Hi Guys,

I need some guidance please, I own a '01 TT w/18k miles. It has only had oil changes performed since new. I recently experienced two codes P1130 and another, I was told to get a MAF based off the suggestions on this site. This seems to have solved the codes or it has not thrown anything in 250 miles. I feel the car needs a good tune up though, it has started to idle a bit off when first cranked and does not sound happy. It also fluctuates a little bit at idle after its warmed up. What would you suggest I do in order to get the car running like it deserves? Please advise.

Thank you!

 

oil , filter, plugs, coils, fuel filter, complete boost leak test is a great start to work any bugs out and know were the car stands. for me i drop all the fluids regardless once i own it.

brake fluid, coolant, p/s fluid , trans and diff fluid all would be changed for my peace of mind

 

was probably the maf..hence no more cels.. next to check might be an 02 sensor.

but a car that old with so few miles should have all the normal maintenance items replaced as a baseline. then you can eliminate guessing. eg plugs/coils/filter etc etc.

add: krazy beat me to it. same thinking

 

Oops, yes I definitely did the brake fluid a few times in the past! I agree with the both of you, but I was not sure if the dealership was quoting me unnecessary service items. They did not say anything about the trans fluid or coolant, I was actually told one of these was lifetime by the svc adviser. I will get this done too regardless of what they say. This car has been so good to me in 7 years of ownership I feel guilty for not performing these services sooner!! I want to start stacking the miles after this svc.

I need to find a reputable Porsche shop in the NOVA area, if anyone can make a recommendation please let me know. I'm not very happy with the Tyson's Corner dealership. Thanks!

 

if you have owned this car for this number of years and aren't sure as to whether your plugs and coils have been changed? i'm not sure i can help further, other than to say, that REGULAR and non "book" time maintenance is key. unless of course it primarily sits in the garage. read up on the recommended service intervals ( "major" vs "minor" ) and double the frequency of them.. if you drive the car. or keep to them, if it sits!

if i were you, i wouldn't touch the brake fluid for another couple years but go change the plugs and coils all that terrific ("lifetime" lol) coolant and any 30k service filters etc tomorrow lol.

good luck! and put some more miles on 'er .. and foremost, don't feel "guilty". you still have time to redeem yourself this time next year 20k miles should be your goal

 

Absent any CEL and error codes (including pending codes) it reads like the car needs to be driven some.


As I've mentioned before even though my cars get driven 30 miles on my work commute they both still perk up some from a nice highway drive at highway speed when they can cruise at a steady pace for 30 or so miles.


This on the throttle and off again driving that many of us experience is just not sufficient to really let the fuel and its detergents clean the fuel system and the engine work to burn away deposits.


How fresh is the gasoline? Little used cars can end up with gasoline that can be months old. In a turbo-charged engine off or stale gasoline can result in rough idling and less than optimum spark advance.


You can also try a bottle or two of Techron to help remove fuel injector deposits and engine deposits. If you use this use it according to directions and when I use it -- which is not very often as I drive my cars a lot -- I like to change the oil after running the last tank of fuel that has this added down to say 1/4 level.


Coils may be going bad. Little used cars still get washed often and probably put away wet. This means the engine, and the coils, sit around wet and this can work to age the coils and possibly even result in a bit of surface corrosion where the coils connect to the engine wiring harness.


About moisture: You might consider loosening then tightening the fastener at the body/chassis end of the battery's negative cable. My info is these cars can develop some corrosion there that can affect the car and the engine. This loosening/tightening is enough to remove the corrosion.


Since plugs are due to be changed on time when you have the plugs done the tech can inspect the coils and advise you if they need replacement.


However if they look ok remember just disconnecting and connecting each one at its wiring harness connector will remove surface corrosion.


At the same time changing the fuel filter would not be a bad idea. And how's the battery? If original I think you got your money's worth.


Also, it is probably time to do a brake fluid flush/bleed (this is supposed to be done every two years) and I'd have the coolant drained and the cooling system refilled with fresh coolant.


The serpentine belt should be replaced too and while you are there do the engine air filter and cabin air filter.


Have to mention if at any time the idle roughness gets worse or the engine starts running poorer or making untoward noises or the CEL comes on you should shut off the engine and get an experienced Porsche tech involved. I don't think it will come to this of course I just like to get it out there.


In short I do not think the engine's sick but instead suffering from lack of regular use, and suffering from some neglect.

 

As noted do the regular plugs- fuel filter etc and you should be fine, the coils wouldn't be a bad idea but they are probably still good. All the info Macster mentioned is good advice and would more then cover most hiccups.