Sounds like your turbo is over 35K miles. And sounds like a 0430 code....could and is a cat or 02 sensor going bad. A P-tech can tell you the code even tho light is off again. The cat-warranty is good for 70-80K but you pay for install, if you're past 4yr/50K. The 02 sensor is covered by extented warranty. I corrected my 0430 code mess with EP1 using original 02 sensors.

 

Thanks Johnww,

Actually, the car only has 9900 miles on it and I bought it with only 7600 (still under factory warranty till end of August). The light came on friday and I took it to Newport Porsche. They ran it on the computer and the service rep said it was either a faulty 02 sensor or MAF sensor issue. He said it was safe to drive (I had a lady friend coming in for the weekend and wanted the car available ). I was supposed to take it in today so they could work it up, but the light turned off by itself during the weekend. The service rep said they need the light on to diagnose the problem?? That didn't sound right to me but I figured, as long as it's off and everything seems to be working, I'll take it in later.

 

That tech rep needs to go back to school. Those codes are recorded and can be identified even when they go off. Could be MAF sensor issue because these components are exposed to water when you wash the car or when the vehicle sits still in the rain. just ask the # of code when you go in next.
Above all do not wait until the factory warranty has expired to fix things. I failed to get a code 0430 fixed (bad cat) as well as the second horn replaced and now I use one horn because the front bumper has to be removed to get to the horn. Its not the $300 so much, just the idea that one horn gets wet easily and many of these turbos have only one horn as a consequence and the owner never realizes it until it is too late. The same problem exists with the mass air sensor etc, these as noted above get wet especially when the car is washed.

 

even the most basic 50$ pocket code reader from sears will show all codes, active and pending.
btw I had my horn replaced under warranty, still a pia.

 

Its funny you mention that John. I think you and I are the only ones pissed off on this forum about the amount of water that gets in the engine compartment after a wash (I just cover the engine with towels now before every wash). My CEL came on after the first time I washed the car not realizing the awful design for letting in so much water. I even asked this service rep about the water issue and he said something like, "I dunno, never heard about that." How can you be servicing Porsche's for decades and not hear or see the engine getting soaked after a car wash?? I agree, the guy seemed like a tool but they're the only authorized Porsche service place in Orange County, Ca. I will definately have them work the issue up while I have the factory warranty. I still have 2 years cert after that but I've heard the cert warranty is not as all encompassing as the original. Thanks for you concern.