99 Boxster 986 List of problems

[Emcue]

Hi, I have a 99 986 Boxster, around 20k KM mileage. Here are some of my issues, please help driving me crazy:

1.) Overheating - I recently changed the thermostat, when I turned it on, after driving for 15 mins, temperature is past the middle mark, after driving further blinks so when i pulled over the gas station and put water, it seems to never get full. basically after 10-15 mins it starts to heat up and reaches the unmarked marker of the temp gauge. What should I check next? Should I have it bled? the mechanic said that they put coolant, but they used Wurth coolant, could that be reason why it was over heating? water pump is okay . So what else could be causing this problem?

2.) My ABS and TC OFF light is always on, I already changed the ABS Sensor (Speed sensor ) So basically ABS and TC OFF is still always on when driving.

3.) When I go inside the vehicle, when I press the central lock rocker switch it locks, but when I start the engine the central lock light is always on, it never shuts off, so basically when the car is running I cannot lock my car.

THANKS IN ADVANCE for your help guys!

[JFP in PA]

Hi, I have a 99 986 Boxster, around 20k KM mileage. Here are some of my issues, please help driving me crazy:

1.) Overheating - I recently changed the thermostat, when I turned it on, after driving for 15 mins, temperature is past the middle mark, after driving further blinks so when i pulled over the gas station and put water, it seems to never get full. basically after 10-15 mins it starts to heat up and reaches the unmarked marker of the temp gauge. What should I check next? Should I have it bled? the mechanic said that they put coolant, but they used Wurth coolant, could that be reason why it was over heating? water pump is okay . So what else could be causing this problem?

2.) My ABS and TC OFF light is always on, I already changed the ABS Sensor (Speed sensor ) So basically ABS and TC OFF is still always on when driving.

3.) When I go inside the vehicle, when I press the central lock rocker switch it locks, but when I start the engine the central lock light is always on, it never shuts off, so basically when the car is running I cannot lock my car.

THANKS IN ADVANCE for your help guys!

(1). You have air trapped in the cooling system, and you need to get it out before it kills your engine. There are DIY's on how to do this, so do a search.

(2) You need to scan the car for codes related to the ABS and TC systems to find out why the MIL is lit.

(3) Same goes for the locking system.

[Emcue]

Hi, I have a 99 986 Boxster, around 20k KM mileage. Here are some of my issues, please help driving me crazy: 1.) Overheating - I recently changed the thermostat, when I turned it on, after driving for 15 mins, temperature is past the middle mark, after driving further blinks so when i pulled over the gas station and put water, it seems to never get full. basically after 10-15 mins it starts to heat up and reaches the unmarked marker of the temp gauge. What should I check next? Should I have it bled? the mechanic said that they put coolant, but they used Wurth coolant, could that be reason why it was over heating? water pump is okay . So what else could be causing this problem? 2.) My ABS and TC OFF light is always on, I already changed the ABS Sensor (Speed sensor ) So basically ABS and TC OFF is still always on when driving. 3.) When I go inside the vehicle, when I press the central lock rocker switch it locks, but when I start the engine the central lock light is always on, it never shuts off, so basically when the car is running I cannot lock my car. THANKS IN ADVANCE for your help guys!

(1). You have air trapped in the cooling system, and you need to get it out before it kills your engine. There are DIY's on how to do this, so do a search. (2) You need to scan the car for codes related to the ABS and TC systems to find out why the MIL is lit. (3) Same goes for the locking system.

1.) okay trying to remove air bubbles out by bleeding and cleaning radiator. Hopefully it solves the overheating problem2.) durametric cant seem to scan codes for ABS and Tc off. What could be the problem?3.) central lock limit not reached or something similar. What to do next? Thanks again!!

[JFP in PA]

Hi, I have a 99 986 Boxster, around 20k KM mileage. Here are some of my issues, please help driving me crazy: 1.) Overheating - I recently changed the thermostat, when I turned it on, after driving for 15 mins, temperature is past the middle mark, after driving further blinks so when i pulled over the gas station and put water, it seems to never get full. basically after 10-15 mins it starts to heat up and reaches the unmarked marker of the temp gauge. What should I check next? Should I have it bled? the mechanic said that they put coolant, but they used Wurth coolant, could that be reason why it was over heating? water pump is okay . So what else could be causing this problem? 2.) My ABS and TC OFF light is always on, I already changed the ABS Sensor (Speed sensor ) So basically ABS and TC OFF is still always on when driving. 3.) When I go inside the vehicle, when I press the central lock rocker switch it locks, but when I start the engine the central lock light is always on, it never shuts off, so basically when the car is running I cannot lock my car. THANKS IN ADVANCE for your help guys!

