Hello Folks. I just purchase a 2005 base 997, one owner with 23,000 miles in Guards Red. I love the car and was breaking in my new Flex buffer when you can guess the rest... Immediately after spending no less than 3 hours of pleasurable buffing, I received the dreaded system malfunction warning. I researched and found why it is recommended to NOT use a buffer or microfiber towel on the headlights. Anyway, what a surprise! The malfunction will go away for about 10 seconds when I turn the headlights from off to on, or on to off. Does anyone have a link to a post on how to replace the front control module? I have read it is not too difficult of a project; however, cannot find a detailed posting on how to go about it. Thanks in advance for any help you have to offer.

 

I have the same exact issue on my 05 C2S. Mine happened simply using a microfiber towel on the headlights. Looks like the new part number you want is 99761851201. I pm'ed a couple of guys that had the same issue and they said its plug n play so I'm going to try it during thanksgiving break. Let me know if you find a detailed DIY before then. Btw, the price I got from suncoast is $365. If you find a better price please share. Good Luck

 

Static is a big enemy of these modules.
part # 997-610-105-11
I'll check for a diagram of the location.

 

Exact same thing just happened to me too! First time owner. I've had the car for about a month. Did a 3 stage polish|detail this past weekend. Was working on the headlights and suddenly heard the doors lock? Didn't think anything of it other than odd. Today I took the car out and I got the System Failure message.

I found Sunset Porsche in Oregon sells them for $311 but they are out of stock. I want to get this resolved asap, so I'm gonna pay a bit more and just get the part from my local dealership.

BTW.... the current part number is 99761851201. I'm hoping the revised part number means the corrected the issue?

 

So new to 997's...what is this issue in greater detail???

Thanks for the education!

 

Thank you for saving me from this headache. First detail is coming this weekend. Never would have thought I coudl'nt put a microfiber towel near the headlights. So whats the answer, dont dry them?

 

Before you guys buy the module, see if you could first clear the fault. I made the mistake 2x while cleaning and both times my local shop was able to reset it for me.

 

Sorry for the delay in my response! I forgot about being a member and was searching this topic once again. As fate would have it, I went to Porsche of Nashville and yes, the malfunction was cleared – the technician did all but laugh at me when I told him how I theorized what had happened. He explained there was NO WAY my detailing activities caused this and that the problem was with the rear module. Apparently he thought the rear module must have been installed recently and was in need of reprogramming?? $95 later the malfunction indicator was cleared (not bad money wise). Months have gone by since having the malfunction cleared with no issues including buffing no less than a dozen more times. Anyway, guess what? I was working the car over when I ran a microfiber towel over (you know what’s coming..) the front right headlight and BAM!! I heard the same dreaded sound from under the hood just like before. I immediately started the Porsche and the malfunction indicator came on with the dreaded red exclamation point. This time I will invest in a Durametric diagnostic tool for Porsche AND stop buffing those headlights. I have never heard of such insanity – being a car enthusiast, I have owned over 50+ cars in my lifetime (I’m currently 45 years old) and this is a first for me. Now that I know the playing rules, I will only use cotton to “clean” the front headlights on this early model 997. BTW reading is not that fundamental – I have had the crap scared out of me with regard to IMS failures – as such, I purchased an aftermarket warranty through the Porsche dealership – Easy Care. It cost me a pretty penny, but before purchasing I contact several shops in Nashville that work on Porsche vehicles and was told Easy Care is a good one to work with. I guess time will tell… One last note: My Dad is loving this because he would never purchase a Porsche and thinks it’s funny he can wipe his Honda Accord all day long and nothing goes wrong – he simply doesn’t get it. I currently own a Z4, 72 Chevelle and 67 Mustang for “toys” – the Porsche is by far my favorite.

 

Buffing the headlights can also remove the protective hard coating resulting in fogged yellowish lenses eventually.

 

I know, but I do like having clear headlights. Of course not at the expense of having damages.