Newbie with 99 996 in need of some TLC

[kwiktsi]

Hello guys (and gals?), first post here. I just picked up a 99 996 in need of some minor TLC (paint work and a good detailing!!) and was wondering if anyone has any answers or can point me in the right direction. The problems I am looking for advice on are- the fuel gauge is on E with the light flashing regardless of level, I am getting a code P0453 (evap high), the horn does not work and when I start the car, the light showing the hatch (wing?) with a down arrow comes on for a little while and I don't know if this is normal or not.

I have read that the 99's have issues with the fuel sender due to the float hitting the fuel hose in the tank and was wondering if that was it, but before I take it all apart I wanted to see if anyone more experienced in this car than I would think that maybe the fuel gauge and the P0453 are related and/or common- like maybe a wire chafing issue or something?

The horn, I do not hear a relay click when I hit the button, but haven't looked much further than that at it. I want to check the fuses, but it is too darn hot out there right now to sit there with my test light checking them all and the manuals are missing from the car, so I can't just look up the fuse and check the one :(.

Also, the previous owner or the dealer I got the car from pulled the MIL bulb out (I guess it is *their* way of fixing things :)), how do I get the cluster apart to replace it?

Lastly, are there any good sources for used parts for these cars for reasonable prices? I just want to make a list of suppliers should I need anything. Thanks in advance!

Joe

[Loren]

C2 or C4? - the fuel tanks are very different.

Have you checked the fuses?

P0453 Tank Pressure Sensor - Short to B+

Check wiring from pressure sensor to DME control module for short to B+.

1. Connect special tool 9616 to wiring harness (DME control module connector).

2. Remove connector of pressure sensor.

3. Connect voltmeter to special tool 9616, pin 72, and ground.

Display: 0 V

If battery voltage is displayed, check wiring harness for chafing and pinching damage.

The spoiler light is normal - it does not go out until the car moves (forward or reverse).

[kwiktsi]

C2 or C4? - the fuel tanks are very different.

Have you checked the fuses?

P0453 Tank Pressure Sensor - Short to B+

Check wiring from pressure sensor to DME control module for short to B+.

1. Connect special tool 9616 to wiring harness (DME control module connector).

2. Remove connector of pressure sensor.

3. Connect voltmeter to special tool 9616, pin 72, and ground.

Display: 0 V

If battery voltage is displayed, check wiring harness for chafing and pinching damage.

The spoiler light is normal - it does not go out until the car moves (forward or reverse).

Wow, thank you for the fast reply! It is a C2- sorry, forgot to mention that.

As for fuses, I have to get out there and just hit them with my test light, but it is too hot right now for me to want to bother. I don't have the manual to show me specific fuse locations, so I have to check them all.

Also, I am pretty ignorant on Porsche's at the moment- what is the DME control module :)? I can do anything needed, just don't know the "lingo" yet. Thanks again.

edit- is the pressure sensor harness accessible with the tank still in the car?

Joe

Edited August 25, 2007 by kwiktsi

[kwiktsi]

OK, checked all the fuses and one was blown, I'm assuming it is the horn fuse as now I can hear the horn relay click when I push the button, but still no horns. I'll have to check them for power next. Is there an access panel to them with the bumper cover on, or do I have to remove it?

I just thought of something else- my remote on the key does not work, the light on the remote comes on but the car does not lock/unlock. Is there a programming procedure I can do myself, or is it dealer only?

Joe

[Stefan]

Ok, so mysteries of the universe. I have the P0453 code and I went to use the procedure posted by Loren above and I found that my DME connector has no pin at position 72. It has pins in the positions just before and just after that one.

The connector looks like this. I start on the right of the top row and count down: "88, 87, 86, etc." until I reach 72.

56________________________________________88

_| |_

_| |_

|_______________________________________________|

What am I missing?

[Stefan]

Ok, so that picture didn't come out. The top row is the narrowest, then the second is wider, and the bottom is the widest.

[kwiktsi]

Ok, so that picture didn't come out. The top row is the narrowest, then the second is wider, and the bottom is the widest.

I never went as far as checking at the DME. I had a feeling that since both my gas gauge wasn't working and I had that code, it was something in the wiring. Sure enough, it looks like some critter gnawed through the wires for my fuel sender and evap sensor. All good now. It was a fairly easy fix. If you just want to check that area, all you have to do is pull the battery and you'll see that the battery tray is also an access panel to the top of the fuel tank. Just unbolt it and everything is right there underneath. Good luck.

Joe