Hello and this looks like a great forum!

I had a question,

I just bought a 996 Carrera and the check engine light was on. I took it to a local shop, where they ran the diagnostics. The diagnostics showed the problem and they fixed it. Everything was set, until I drove down the road and the light came back on. At this time I became pretty furious.

Now they said they found a new problem and want to charge me parts and labor. I may understand the parts, but labor? Am I out of line? What if this problem doesn't fix the check engine, should I just keep paying and paying? How do I know these parts are even necessary to change out? Someone please help me on how I should deal with these people.

Thanks,

Roy

 

It sounds like you're dealing with a "parts changer" rather than a technician. In other words, instead of testing the part he suspects is bad, he just swaps it out. I'd find another shop.

What is causing the check engine light?

-Matt

 

If its a completely different issue, why wouldnt they charge you? What was the issue? (both)

 

I didn't think about it being a completely separate issue... I read it as the same symptom, but a new "cause". If it is an entirely new issue, I agree that they have every right to charge.

Also, your thread is titled "Dealership Issues" but you said you took it to a local shop. Is this a shop specializing in European cars, or Porsches, or a dealership?

 

I'm curious myself on how to handle these things as well. I'm having a problem (hopefully) fixed right now by the dealer (covered by service contract...thank god). But what if there's something else that goes wrong after you drive off? Does the dealer go through the same process, ripping out engine if needed, charging the person or the warranty company $$$ again? Will the warranty company tell them to go to hell the 2nd or 3rd time?

 

A PPI would have identifies these issues before you purchased the 996, plus a check engine light would not pass SMOG which is required when title is transferred in CA.

I had a similar experience but IT WAS different CEL codes popping up at different times causing the check engine light. The shop fixed a Vario cam solenoid went for a test drive and then a fuel vapor leak CEL popped up. I was more than happy the indie shop did a thorough job fixing my 996.

 

More info on the symptoms and code(s) are needed. Sounds like they might've just reset the code if it was emission related

 

i dont know why you are furious.

there may have been multiple problems. there may have been 1 issue. until you know, keep your cool.

the only problem i see is that the shop didn't find all the problem when reading the code. they also didn't do a test drive, which is pretty important to ensure all CEL related problems are resolved. if this is a reputable shop (porsche specialist or dealer), i would ask them to look into it. otherwise, get it into a properly trained shop.