(1). You have air trapped in the cooling system, and you need to get it out before it kills your engine. There are DIY's on how to do this, so do a search. (2) You need to scan the car for codes related to the ABS and TC systems to find out why the MIL is lit. (3) Same goes for the locking system.

1.) okay trying to remove air bubbles out by bleeding and cleaning radiator. Hopefully it solves the overheating problem2.) durametric cant seem to scan codes for ABS and Tc off. What could be the problem?3.) central lock limit not reached or something similar. What to do next?Thanks again!!

Be sure to get all the air out, best way is to pull a vacuum on the system.

Durametric should be able to see the ABS and TC systems unless either there is a problem with the version of the Durametric software, or the ABS system controller is disconnected or non functional. I'd check the controller to make sure the connectors are tight first.

One of your door lock's switches is not reaching the lock position. Could be it needs its electrical connection seated, or the switch unit in the door may need to be replaced.

[Loren]

2.) My ABS and TC OFF light is always on, I already changed the ABS Sensor (Speed sensor ) So basically ABS and TC OFF is still always on when driving.

Have someone stand behind your car and see if your brake lights are working. A bad brake light switch can cause both lights to come on.

[JFP in PA]

2.) My ABS and TC OFF light is always on, I already changed the ABS Sensor (Speed sensor ) So basically ABS and TC OFF is still always on when driving.

Have someone stand behind your car and see if your brake lights are working. A bad brake light switch can cause both lights to come on.

Good catch.................

[Emcue]

Hi, I have a 99 986 Boxster, around 20k KM mileage. Here are some of my issues, please help driving me crazy: 1.) Overheating - I recently changed the thermostat, when I turned it on, after driving for 15 mins, temperature is past the middle mark, after driving further blinks so when i pulled over the gas station and put water, it seems to never get full. basically after 10-15 mins it starts to heat up and reaches the unmarked marker of the temp gauge. What should I check next? Should I have it bled? the mechanic said that they put coolant, but they used Wurth coolant, could that be reason why it was over heating? water pump is okay . So what else could be causing this problem? 2.) My ABS and TC OFF light is always on, I already changed the ABS Sensor (Speed sensor ) So basically ABS and TC OFF is still always on when driving. 3.) When I go inside the vehicle, when I press the central lock rocker switch it locks, but when I start the engine the central lock light is always on, it never shuts off, so basically when the car is running I cannot lock my car. THANKS IN ADVANCE for your help guys!

(1). You have air trapped in the cooling system, and you need to get it out before it kills your engine. There are DIY's on how to do this, so do a search. (2) You need to scan the car for codes related to the ABS and TC systems to find out why the MIL is lit. (3) Same goes for the locking system.

1.) okay trying to remove air bubbles out by bleeding and cleaning radiator. Hopefully it solves the overheating problem2.) durametric cant seem to scan codes for ABS and Tc off. What could be the problem?3.) central lock limit not reached or something similar. What to do next?Thanks again!!

Be sure to get all the air out, best way is to pull a vacuum on the system.

Durametric should be able to see the ABS and TC systems unless either there is a problem with the version of the Durametric software, or the ABS system controller is disconnected or non functional. I'd check the controller to make sure the connectors are tight first.

One of your door lock's switches is not reaching the lock position. Could be it needs its electrical connection seated, or the switch unit in the door may need to be replaced.

1.) Ok, cleaning radiator now, crazy dirty. I am hoping it is the clogged radiator causing the overheating and not engine problem

2.) The mechanic was using the Launch X431 GDS, and it says it can't connect to the ABS. Where is the ABS System controller by the way? Basically when I start the car, ABS and TC OFF light is not on, then when you run it for 1-2 seconds, it pops up. So I wanna know where the ABS System is cause maybe it is disconnected or something.

3.) Uhm sorry how do you check if the switch is not reaching the position? uhm where is the electrical connection? It actually works when the keys are not plugged in the ignition.

