SJL Posted 14September, 2019 Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 I purchased a 991.1 Carera S with 35,000 kms 7 weeks ago. I had a pre purchase inspection carried out by an Authorised Porsche Dealer, made sure all service was up to date and all done by Authorised Porsche Dealers. After driving the car home, the Transmission went into limp mode with fault lights. I reset the car and didn't see the fault for the next week. I was only driving it about 5km per day in Sydney traffic. The first time I drove further than 20 kms the faults appeared again. It was flat topped to the dealer who on my insistence sent it to an Authorised Porsche Service Centre where it was recommended a new PDK was the only solution. Unhappy with this diagnosis the dealer took it to a well known Porsche workshop, who reported that it was my driving in Sports mode in traffic !! They did a transmission flush replaced the battery and sent it back to me stating that all was well and the car was performing correctly. Within 20 kms of a trip to Sydney airport, the transmission failed again. Flat topped again, now to an Authorised Porsche Dealer/ Service Centre, it was deemed that they try a new control unit. They reported back to the dealer I purchased from that it was now fixed. However I insisted that the Service Manager arrange a long test drive after which the Transmission failed again. Guardedly they agreed that it will need a PDK replacement. I have not heard back from the dealer as to whether they will authorise this to be done. I have owned this car now 7 weeks. I paid cash for it. It has been in my possession for 10 days during which I have driven it around 200 kms, Sydney suburban driving. There's the best part of $170k not in my bank account. Im a bit stressed. Does anyone know of the regularity that these transmissions fail ? The authorised service manager tells me that they've never had to replace one. However I read in US and English forums that this is not uncommon and the only fix is total replacement. Is it time to call in the lawyers and fight for my money back, and forget my long held dream to ever own a 911 ?? Any advice, opinions, similar experiences, or comment will be gladly appreciated firstone and JWM 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GC9911 Posted 14September, 2019 Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 I’ve had 3 991’s but all manuals. In saying that I’ve not heard of any PDK failures from any of my Porsche contacts. My experience with authorised porsche dealers is they are exceptional in their service. I’m not sure where you purchased this car but my experience is they stand by their product. IMHO, driving in sports mode in traffic or anywhere else is of no consequence. SJL 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJL Posted 14September, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 Unfortunately I didn't buy it from an authorised dealer. They're just fobbing me off with that "Its your driving". Big mistake. You are right however the authorised service guys I have spoken to have been great. Hopefully I'll get the new PDK under my statutory warranty. I'll have to insist that any work carried out is from an Authorised S.C. which should be warrantied as such. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GC9911 Posted 14September, 2019 Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 “It’s your driving” is just BS. These things are all but bullet proof. IMHO stick with the P car dealers or in Sydney Autohaus Hamilton, talk to James. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeM Posted 14September, 2019 Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 Does it state in any Porsche literature that you shouldn't use sport mode in traffic? I highly doubt it. Typical sales fob off mate. I'd be getting legal advice personally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky Phil Posted 14September, 2019 Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 I drive mine in Sports mode all the time and like the others have never heard of a PDK fail on this forum anyway. Your driving style is a crap excuse as these tranmissions are usually bullet proof. Good luck with the fix. Is it still under Porsche warranty or just a used car warranty from the non Porsche dealer? Time to consult with a lawyer I think if a new PDK is not installed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven Posted 14September, 2019 Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 Every experience I have had with a PDK has been positive ,,,,,the failure rate is very very low world wide and generally its some sort of electrical glitch or a problem caused by someone playing around with it,this is the most common issue ,,,,as others have already said literally bulletproof ... Fingers crossed you meet all warranty requirements and get the replacement ,,,if not I would be going after the individual you purchased it off ,,,You have had issues since you purchased the car ,,surely they are liable on a $170 k purchase ....??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJL Posted 14September, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 Thanks GC911. Unfortunately and I wont mention names, but a reputable Porsche specialist on Sydney's north side is the one that told the dealer "allegedly" that I shouldn't be driving it in Sport mode in Traffic. They were also the ones that did the pre- purchase service, the subsequent Transmission flush etc. and report that the car was performing correctly. So I'm respectfully dubious of the relationships some dealers have with "specialists". A huge problem seems to be that Faults can be cleared easily, however without a thorough test drive in real conditions other than a quick spin around the block, the real issues don't become apparent. It's too expensive ( labour wise) for them to do that. I just "gave" my BMW 330 Ci - 1 owner < 90,000k out of desperation to a wrecker. $10k spent and each time "problem solved." I drive it 30k and there it is again. I chose not to trade it, as even though it would pass a quick road test, I would be putting someone in the same position I now find myself in. So I went out and bought a Porsche. Problem is I'm driving a Skoda !