Hi all, a great source of info and entertainment, thanks.

I've looked at a couple 996's recently and at least half seem to have a problem with the return function of the turn signal stalk. These take the form of either;

not 'holding' in place once selected and/or
not returning/canceling after the turn is completed.

Is this a common fault on the range and does anybody know if this a a fix or a replacement?

Thanks in advance. BTW I did a couple searches but didn't find anything (dunno if my expat english let me down though)
SLR

 

This is the first time I have ever heard of this problem. It is not common at all.

 

This is a common issue.

There is a broken piece of plastic inside the steering column that is a part of the return feature of the indicator. Many 996 owners have had this issue. This little piece breaks off and falls into the column somewhere. Impossible to retrieve without taking apart the whole column and this includes removing the steering wheel and original indicator assembly.

The entire steering wheel, and stalk assembly will have the be removed and new assembly installed.

The part is a little over $200 and the labor of the job at the dealership is a little over $600.

It's an easy fix, just costly and time consuming.

 

I agree... Mine's been that way since I bought it--I've learned to manually cancel the left turn signal and hold the right turn in place myself. I'd rather put the time and money to more "entertaining" mods

 

First time I have heard of this issue. I had a 99 C2 up to 58k and currently my 01 TT with 42k miles without this problem.

 

I had the exact same thing happen to me.. The replacement part is $250-$300.. I am waiting to get my Car in the shop to get it taken care of. I found the little black plastic "tab" lying on the driver's side floor. It happened because I was making a turn and held the stalk as I turned.. It caused the tab to break off.

 

The stalk can be had cheaper (Porsche part) through Suncoast or Sunset. I think I paid less than $200 shipped. Despite earlier posts, this is not all that uncommon.

The stalk assembly is not too difficult to change. There is a good DIY out there on how to remove the steering wheel, and it covers removal of the stalk assembly as well. No special tools required other than some Torx drivers, some modest skills, and some patience. Took me a little over an hour taking my time and working carefully. No way it should be a $600 fix at the dealer, unless they are charging over $300 an hour for labor!

 

Bunch of Hamfists...it's only plastic...

 

Excellent info folks, seems the ones I looked at had the "ham fisted" drivers Ill get the part and do it myself, $200 seems for for the whole unit. I wonder if the 4 stalk unit mentioned in other posts for the computer could be used as a replacement?

 

Just writing to confirm I have exactly the same problem: need to hold the stalk when turning right and it won't return when turning left. It was fine when I bought the car and I was the one who broke it. ;(

Found a video on youtube on how to replace it:


Seems a pain to do since airbag assy is involved. Also the part is pretty hard to get in Russia, will either need to buy a used one or fix the original.

Partno is 996.613.21910 BTW.

 

My function stock is really loose- feels like its about to fall off... maybe similar issue?

 

Update on pricing. Suncoast currently has this part for $235 + shipping. Mine just broke today.

 

i never touch that sucker, unless i have to lol. certainly never cancel it manually, pre auto cancel!