More things to ask.

So new to me 03 996t. Going to peruse the manual but went to the garage today having not used the car since Thursday and fob doesn't work. Opened the car with the key and duly set the alarm off but the car would then lock and unlock using the fob. Now I know there is some sort of sleep mode but after 5 days? Sunroof rattles when closed and its annoying. Its something within the mechanism but all appears to work. I have occasionally had issues closing it as the button closes but if you leave your finger on too long it opens again. Equally its possible to leave the roof just not closed in this situation. I have noticed with the roof closed that the seal doesn't always sit equally around the roof - a 6" segment sits a bit low. It can be moved manually so it does sit flush. Its a bit rattly - from the window seals etc. Certainly more than I expected and especially on poor surfaces. Overpainted white lines (old hatched areas etc) that you can't really see it really doesn't like. The inspection showed the coffin arms could do with attention but the ride once going is very good. Damping seem fine its the springs that are very hard. I find it very hard to get a change from 1st to 2nd without quite a thump when 2nd is engaged especially when its cold. Clutch is only 20k old so bites low. Do they all do that? Although I've had manuals for 20 years this is the only car where more often than I'd like I hear a brief flare of revs when changing gear meaning I'm putting my foot on the gas before the clutch is fully disengaged. Just me being a camel? It is due a service and I'll get a big one done as its due that too. They can look at the niggles for me too. 04 model is still on the 12k interval isn't it? So far I'm a little underwhelmed which is sad as I've wanted one for ages. My old 944t is easier to drive and still here just in case. Once moving on open roads its sublime and devastatingly fast but very little driving is like that so its showing a few flaws. Hopefully a good service and fettle will sort it out. I hope so as for the money I expected better and if this is as good as it gets it won't last long.

Hi David, I'm sure Richard H will be along soon to advise on sunroof but 1st to 2nd gear is very tight on my '04 4S when cold & is a listed 'problem' in the FAQ's for 996's. Service intervals are 12k or every 2 years whichever comes sooner hth Paul

David Sleep mode for the fob is around 5 days, so that's to be expected. Same with mine. If you open with the key, then within 10 seconds turn the ignition on, the alarm won't go off. I know what you mean about the clutch. I find it almost unpredictable where it's going to bite and occasionally have the flare of revs you describe. Quite frustrating as I'm usually really smooth on gear changes. The Americans on 6Speed seem to like modifying it to remove the hydraulic assist as apparently this improves the feel significantly and gets rid of this problem. My sunroof also rattles, as do various other bits on rougher roads which was a surprise to me. Still love it, though. If I could sort out the clutch and gearchange it would be the icing on the cake. Let me know if you find a solution! Broggers

I didnt think americas drove anything without an auto box init[ ]

Dave Sorry its not all gong as well as it should. First things you need a short shift kit if you haven't got one and it will suit your driving style. I prefer the short shift as the throw is to long for the speed of the car. How long does it take for the hydraulics to go from hard to normal on the clutch? Second gears are an area that you have to be careful of when buying, the short shift might help. The lack of audible clicks are annoying, check that there is a strip of rubber about 6/7 mm that sits along the back of the sunroof they quite often fall of. Open the roof and Have a look in the roof for anything that's fallen of.

I would support Gordon's comments on the short shift - I bought this one after my indy recommended it (no affiliation) :- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PORSCHE-911-CARRERA-996-997-CAYMAN-987-BOXSTER-986-SHORT-SHIFTER-QUICK-SHIFT-/350614339614?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Plat_Gen%3A987&hash=item51a23e401e It has been really good and works a treat at sensible money - quality was top notch.

Thanks all. The gearchange per se doesn't bother me. Its much lighter than the 944 but its more knowledge that you're working with the system not relying on the synchromesh to sort out your hamfistedness! Again no issues with 2nd gear - I know there can be a problem with them popping out. RPM drove the car during the inspection so I assumed it was considered "normal" and assumed it was me. I'll investigate the sunroof a bit more. Short shift might be worth a look I've found the appropriate bit in the manual about sleep mode so will know about that for the future. David

Hi David second gear can be a but stiff when cold but should improve as it warms up having had two short shifts the 996 and the 997 I genuinely wouldnt recommend either i got the 997 as the 996 was difficult( by difficult you always just feel you need to be careful pushing it into gear some people love that direct feel a porsche tech told me there was nothing wrong with the gear box ) it had only done 19,000 miles i have had the 997 for 20,000 miles it is an improvement but i still feel you need to be careful and have decided to install the 997.2 gt3 shift it is longer but there is less effort and it is much smoother it is also i think better made you will find quite a lot of people are going in this direction as there have been reports of bent selector shafts with the SS on your £10K box!!.IMHO the SS is a fashion item not a a serious bit of road kit but each to there own.on a more general note the 997 gear shift is better made than the 996 version.If you would like to try a 997 ss email me when i get my car back from its engine build I will be happy to oblige clutch bite varies usually an old clutch is stiffer all things being equal I though the bit point got lower as the clutch got more worn I had my clutch replaced about 2,000 miles ago it is sweet,ask a good indie to assess I am sure RPM can help

if you unlock the car using the key ( when in sleep mode ) then press the key fob it saves the rush of opening the door and getting the key in the ignition before the alarm goes off and blasts you out of the garage ! hope that makes sense. 75pno

+1 for turning the key in the lock and then operating the key fob button before you take it out to re-lock and then unlock the door. Tony