Was at the local P-dealer today getting an oilfilter, and was bs'ing with the service manager about the new pdk 997's. From what I was told today, If you use the launch feature on the car more than 6-10x's and the tranny pops, Porsche will not cover the tranny. Everytime you use it, it stamps a code in the DME. Any truth to this?

 

anyone that buys a 911 for the purposes of stoplight hole shots should have their warranty voided.

 

Never heard that one before...if this was true that there is a limit to launch control wouldn't it be in the owners manual? Anyone want to cal PCNA in Atlanta and get the straight truth?

 

If you guys think the launch control on the PDK in 1st gear is awesome, try it in reverse. LOL. Now I think someone at the dealer was talking BS.

 

You have to admit we live in an interesting world. Some argue and deny what's plainly written in the warranty or owner's manual, but others readily believe what someone tells them despite the fact that it's nowhere to be found in writing.

 

From what I call on the demo day, there's 4 levels of fail-safe build-in to the PDK...

You get the blinking trans. temp warning light, then the RPM drops 1k, RPM drops 1k again, then the launch control completely disabled itself (ie. won't rev even if you hold the brake & gas it).

Yes EVERYTHING is logged into the computer, and if it does show you're attempting to break the tranny on purpose they will not replace it under warranty. There's no servicable part for the tranny as of now so that means a brand new tranny.

And I think you're only supposed to use LC every 2-3 miles so the it gets to cool down. Don't quote me on this tho. I think this might have even been in the owner's manual.

 

I went last fall to the Porsche "launch" of the new 997.2 with PDK. One of the exercises we did was learn how to use the "launch control" There was not one mention of any limit to the times other than the fact it couldn't be launched back to back without a very short cooling period. The new cars we used were launched repeatedly all morning.

 

I doubt that there is any limitation. There's no question however, that LC does stress the tranny, axles, and engine.

 

No one with a love of fine machinery would do this more than once imo.

 

Why not...? It is part of the design... That is why you pay big bucks....

 

Logic says that unless Porsche puts something in writing in the owner's manual stating specifically doing something deemed to be abusive would void the warranty, especially when it's a capability built into the car, it would be hard to not cover it under warranty. ON THE OTHER HAND, if someone trashed 1-2 transmissions in a relatively short period of time, I could see Porsche warning a customer that further warranty claims would not be paid for. It comes down to common sense to some degree!

 

No, thats why YOU pay big bucks. I pay big bucks for different reasons. Go launch, but the truth is that if thats what you were looking for there might be better cars. It's all good. Enjoy, but you can't borrow my car.

 

it isnt a R35 GTR i think we're fine,

 

During the launch of the 997.2, the Porsche rep was teaching everyone how to use LC. That car had to have been launched every half hour for half a day. I thought I heard from someone at the dealer that the system lowers the launch revs when the system gets stressed and will also disable itself when pushed too much.

 

I know I've read somewhere recently in a performance magazine test, that they were told by a Porsche rep on site that they could use launch control 20 times in a row with no ill effects on the car or the warranty. It'll reduce/stop launch functionality automatically before you can damage the transmission.

It seems likely to me that it's not wise though; it's GOT to be very tough on the car whether it'll fail right then, or some future bang into 2nd gear. Warranty or not, car out of commission and squabbling with dealer/Porsche is no fun.