Again, Thanks in advance guys! (Oh btw brake lights are all working)

[JFP in PA]

Hi, I have a 99 986 Boxster, around 20k KM mileage. Here are some of my issues, please help driving me crazy: 1.) Overheating - I recently changed the thermostat, when I turned it on, after driving for 15 mins, temperature is past the middle mark, after driving further blinks so when i pulled over the gas station and put water, it seems to never get full. basically after 10-15 mins it starts to heat up and reaches the unmarked marker of the temp gauge. What should I check next? Should I have it bled? the mechanic said that they put coolant, but they used Wurth coolant, could that be reason why it was over heating? water pump is okay . So what else could be causing this problem? 2.) My ABS and TC OFF light is always on, I already changed the ABS Sensor (Speed sensor ) So basically ABS and TC OFF is still always on when driving. 3.) When I go inside the vehicle, when I press the central lock rocker switch it locks, but when I start the engine the central lock light is always on, it never shuts off, so basically when the car is running I cannot lock my car. THANKS IN ADVANCE for your help guys!

(1). You have air trapped in the cooling system, and you need to get it out before it kills your engine. There are DIY's on how to do this, so do a search. (2) You need to scan the car for codes related to the ABS and TC systems to find out why the MIL is lit. (3) Same goes for the locking system.

1.) okay trying to remove air bubbles out by bleeding and cleaning radiator. Hopefully it solves the overheating problem2.) durametric cant seem to scan codes for ABS and Tc off. What could be the problem?3.) central lock limit not reached or something similar. What to do next?Thanks again!!

Be sure to get all the air out, best way is to pull a vacuum on the system.

Durametric should be able to see the ABS and TC systems unless either there is a problem with the version of the Durametric software, or the ABS system controller is disconnected or non functional. I'd check the controller to make sure the connectors are tight first.

One of your door lock's switches is not reaching the lock position. Could be it needs its electrical connection seated, or the switch unit in the door may need to be replaced.

1.) Ok, cleaning radiator now, crazy dirty. I am hoping it is the clogged radiator causing the overheating and not engine problem

2.) The mechanic was using the Launch X431 GDS, and it says it can't connect to the ABS. Where is the ABS System controller by the way? Basically when I start the car, ABS and TC OFF light is not on, then when you run it for 1-2 seconds, it pops up. So I wanna know where the ABS System is cause maybe it is disconnected or something.

3.) Uhm sorry how do you check if the switch is not reaching the position? uhm where is the electrical connection? It actually works when the keys are not plugged in the ignition.

Again, Thanks in advance guys! (Oh btw brake lights are all working)

Clean out the radiators and see where your engine temps are.

You need to use a Porsche specific system, Durametric, PST II, or PIWIS only.

The switch is inside the door by the lock mechanism.

[Emcue]

1.) Yes will know maybe tomorrow.

2.) Ok , no one's ever used the Launch X431 system? anyway, where is the ABS Control system again? Maybe it is disconnected.

3.) Ok, but when the key is not plugged in, it works (the center rocker lock switch)

Thanks!!

[JFP in PA]

1.) Yes will know maybe tomorrow.

2.) Ok , no one's ever used the Launch X431 system? anyway, where is the ABS Control system again? Maybe it is disconnected.

3.) Ok, but when the key is not plugged in, it works (the center rocker lock switch)

Thanks!!

Launch X431 is not a Porsche specific system, so I am not at all surprised it cannot read the ABS system, you need a PST II, PIWIS, or Durametric system, period.

[RFM]

The ABS control box is integraly built with the hydraulic group, in the front trunk, right in front of the brake master cylinder.

[mikefocke]

All the OBD2 port spec does is allow for emissions testing by independent mechanics on an even footing with the dealers. All car makers use the protocol to allow other testing and generic OBD2 testers don't understand those codes. Even the factory list of codes often omits those codes. Durametric did a lot of (read many years of) sleuthing to understand many of the special codes Porsche uses which is why their tool is so expensive and valuable. If you are tring to maintain one of these cars yourself, it is really worth while investing in the software and getting the latest updates.

[Emcue]

Hi thanks for the help guys,

1.) cleaned the radiator, finally temperature is a pin or two to the right of 80°. Is that normal?

2.) okay will look for the brake master cylinder.

3.) still dont understand why it works when key isnt inserted but stops working when key is inserted.

Thanks again.

