Dealer Response to 2nd Gear Pop Out
 

I am starting discussions with my dealer about the 2nd gear pop out issue. I already have the GBox part (not installed yet) and the problem occurs pretty infrequently. However, with a CPO warranty I am hoping that Porsche will replace the trans and I can install a new clutch at the same time (saving labor charges) and then throw in the GBox part to prevent any issues going forward.

How successful have you guys been with this issue and PCNA replacing the trans?

If you get no love from the dealer call PCNA direct.

One dealer said maybe. Another said you have a FULL warranty and this should be covered. Hmmm...we'll see.

Uggg...still too new to send PM's. Sorry for non-responses...not intentional.

No big deal. Just thought I would share some info with you.

Have you seen the Porsche TSB on this issue?

It is a very detailed set of instructions on how to open the tranny and what specifically to look for (8x10 glossy photos and all) to decide if it was a MFG issue or an 'abuse' (missed shift) issue.

The vast majority of times it is a few missed shifts that grind off the edge of the 2nd gear and result in no 'retention' force. As you probably know, the dbox detent helps but does not cure it nor does it prevent future failure.

renntech.org should have it, maybe rennlist...maybe the 2nd gear sticky here?

An aftermarket warranty and the dealer would probably 'cover' for you...but the CPO warranty??? PCNA will know precisely what to look for, plus the dealer will not want to risk stretching the truth to 'the mothership'

A

I recently flashed to stock and took my '05 TTS to with CPO to the local dealer with a question of fixing the 2nd gear pop-out. Service rep said they would be happy to take the engine and transmission out, and take it apart. Likely a couple thousand in labor. If they looked and it was covered by CPO, it would be fixed at no cost to me. If they looked and it was not covered by CPO, they would bill me the entire cost, including the looking. I chickened out, as it has only happened 3 times in 3 months.

My current first priority is upgrading the clutch as my EPL flash is causing slipping.

Really good data. I have let the dealer know that I am aware of the TSB and asked whether I would be charged for the removal, open, inspect and re-install if the 2nd gear issue is determined to be a non-manufacturing error. If so, I may do the same and balk at it. It has only happend once thus far so maybe the dbox detent will prevent any further damage. I don't mind holding the shifter in second for the short time that I am in that gear. No biggie. But, if they won't charge me for the labor and it is still determined to be non-manufacturing related, I want to take advantage of the free labor and get a new clutch in there.

Take it to another dealer.

CPO status is simply a warranty backed by the manufacturer. Before a car can be offered as CPO, the dealer needs to opine the car meets Porsche's requirements for such. Yours wouldn't be the first car CPO'd only to demonstrate that it should not have been. This is a "known" issue with this car and should have been documented during the inspection. The dealership may get grief from Porsche if a car returns for an expensive warranty claim shortly after purchase and they are trying to talk you off the ledge.

Personally, I wouldn't just live with it. That's why so many of these cars are still out there. Get it fixed while it's under warranty.

I contacted the purchase dealership today with some hints that they sol me a dangerous car and I expect them to fix it. They added a 6 month warranty from the dealership on top of the CPO when I bought it. I forgot about that.

I agree; even if it is not Porsche CPO covered, they shouldn't have sold it to me in an unsafe condition. Thanks for the idea!

Come now...this is silly talk.

Second gear pop out is not "dangerous". Dealers sell cars with defects every day, and claim that they careful CPO inspection just failed to find it. And then point out that it is "buyer beware" and the buyer has bought the car with all defects, known or otherwise.

There is simply no way to PROVE the pop out was there when they sold it. Proof. Not "it did it as soon as I drove it home" but "it did it when the dealer owned it, they knew it and did not tell me"

The dealer knows that if they open up the trans and find evidence the issue was caused by a prior owner (and not the manufacturing defect) that YOU or THE DEALER will pay- and not PCNA.

This is why you need a PPI for ANY purchase. Done by a qualified inspector and not a P dealer!

The car was dropped off yesterday. The dealer is going to get authorization from PCNA each step of the way so that I am not stuck with massive labor charges to investigate the pop out in case we find that the PO damaged the 2nd gear. The service rep didn't think that would be the case and seemed very familiar wtih this process. Either way, the dealer agreed to take advantage of the "free" labor and install a new clutch package and will match Suncoasts' price quote. Nice. They also believe that they will get authorization to replace the painted crest center caps.

UPDATE: They have authorization from PCNA to remove engine/trans to verify diagnosis. So far, so good.

Terrific news...keep us posted. :)

PCNA wants me to authorize the open and inspect of the trans first at an estimated $1,200. So the multi-billion dollar a year car company wants to charge me $1,200 to investigate a warranty claim. Unbelievable. This would not happen with another car company.