Front Deck Lid Latch Issue

[Lyn]

Periodically and I mean maybe three or four times a month my deck front lid (trunk) latch will unlatch by itself. Last night I parked my 997 in the garage with the lid firmly closed and this morning it was unlatched. Never happens when driving, only when parked. The latch seems to firmly catch without any play and yet on a very random and unrelated basis, it decides to release on its own. Any ideas as to why?? No ghost stories please.

Thx, Lyn

[Loren]

The mechanical latch mechanism likely needs to be adjusted.

It is either loose or has moved out of proper adjustment.

Have a look here for a DIY on adjusting the latch (even though this is a 996 DIY - the 997-1 is pretty much the same).

[RFM]

If an adjustment is unsuccessful turn, with a PIWIS, the comfort settings to OFF. If there are no more problems you can be sure that the error sits in the programming.

[Richard Hamilton]

There is a TSB about this. On the Gen1 997s, it is very easy to activate the key buttons accidentally. The TSB says to increase the triggering time required, but as RFM says, the only effective way is to deactivate the feature (far from ideal). Porsche can supply a "repair kit" for the key, which has redesigned buttons to help stop accidental operation. I bought a kit for mine, and although expensive, it fixed the problem completely.

Try keeping the keys out of your pocket or bags, to make sure the buttons don't get pressed. It might prove a point.

[Mijostyn]

Richard is exactly right. Last year I came off the ski mountain to fine the hood and doors open after I know darn well I locked them. It happened several more times under different circumstances. Finally, one day I was crouching next to the car with the key in my pocket and the hood opened and the doors locked. Crouching tightened the fabric of my pants around the key pressing the buttoms. The single common denominator was having the key in a pants pocket!

Richard, how much was the Kit? (to correct defective engineering. but then Germans never make a mistake)

[Lyn]

Thx for all the input. I'm pretty positive that accidental actuation isn't the cause because I never pocket the key and take special care to press the correct button when locking and unlocking the doors. I'll give Loren's proposed solution a try first and let you all know the results. Thx again for your sensible suggestions.

Lyn

[Richard Hamilton]

Richard, how much was the Kit? (to correct defective engineering. but then Germans never make a mistake)

It was around 30.00 GBP, but I expect it might be cheaper in the US. Part number 000.043.400.14

[Mijostyn]

Thanx Richard. As my car is still under warranty I'll see of I can persuad Porsche into paying for two kits.

Lyn, these transmitters can work at quite a distance. Inadvertent triggering can occur almost anywhere. When I pull into my garage I always leave the key in the ignition 1/2 pulled out. The hood never opens under this condition. You might want to set up a condition where the buttons can not be inadvertently pressed and see how it goes.