http://editorial.autos.msn.com/10-used-cars-to-avoid#10

MSN autos does not favor the 2006 911! Anybody can confirm if what they are writing is true or just another fabricated article to take up web space?

 

I didn't see any stats to back up the claim. Not sure why the 2006 would be any different than the 2007. News to me and I am very skeptical.

 

They are probably making a reference to the infamous Alternator/Starter cable which was weak and a nonsense on the 2005 and 2006 models. I am not aware of any coolant issues, besides the fact that you have to upgrade the expansion tank cap to the latest cap, for a mere $20.00 (revision .04).

The alternator cable issue is real ( I suffer from it almost every day) and I have obtained the parts to replace it. I just need to find the time to get to it.

Otherwise, after 18 months with a 2006 C4S and 10K miles, I am very happy.

Yves

 

Alternator cable is a real problem. Had mine fixed under an aftermarket warranty. Warranty paid $1900, dealer would have charged me $1100 for no warranty. Other than that, car has been great. Only other warranty item was a blown water pump at 50K miles.

 

Yves,

How can you identify which cap you have?

Thanks

 

for the sake of us 'newbie's ...can someone further explain the 'alternator cable' problem ... and what is involved for a $1,100-$1,900 repair bill for same ??

Thanks
Greg

 

The new radiator cap is easy to identify:

- It will not leak and leave tiny/small puddles of white and dry liquid on the expansion vase.
- Its part number terminates with a .04 (4th revision of the cap before Porsche got it right).


The alternator cable is a nightmare and very embarrassing on the road if you come to stall the engine:

- The cable design and construction is poor and the crimping is unreliable. There are many posts on that subject. Obvious symptoms is that you cannot restart the engine if the cable or the engine is hot. So, if you stall in the middle of a junction, you are doomed...pretty much. The resistance of the cable gets so high (because of the heat of the engine) that your starter will barely turn, giving a very pathetic noise to the engine and attracting all the attention that you do not need at that moment.
- When the engine is cold, there is no problem with the cable.
- Replacing the cable is not an easy task and can cost a significant amount of money as most of the 2006 cars are without warranty.
- It can be done by the owner, but requires a lot of knowledge, tools and patience. The cable is worth $100 in spare parts and one can wonder how Porsche screwed it up so royally with this one.

Yves

 

yep, it's PN#997.607.018.03, or similar, and is the cable that goes from starter to alternator to...(?? trans? battery connection?). anyway, there are actually a few diff cables that are part of the starting sequence but this one is almost always the culprit. i have a feeling anything over $1k is the stealership charging for the other cables/replacement that arent needed, including one that goes from battery box to engine bay, which means they have to take out the console = $.

i think an indy is usu around $750 for parts + labor for that harness. seems to cure everyone's ills.

 

I have a 2006 997S and appreciate the information.

 

I recently replaced the Alternator Cable on my 2005 997S. Never had a complete failure just a lot of very weak and slow cranking.

The cable comes in two (2) version I believe. One for manual tranny and other for TIP tranny. It cost less than $100 and most Indy shops will do the replacement for $500 or less. Porsche wanted $2K for the replacement. Their procedures say you have to drop the motor and possibly the tranny to get to the cable. My Indy did it w/o dropping either the motor or tranny. It requires some tough places to get your hands and tools into but it can be done. Of course I was out of warranty when I did this. I asked Porsche to help out they brushed me off. If you have 2005 or 2006 and still have some CPO warranty left I'd find a way to convince Porsche to replace the cable.

 

So much for the MSN claims! Let's see these stats!You can about pick a problem with any make,model or year of any vehicle!Some more than others!

 

I had my harness replaced on my 07 Targa 4S last year , still under warranty. I was experiencing the "slow crank" occasionally. I brought it to the dealer , they said they charged the battery , blah blah blah. I returned a week later telling them the problem was not fixed. I was reluctant at first , I thought that maybe "
all Porsches were like this" , with the slow crank sound.
I told them if they don't fix " I will start every Porsche on the lot to make them listen to the crank sound difference.
Anyhow, they fixed it.
Just my story.

 

There is a great DIY thread which includes the cable replacement here: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post3427155

 

The MSN claims are completely founded and true. I can testify of them.

A few people went the road to replace the cable themselves, but it is not an easy path, although the part itself is not very expensive ($100). As indicated, Equinox published a Do-it-yourself guide but it is not for the faint of heart. The cable goes between the gearbox and the alternator and starter (Y shaped).

It is absolutely unthinkable that Porsche would let such issue slip by, as they have a long history and records of rear based engine cars. This kind of issues would be acceptable from a new and obscure low quality manufacturer, but is not tolerable from a high-end cars manufacturer.

Besides what is listed by MSN, the car remains a wonder to drive and use on a daily basis.

Yves

 

MSN says: "The 2006 Porsche 911 appears to be an anomaly, with problematic electrical and engine cooling systems."

Making it sound much worse than a simple (albeit expensive) alternator cable issue or a $20 radiator cap.

They make it sound like there is a design flaw.