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troubleshooter Posted 14September, 2019 Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 What fault code appeared? What words does the code translate into? Was it the same code each time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJL Posted 14September, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 gearbox Faault 1 The first was " Drive Temperature too high Reduce Load" Yellow. Second was "Start stop activation disabled" Yellow. Third was " Gearbox faulty Poss. no R gear" Yellow. In between there was a RED stop the car to cool down, as well as a "Sports mode not allowed" These lights came up in sequence quite quickly and as I was in traffic I was more concerned with avoiding an accident as I was in limp mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven Posted 14September, 2019 Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 Most issue from what I read online have to do electronic control unit ,and not the mechanical side of the transmission its self ,,,this is generally corrected with a change of that electronic actuator unit ,,it is fundamentally the brains of the gearbox , so if its not right you get all sorts of error codes and reduced performance due to the wrong signals being sent to the gearbox ,,,,,this is what it sounds like is happening from what I read above ,,,but a dealer should be all over this as it is an easy thing the diagnose with diagnostic tools ....??? Troubleshooter 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redracn Posted 14September, 2019 Report Share Posted 14September, 2019 I had an issue with my GT3 PDK where it went into limp mode saying Reverse not available. Turning ignition off and on would not fix it. Factory tech from a Porsche center hook up his laptop and it reported a clutch 1 error so no Rev,1st,3rd,5th,7th gears. Codes were reset and after a so called detailed inspection it was declared all good. Nothing replaced. I am very disappointed that a car with just over 3,000km would have such an issue but what really annoys me is that nothing has been done that would fix the issue. I suspect I am not getting the entire story from the official Porsche Center and until I get a real explanation I am reluctant to take it anywhere as faults never fix themselves. At this cost level you expect any issues to be properly sorted first time whatever it takes as having the customer do the field testing is very poor form. OP. Sounds like the electronic module or possibly a sensor. Absolutely nothing to do with being in sports mode. SJL and Troubleshooter 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
black911 Posted 15September, 2019 Report Share Posted 15September, 2019 Sorry to hear of your cars issues, it’s a real bummer. In about 41/2 years and 20,000ks of mostly twisty hill driving I’ve never had a PDK issue with my 2015 Cayman GTS. When in traffic, I regularly drive in Sports Mode just because I can. GC9911, Raven and SJL 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazzieman Posted 20September, 2019 Report Share Posted 20September, 2019 On 14/09/2019 at 22:27, SJL said: I just "gave" my BMW 330 Ci - 1 owner < 90,000k out of desperation to a wrecker. $10k spent and each time "problem solved." I drive it 30k and there it is again. I chose not to trade it, as even though it would pass a quick road test, I would be putting someone in the same position I now find myself in. Your 991 story is most unfortunate and as for the BMW, once EVs take hold (& even if not ) I suspect many reputable brand cars will soon end up at the crusher. because labour is 1. too hard and 2 it's too expensive to fix stuff. Let's just make new stuff and "save the planet". Of course driving a bevy of 35+year old cars is my solution to the 1st world problem. firstone and Airhead 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJL Posted 20September, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 20September, 2019 My dream would be to have a bevy of 35+ cars. Just don't have the luxury of the time or know how to devote to keeping them running. I wanted a daily driver that might provide some week end joy. My 991 is still in limbo. All agree now it needs a new PDK. The dealer I bought it from is unwilling to pay - they want Porsche to pay. Porsche has refused to pay. 2 months now, everyone running from the exits. My 911 dream is now a nightmare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troubleshooter Posted 20September, 2019 Report Share Posted 20September, 2019 24 minutes ago, SJL said: My dream would be to have a bevy of 35+ cars. Just don't have the luxury of the time or know how to devote to keeping them running. I wanted a daily driver that might provide some week end joy. My 991 is still in limbo. All agree now it needs a new PDK. The dealer I bought it from is unwilling to pay - they want Porsche to pay. Porsche has refused to pay. 2 months now, everyone running from the exits. My 911 dream is now a nightmare. Never heard of it before, haven't even read similar on a forum...Lawyer up mate, it's gonna be a long wait - a PDK from Porsche must be around $25 to $30k. I know a brand new tiptronic from Porsche is $21k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJL Posted 20September, 2019 Author Report Share Posted 20September, 2019 Yep !! It is such a sweet car. The new PDK will be around 30k. Drove it for a few days and took the photo. Oh well. Better buy a Toyota Camry now !!😢 Troubleshooter 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeM Posted 20September, 2019 Report Share Posted 20September, 2019 Wow mate, that's not good at all. Hope it gets sorted out soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firstone Posted 20September, 2019 Report Share Posted 20September, 2019 I don't want to imagine how sour i would be. Feelings aside, what avenues do you have? ACCC? Solicitor? ACA? I think i would start with ACCC to confirm your rights. And it's free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D2000 Posted 20September, 2019 Report Share Posted 20September, 2019 I have dealt with something similar (but not Porsche) in the past. PM if you want to discuss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevepGT3 Posted 20September, 2019 Report Share Posted 20September, 2019 https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/licensing-and-registration/motor-car-traders/running-your-business/obligations-used-car-sales firstone 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted 20September, 2019 Report Share Posted 20September, 2019 Not sure why you're not naming the dealer, they need to be exposed. I sure would like to know to avoid shonky operators like this. If it was me l'd put it as the main title on this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firstone Posted 20September, 2019 Report Share Posted 20September, 2019 It might feel good to name and shame but it won't resolve the problem. Plus I'd be careful about a legal strategy here. This will only be decided by law it seems. The law gives exclusions from the above info. So it will cost money to resolve. You don't want to risk the cost to fight defamation as well. Proven or not it will cost. A terrible entry to Porsche ownership. Sad because they're so awesome otherwise. I'm old, i move slowly now because i don't have time to backtrack and find the path i should have been on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WB997.2GTS Posted 21September, 2019 Report Share Posted 21September, 2019 Hi SJL, Have you tracked down the previous owner and enquired if the car has had any previous faults, if it has, then that will clear you of any wrong and will put the onus on the dealer. Warren GC9911 and firstone 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeM Posted 21September, 2019 Report Share Posted 21September, 2019 10 hours ago, Jimmy said: Not sure why you're not naming the dealer, they need to be exposed. I sure would like to know to avoid shonky operators like this. If it was me l'd put it as the main title on this thread. With a certain dealer that is well known in luxury car circles commencing a defamation suit, I'd be very careful what is said in public. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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