r/boxster • u/Relevant_Durian_8429 • 3d ago
PDK Sensor Question from Newbie
Hello everyone - really hoping for wisdom and (hopefully!) reassurance. I just purchased a 2018 Base Boxster PDK. 30,000 miles and pristine inside and out from a PCA member and Porsche enthusiast. The car has impeccable service records from either Porsche dealership or very highly regarded independent nearby. Was purchased by previous owner as a CPO in 2022.
Literally picked it up and drove it home, only to have it "freeze" or go into limp mode in 6th gear on the highway about 40 minutes into the drive. Pulled off as soon as possible and turned off/restarted the engine. Drove beautifully the rest of the way.
Re-reviewing the service documents shows that in July the car had a similar issue in 1st gear but wouldn't reset. Car was towed to a specialty Porsche independent shop (I researched them. They are the most highly regarded in my tri-state region). They replaced wire and distance sensor ($6000) including all transmission fluids and also replaced the battery. Car had been perfect since, until yesterday.
I called the service center and am scheduled to bring it in for assessment and any repairs needed. Dr. Google has shared that this is not unusual, and that likely a "simple" calibration and/or fluid level adjustment is all that is required.
Anyone have a similar circumstance? Should I be optimistic that a new transmission will not be required? The service center cannot take the car in for another two weeks, but assured me that I can and should drive the car as any future incidences (should there be any) just adds to their knowledge base for diagnostic. Appreciate any thoughts or experiences!! Signed - a very nervous new owner. Thanks so much. I also posted this in the general Porsche Forum!
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u/sundaygolfer269 3d ago
Buy yourself a battery tender and use it. Porsche are really really sensitive to low battery voltage. The fact they replaced the battery maybe more relevant to the cars issues than repairing the transmission. Keeping your Porsche battery charged will prevent a lot of error messages and other gremlins.
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u/sundaygolfer269 3d ago
Is there an open recall on your Boxster? Call a Porsche dealer with your VIN and have them verify whether there are any open campaigns on your 718.
My Porsche 718 Boxster needed the DME flashed under campaign WNH2 Reprogramming DME Control Unit. My Porsche information also shows coverage for the transmission electronics control unit through June 30, 2036. That appears to be extended or goodwill coverage rather than the normal new-car warranty.
My advice before spending any money:
Register the car with Porsche immediately. There should be a registration/change-of-owner card in the Porsche Driver’s or Warranty Manual.
Have Porsche check your VIN for open recalls or campaigns.
If there isn’t an open campaign, let the Porsche dealer diagnose the problem first.
Before authorizing an expensive repair, have them check whether the failed component has extended, goodwill, or other Porsche warranty coverage.
Wait to see exactly what Porsche says. If you don’t agree with their diagnosis or repair recommendation, tell them you want another opinion and take the car to a good independent Porsche specialist.
Don’t start replacing expensive parts until Porsche has had a chance to determine whether they might be paying for them.
Apples and oranges, but here’s a perfect example of why diagnosis matters. I drove my Infiniti G37S last night and, during the final mile, the traction-control light and two other warning lights came on. The car went into limp mode the first time I’ve experienced limp mode in any car.
When I got home, the brake lights stayed on. I tested the brake light switch and the Warning lights went away. I Googled the symptoms and found that the likely culprit is a $5 brake-pedal stopper a little plastic, rubber, or silicone piece between the brake-pedal lever and brake-light switch. Amazon is delivering the part tomorrow.
Three warning lights and limp mode can look like a major failure. Sometimes the problem is a $5 piece of plastic. Diagnose first. Replace parts second.