2001 996 TT Oil Level Measurer failure

[richardc2cab]

Ok so I did something really stupid and in a dark garage hooked up a new battery the wrong way round. Everything is fortunately sorted except the engine oil level measurer which I understand after several searches is a problem in the instrument console unit and I understand it can be fixed by replacing one of the circuit boards ??? Anyone know more please

[KevinH90]

I posted instructions for programming the cluster here: http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutorials/article/377-programming-a-carrera-instrument-cluster-for-transplant-to-a-boxster/

 

If you damaged one of the components in your cluster, you should be able to reprogram the circuit board from a 986 or 996 to work in your cluster.

[richardc2cab]

thanks but I guess the instrument console just needs repairing or the appropriate circuit board does, whats the most effective way to get this done ? Can the part be bought for example

[KevinH90]

When I was working on my project, some folks recommended North Hollywood Speedometer and Palo Alto Speedometer as being the experts for repairing VDO gauges - the brand found in our cars.  You may want to see if they have encountered your issue before and see if they can suggest a repair.  I've heard that replacement parts for the Porsche VDO gauges are not available, but perhaps they have a source.

 

Good luck.

[richardc2cab]

Palo Alto don't do 996 Cluster consoles it seems, North Hollywood never really responded to my emails

[richardc2cab]

any other thoughts please ?

[richardc2cab]

seems like its a common problem !

[richardc2cab]

any more help or this thread is at end ?

[KevinH90]

Which model year is your vehicle?  On cars with the later style gauge clusters (2001 and later for the Boxster and 2002 and later on 996's have a modular design.)  I've seen that people with the later style clusters have had success in swapping parts in the cluster, but I'm not sure if that would help with your problem.

 

I would also try to be absolutely sure that it is not the oil measuring sensor on the engine that is causing the problem.

[RFM]

http://ecu-rc.nl/?Tid=3   Maybe might these people can help you, and yet not too far from your home.

[richardc2cab]

Which model year is your vehicle?  On cars with the later style gauge clusters (2001 and later for the Boxster and 2002 and later on 996's have a modular design.)  I've seen that people with the later style clusters have had success in swapping parts in the cluster, but I'm not sure if that would help with your problem.

 

I would also try to be absolutely sure that it is not the oil measuring sensor on the engine that is causing the problem.

early 2001 & yes as it happened directly after the battery incident to which I am not the first to make this mistake

[Qmulus]

I have had good success repairing these '01+ clusters.  In the last few months I have repair three 996TT and a few 986 clusters with oil measurement issues. The oil measurement circuitry is very susceptible to damage from over or reverse voltage problems.  Fortunately, these are repairable and repair cost is generally far less than a used replacement cluster, especially if you factor in getting the odometer reset, etc.

[richardc2cab]

ok cool, could you PM me with a reference ( & email address) of someone, whom you have done this for and your offer ex shipping pls

[Qmulus]

PM sent.

[mat59]

Richard, see the outcome to my other thread. Qmulus sorted it for me.

[richardc2cab]

Qmulus has now repaired mine too, all works perfectly, great service thks Steve (Qmulus)

[jpflip]

Wow!!! This is good to know!!!! Good job Qmulus!!!! I'm keeping your name in my record....

[richardc2cab]

Yes it seems that Steve (aka Qmulus) is one of the few reliable people in the world who can do this for a reasonable price

[marlier63]

Hello

I have done the same mistake : battery inversion, and had same consequences : oil level measurment issue. Richard2cab, did you have to alos change sensor level or not?