Warranty coverage on engine

Does anyone know the limitations for the factory warranty? My engine may have damage, as twice, I was shifting from 3rd to 4th sprinting over 100mph on the straightaway, but to my dismay I slipped it into 2nd, which the rpm's probably convert to 10k+ RPM's...not good. Sadly, the gear did connect and chirp meaning the engine felt the revs. The engine works fine, but at times sputters, with the check engine light flashing on. It usually requires a reset of the computer by disconnecting the battery to disable the check engine light, but before I finally check with the dealer if there is any relation, I want to know what to clean up so they can't say I voided the warranty by such and such. Thanks Ruey

Your DME (engine computer) records two types of over revs. The first type are over revs caused when you press the gas and "hit" the rev limiter. Both PCNA and dealers consider these no problem since the rev limiter stops the engine from causing damage (by interrupting the spark). The second type of over rev is usually caused by missed shifts (as you described). These over revs CAN cause damage to the engine as there is no way to prevent the engine from doing what it is not intended to do. I have heard that if you have too many type 2 over revs some dealers (and/or PCNA) can void any warranty repair as abuse.

The engine is covered under the same warranty as everything else, 4 years or 48,000 miles. Loren is right, the DME will likely give the dealer the evidence they need to deny warranty coverage on the valvetrain which is usually what gets damaged on a over-rev situation. This can be easily tested by any competent mechanic, so you may want to take it to an independent shop and have them determine if you have a problem or not, before taking it to the dealer. I doubt that the check engine light problem is related to the over-rev. The check engine light usually indicates something is not right with the emissions system. Typical problems with the 996 that can cause this include a cracked oil separator or the sensors in the catalytic converter going bad. But it could be lots of other things as well. Take it to the dealer and have them check it. Karl

Thanks for the tips. Based on your info, it may be possible that the oil seperator cracked during the high revs. 1)Do you know how long the DME keeps the files in memory? Would disconnecting it from the car flash the memory? I figured it should, as I've disconnected it from the car many times and the check engine light turns off until the next time it starts misfiring or going through that sputtering phase...(it sounds exactly like a lawnmower in that situation) 2)Otherwise, when the engine isn't hesitating the car still pulls fine. Does that mean no internal damage was done by the two over revs? Thanks again. Thanks

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">1)Do you know how long the DME keeps the files in memory? Would disconnecting it from the car flash the memory? I figured it should, as I've disconnected it from the car many times and the check engine light turns off until the next time it starts misfiring or going through that sputtering phase...(it sounds exactly like a lawnmower in that situation)</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">The DME keeps the info forever or until Porsche gives a dealer permssion (electronic code for the PST2) to erase it. This would likely only be done if and engine is replaced and... Porsche keeps records of the previous results. Frankly, I wouldn't worry about it -- what is done is done. </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">2)Otherwise, when the engine isn't hesitating the car still pulls fine. Does that mean no internal damage was done by the two over revs? Thanks again.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">If the engine is performing fine and revs to the redline fine then perhaps there is no damage (perhaps you are just lucky). I would inspect or have and outside firm inspect the oil for metal particles and fragments and if that comes out ok then just keep driving it and try to shift more carefully.