Boxster Recurring P0343 & Now flashing CE!!

[stphnsns]

Hi, 2001 986 2.7 with 152k miles. When I purchased the car, much work had already been done, including the (preventative) IMS bearing retrofit, plugs, tubes, coils, and AOS. The car was still throwing a P0343 code after my purchase, so we replaced both camshaft position sensors. Unfortunately, after clearing the CE light, it came back after about 20 miles or so. I don't drive the car too often (yet anyway!), but have used it occasionally, maybe 100-150 miles or so. I should note, it runs FINE. I've probably owned 5 or 6 986s, and this one seems to run comparable to any. Anyway, I decided to pull it out today, and drive it to work. It was raining pretty hard. As I approached a stoplight, I suddenly got a flashing CE light! The flashing stopped once I began moving again, and the light went back to just solid illumination. I probably wouldn't have normally risked it, but since the car was running seemingly fine, and I was only a few blocks from work, I went ahead and drove to the office. I pulled it in my private garage, and ran the codes: P0343 (still), P0300, and P1130. I believe these are misfire codes. Any relation? Does this point where I thought I was headed, to replacing a variocam solenoid? Any other ideas before we dive in there? I'm sure I'd never get lucky enough for it to be just a dirty MAF or something simple. I did also just fill the tank yesterday, but I doubt that's a culprit. Finally, should I resist driving any further, to see if the codes (& flashing) return? I don't want to jump time. As always, I appreciate, very much, all of the help and follow up on this site!!

[stphnsns]

PS - all the wiring around and related to the sensors has been checked for continuity, and seems to be in good shape. I know this has been a source of the P0343 code in the past. Thanks!

[Ahsai]

You need to check for short to B+, not continuity.

 

 

[JFP in PA]

5 minutes ago, Ahsai said:

You need to check for short to B+, not continuity.

 

 

+1  I was typing the same thing, but Duncan was quicker!

[GEORGE S]

My comment my appear simplistic ; in the old times rain was a cause of misfire because sparkplug coils and/or cables often catch water due to bad insulation or water leaks from road splashes. Even more, defective air intake systems would bring water to the air and gas mix. You may want just to pass a visual looking for wet elements that are susceptible to fail in presence of water. Best.

Sent from my N9518 using Tapatalk

[Ahsai]

6 minutes ago, JFP in PA said:

+1  I was typing the same thing, but Duncan was quicker!

Hehe, lunch break here so got some time.

[stphnsns]

Thanks guys, for the quick follow up. I had seen that article, and certainly noticed the similarities between car and issue, but frankly, it goes over my head (most things do). I will share the info with my mechanic though, and see if we get anywhere. Would your expert opinion(s) be then, that the misfire codes are unrelated, and perhaps due to weather, as George S suggested? Primarily concerned as to whether or not the car should be driven - even to the shop, as we diagnose. Thanks as always!  

[JFP in PA]

3 hours ago, stphnsns said:

Thanks guys, for the quick follow up. I had seen that article, and certainly noticed the similarities between car and issue, but frankly, it goes over my head (most things do). I will share the info with my mechanic though, and see if we get anywhere. Would your expert opinion(s) be then, that the misfire codes are unrelated, and perhaps due to weather, as George S suggested? Primarily concerned as to whether or not the car should be driven - even to the shop, as we diagnose. Thanks as always!  

 

If there is one thing I've learned over the years of working on these cars, it is not to assume anything.

 

I would focus on the cam sensor issue as suggested, and see what happens after it is solved.

[Ahsai]

I second what John said above. After you've fixed the P0343, if the misfire still comes up, you can start to check the coils and plugs and go from there.

Sometimes the wet weather exacerbated the issue with cracked coils. If your coils are healthy, they should not be affected by weather.

[Schnell Gelb]

Based on  my amateurish experience with a related issue- inspect the coils in bright light with a lens after you have cleaned them. Mine had hairline cracks beginning. That is where moisture will eventually penetrate and cause a Misfire.Bad for the Cat also.

The coils have been updated - slightly thicker so supplied with longer bolts. Spark plugs and tubes at the same time while you are in there?

I hope this helps you.

[stphnsns]

Thank you for the input! The plugs, coils and tubes were all replaced in the last year, but I suppose it's worth taking a look at. Thanks again - will report back if any conclusive findings. 

[stphnsns]

Also, if I read correctly, we never find out what the true issue/solution was on the related post (below), so it's possible I could be dealing with a faulty DME?

[Ahsai]

A well equipped shop will be able to use an oscilloscope to check the cam position senor signal to determine if it's normal or if it's truly shorted to B+.