Dear all,
I have just picked my very first Porsche today. It Is a 2001 Carrera 4 in midnight blue and automatic. As I was driving home, I discovery a very odd sound near the dash. Sounds like a leaking air pump, but I have no idea what that is. It happens about every ten seconds. Is that normal?
Thx
Bigbiglemoncoke

 

Wow, that's a new one on me. Did you have the AC or Heat on? Where on the dash does it sound like it's coming from?
My best guess is it's a vacume leak in the AC system.

 

Yes, I had the fan on. It sound really like a compressor leak or over flow. I will try again tomorrow with the whole system turn off. Before the purchase I did check on the common problems eg, oil leak, rear wing failure and no sign of major impact. What else should I beware.
Thx

 

I would make sure the oil is in good shape as well as the brake fluid and coolant. For good measure I'd take it to a dealer or indy and have them go through it.
On you noise, I'll bet it's a vacume leak.

 

Bigbiglemoncoke First of all congrats on your purchase and would love to see some photos of the newly acquired ride Did you have a PPI done by chance before hand ? I will go with FLA996TT on this one and take it to a indy but it sounds like a vacuum leak from the information you gave us.

 

Well, it was a quick purchase. I wanted one for many years, and happen to see it with all the spec that I wanted. I will try to post some picture tomorrow. Thank You for your advise. I will bring my car to a Porsche specialist near my area. If the leak is from the AC system, is that an urgent problem or I can wait?
Thx

 

Well for me if it's from the AC it would be a big deal, but I live in Florida! But really, if it a vacume leak (and I think it is) at some point the ac won't work, and may cause damage to the compressor and your wallet. Get it taken care of when it's minor, because it couls be as simple as a cracked hose or fitting.

 

Today I am suspecting the sound is coming from the built in natvigation system. Since I live in the area that Porsche never had the disc for it, according to the previous owner, the slot is empty all the time. The system keep on searching for the disc every ten seconds or so. May I ask is there a way I can disable the navigation system?
Thx

 

I wouldn't go disableing anything on a Porsche, especially electrical. What I would do is contact a dealer, and indy, or Porsche North American, I would think there would be a fix for it or a patch/upgrade.

 

Today I put a blank CD into the slot and the sound is almost gone. So I guess it was the system kept trying to load a disc. Thx for the help. I have already learn a lot from the forum since joined. Thank you.

 

I can't believe that you didn't go over this car with a fine tooth comb before pulling the trigger on it. Not even a PPI????? You bought it just because it had the specs you were looking for????? An Automatic????? Beware of all the electrical system of the car especially if the PO has been (so called) upgrading or modding it in any way. A classic case of leaping before a good thorough look. I just have to go now and smash my head against a wall as I can't believe what I am reading again. Before I go I wish you the best of luck and please accept my deepest sympothy on the Automatic part of the car as well. YIEEKS I hope you havent bought a BIG BIG LEMON haha

 

So... Bigetc... he is a suggestion for you . You really want to know in what shape your car is so, find an independent Porsche shop and let them do a serious Pre Purchase Inspection and see what they tell you. That will give you a base line, it will allow you to figure out if and where you need to spend money or not and basically it will give you peace of mind.
Then, get yourself a CARFAX for the car and pay the 35 bucks for it and see what that tells you. Next go to the Porsche USA website and request a build document ie it's a Certificate that shows ALL the options and engine / chassis numbers etc. That is always good to have , then check the numbers if you have some spare time. Once you have done that ... relax and enjoy the car ... Welcome to the Club!

 

Ok, so you've isolated the issue, CD player trying to load disk, should be an easy fix for the local Best Buy or other installer.
Getting a baseline PPI would be a good idea, but I will say this no car, I don't care what type is "perfect." And you will at some point you'll have issues, we ALL do. What I would suggest is an oil change, brake fluid flush, and radiator flush.
Look, this is your car, you bought it for reasons only you know, and if it has the specs and options you wanted/liked that's good for you, you got what you like, so enjoy your car, mod it if you want doing what you like, bottom line it's your baby, enjoy her.

Jim

 

An update of my car. Since I acquire the car a month ago, I have been driving it a lot to work and even bring my kid to school. This is truely a car for daily use. I bought this car at a price of a new accord, and I am surely a lot happier driving it. The only downside yet is the fuel consumption is really bad when stuck in traffic. Thx.

 

Fuel consumption??? That is the price you pay to play... It's just a minor nuisance and you can charge it . LOL.
No problems then??