the alternator (battery generator) is the problem and I know that shop will read the computer codes. But, I will not know the exact answer for at least a couple of days. And, you know man, I got'st to know...
1. Anyone else have this experience?
2. What is the diagnosis?
3. Did I do damage by driving the car ~40 miles to the shop?
Sorry for the lengthy post. Thanks for your patience and I appreciate all replies.
-Cami
Sounds like alternator/voltage regulator. In all likelihood, no damage. If alt/VR, only damage was running a bit of juice from the battery. Replace alt and charge batt. I hope its something simple.
How old is the battery? I know we usually want to jump to mechanical diagnoses, but a battery that's on it's way out can wreak all kinds of nonsensical havoc on modern cars...
Rebuild all the way. It's what Porsche typically installs and I had a hard time even getting to mention you could get a new unit. You can also pick up rebuilds from other sources (Advance Auto) for ~$300 with a lifetime warranty. I installed one ~2 years ago and it's been working great.
Here's the story;
I had my independent mechanic diagnose the problem and R&R the alternator. I have known him, trust him, and he has been working on my vehicles for the last 10 years or so. He did the research re: cost and relayed it to me. I chose the reman. after-market alternator for several reasons: 1. cost 2. no difference in specs. 3. if problematic, easier for the indy to deal with parts supplier than with Porsche.
Although there was a short in the alternator, there was no damage to the car or the electrical system. The battery was fine, but needed a charge.
A segue to another issue: 3rd Party Aftermarket Warranty Coverage
When I purchased the car privately last year, after doing due diligence I also purchased an aftermarket warranty from Warranties-4-Wheels (Porsche warranty was not available). Cost: $3,600 for an "OEM" policy with "bumper-to-bumper" protection for 4 yrs/100Kmiles. I bought the car in May '07 with 57K miles and it now has 65K miles.
The bottom line with these aftermarket warranties, even though they profess "bumper-to-bumper protection" is that they ease the financial pain of repair work.
Thus far, I have had to replace the headlight switch and the warranty covered the cost of the switch but not all of the necessary labor to replace the switch.
With this alternator problem, the warranty covered the cost of the reman. alternator (not OEM) and most, but not all of the labor.
To date, the warranty has paid back about $1,000 of the $3,600 cost and I have 2 years & 9 months and/or 35K miles remaining coverage.
Although "bumper-to-bumper", the warranty company clearly plays by their rules regarding parts and labor.
Who knows what will happen during the remaining warranty coverage period, but if I had to do it again, I would not purchase the warranty.
I am interested in the thoughts of the Rennlist readers.
Wow...just don't understand what makes a Porsche alte so $$$...if mine goes, I'll seek a local rebuilder or Advance...I came to the same conclusion after I bought an AW for my 528 that was a total waste...I passed when I bought the 996.
I have always been against aftermarket warranties. Lots of up-front profit on those puppies. Often, many exclusions. Occasionally, the companies go out of business. Sometimes, not much coverage. Rarely, high satisfied customers who had major problems with their cars, covered in full.
Michael
One month owner here, so I don't know if it's worth it yet. I bought a powertrain (engine, xmission, exhaust) warranty for $2K - a warranty for similar coverage from the dealer was $3600. So far the peace of mind I bought has been worth it, but I haven't had to deal with anything bad yet, but mine did offer a full refund if it wasn't used during the term (five years/150K miles or in real dates and miles: 2013/200k miles). I figured if they were willing to cover that stuff all the way to 200K miles (and I'll get there before five years) there's a good chance it would pay for itself... but I'm still in the honeymoon period with my car, so nothing will ever go wrong. (right???)
I had the same problem! Let me guess, your car acted funny when it was rainning... it was in my case, when the alternator got wet, the lights and volt meter would go crazy,.... long story short, i brought my alternator from autozone, 167.00 and changed it myself.... now its fine, still waiting for the next thunder storm to see if it holds up.
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