2002 996 check engine light

I have a 2002 996 cab with 28.8k miles on it. had rear main seal replaced last year and everything's been fine until 4 days ago. i got sick and my wife moved the car two times in sub freezing weather without letting it warm up at all. Then the check engine light started coming on (solid not blinking) and the computer is saying take it directly to the dealer for service (of course) and the car started running very roughly. i did one of those online question and answer deals with a certified Porsche mechanics and he thinks it sounds like the car needs new coils for the spark plugs??? anyone had this problem - this guy claims it'll be about a $800 -$1,200 fix. I have babied this car for 4+ years and cannot believe i need this done. the online mechanic says it "just happens with age on many older Porsches that are not driven a lot" HELP someone! thanks Jeff

Before you get too worried, get yourself a code reader and download the code fault and see what that reveals. The tech guessed at one thing that could have resulted in a rough run or check engine light when there can be any number of possibilities. If something was going to happen it was going to happen regardless who moved the car.

Thanks so much Tony - where do i get a code reader??? Jeff

should be able to find one at any automotive parts store like Autozone, Napa, Pepboys etc. It plugs into the OBDII port. edit: if all you get is a code number, you may have to call the dealer to find out what the code means but at least it is a more definitive analysis than a phone guess by a tech.

Sorry to keep asking questions, but what do i do once i get the code reader and get the code? i can't find anything in the manual that helps me at that point. can i ask you again - kind of at a loss here... jeff

How to Use a Car Code Reader | eHow.com This kinda walks you through the process. The code reader tool should also have the same steps to help you diagnose the problem. Check the owners manual for the location of the OBDII input jack on your car and follow the steps. This 996 forum has little traffic for vehicles not in the air cooled category. You should also register a user ID on Rennlist and introduce yourself there and post your findings from the reader. It is a great site for 993 and 996/997 owners. Good luck and hopefully you'll be able to re-set the check light and continue to drive many more trouble-free miles.

Thanks, Tony

All good advice. Once you have the code in hand a simple post on Rennlist will get you the answer you need. If it does end up being coil packs, that wouldn't be the end of the world. Getting your work done at the dealership though, yah that's not advisable if running a Porsche on a regular guy budget. You can get the coil packs way cheaper on line. Our host has them for $40 each, that's $240 for a set. The install is a 4 hour job maximum that any decent indy can do for $100 per hour, That's $640 total. You may want to replace the spark plugs while you are in there, but at 30K miles that should not be necessary. If you do, figure on another $60 for a set of plugs. So for $700 or less you should be back on the road. If it were me though, I would figure out which coil pack is bad, and replace that one only, in my carport lying on my back. I'd be back on the road for $40. Good luck and stay away from those dealerships. They will rob you blind.

Sounds like the cold starts may have fouled a plug(s). Maybe get it hot and take a run at 4-5K RPM

In my experience with Porsche and Mercedes CEL instances, in roughly 85% of the cases, the problem has been solved by cleaning the throttle body, and cleaning or replacing the MAF sensor. I know the OBDII may throw other codes and such, but the above usually solves the problem.

I would not buy a cheap code reader to use on a Porsche. I don't go far from home in my 996 any more without my netbook and the "Durametric Diagnostic Tool for Porsche". Buy one from our host for $287 and never wonder again about what those CEL and codes mean about the condition of your Porsche. There is power in knowledge about what is going on, especially if you are in some remote spot and your 996 throws a blinking CEL! (Ask me how I know.) The Durametric gives you complete information about the source of any problems so you can make informed judgements about whether you should shut the car down and wait for a flatbed tow or drive on without serious consequences. You can also clear the codes when you have addressed the problems without running up a big bill to have a Porsche shop do it for you. As simple to use as booting up your laptop/netbook and plugging in the OBDII cable to the USB port. Just my $0.02 worth. I have no affiliation with Durametric, but sure do like having it along for the ride with me.