[thom4782]

The red light on the locking switch on the center console can stay lighted if one of the door lock sensors is broken. You need one of the diagnostic tools JFP mentioned to figure out which lock is causing the problem.

[Emcue]

1.) radiator cleaned still overheating, changing cylinder gasket this week

2.) giving up in the ABS problem, or will look for a scanner which can read the ABS, IF i can read the ABS, what fault should i be looking out for

3.) again, when keys aren't inserted central locking works, when key is inserted, central lock button doesn't work anymore.

Oh new problem i forgot to mention, how to fix the AM reception hahaha no reception at all, FM works perfectly fine tho

Thanks

[linderpat]

The overheating sounds like a stuck thermostat, which maybe you got a bad one in the replacement. I have no idea what your other technical issues are caused by, but I really want o know more about that hard top kit - that is fantastic. What are the details? It looks like a Cayman, which I assume is what it is intended to look like.

[Emcue]

The overheating sounds like a stuck thermostat, which maybe you got a bad one in the replacement. I have no idea what your other technical issues are caused by, but I really want o know more about that hard top kit - that is fantastic. What are the details? It looks like a Cayman, which I assume is what it is intended to look like.

Hahaha its a zeintop, it works fine, but installation isn't easy. I was able to contact the maker. Just google zeintop boxster. I got it last march. Pretty good, makes the boxster look new haha..

Thermostat is okay, just the cylinder heads i think.

[binger]

Before you spend a lot of $$$ I would prove that you have a head gasket issue. There are several methods see videos below.

For the DIYer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQwvdzRGKkI

For the Professional with a gas analyzer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDd0B7dSsTk

As for your ABS issue I think you might have a problem with (CAN) controller area network not communicating with that system. I would take your car to a diagnostic professional to solve these issues because of the complex nature and lack of proper scan tools. For further explanation check out the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8HTVlEC7Lg

Edited September 4, 2013 by binger

[Emcue]

Before you spend a lot of $$$ I would prove that you have a head gasket issue. There are several methods see videos below.

For the DIYer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQwvdzRGKkI

For the Professional with a gas analyzer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDd0B7dSsTk

As for your ABS issue I think you might have a problem with (CAN) controller area network not communicating with that system. I would take your car to a diagnostic professional to solve these issues because of the complex nature and lack of proper scan tools. For further explanation check out the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8HTVlEC7Lg

Thank you, actually already bought the cylinder gaskets, and there was a bit of water found so I guess that was what caused the overheating problem.

for the ABS, yeah I think basically the X531 can't read the ABS codes.

For the central locking, I am still asking the mechanic to tinker with the central lock thing.

Anyway for the AM Radio any help guys? haha Thanks in advance!

[binger]

Launch X431 GDS would not be my first choice of tool to use on your car. However if it has the euro package it will definitely read the ABS module codes.

[Emcue]

Launch X431 GDS would not be my first choice of tool to use on your car. However if it has the euro package it will definitely read the ABS module codes.

Hi, it has the euro package, because it can read the other faults, like it can read engine codes, locks, (thats where i got the lock limit switch not reached) but when you tap on the ABS , it couldn't read it. Any idea ?

[binger]

It communicates though the 16 pin DLC. It sounds like you have a CAN issue IE: a loss of communicates on the network. If this is the case you will need professional help as its not something simple for the DIYer to trace because you will need a lab scope and a breakout box.

Edited September 5, 2013 by binger

[Loren]

It communicates though the 16 pin DLC. It sounds like you have a CAN issue IE: a loss of communicates on the network. If this is the case you will need professional help as its not something simple for the DIYer to trace because you will need a lab scope and a breakout box.

I doubt it is a CAN issue as on the older cars (MY1999 in this case) the only CAN communication was between the DME and the Tiptronic transmission.

Later cars got much more communications over the network.

[binger]

Hi Loren, with all the cars on the blog I forgot it was a 99. :D

[Emcue]

It communicates though the 16 pin DLC. It sounds like you have a CAN issue IE: a loss of communicates on the network. If this is the case you will need professional help as its not something simple for the DIYer to trace because you will need a lab scope and a breakout box.

I doubt it is a CAN issue as on the older cars (MY1999 in this case) the only CAN communication was between the DME and the Tiptronic transmission.

Later cars got much more communications over the network.

Hi, so what could be the problem? How do I solve this issue? Thanks