Recently, I posted in the alt.autos.porsche.911 newsgroup regarding an issue I have been experiencing with my '02 996 TT. Specifically, it "pops" out of second gear while de-accelerating unless I keep light pressure on the gearshift with my hand.
Now, I may have a problem getting it fixed.
Background info:
I purchased this car from a reputable Porsche dealership about a year and a half ago. It had 18,200 miles on it and was being sold as a "Certified PreOwned Vehicle" under the Porsche CPO program. The CPO warranty was for two years from date of purchase.
Within a day or two, I noticed the second gear issue. I also noticed a minor problem with the CD player (only plays out of the left side speakers).
During a follow-up visit to the dealership, I mentioned these issues to the salesman from whom I bought the car and I asked him if they were covered under the CPO warranty. He indicated yes, and also checked with an associate who agreed. I was told to make an appointment at my convenience and their tech would take care of it. (He suggested it was "probably" a minor cable adjustment).
He also told me that he had noticed the "pop" out problem also, either the day before or the morning of the day I took delivery. He had driven the car briefly .... I believe it was to put gas in it ..... just before I picked it up and he recalled the transmission popping out of second gear as I described.
I waited until the car was otherwise due for service, but before the warranty expired. The car runs fine and the "pop out" issue is more of a nuisance than a major problem. I have only put 2000 miles on the car since I took delivery and store it during the winter months.
10 days ago I brought it to the dealership for the annual service and also to address the second gear issue and the minor problem with the CD player. I received a phone call a couple of days later. Seems the CD player was not covered under warranty, but the second gear issue *was* covered according to the service manager. Unfortunately, it was not a simple cable adjustment however. The fix involves removing the transmission and replacing a gear. (I assume this is the 2nd gear syncro gear). The service manager indicated the work would take about a week and wanted to know if they should proceed, or did I have plans for the car. I asked them to go ahead and repair it.Today, I was told that the dealership and Porsche are "fighting" over the warranty coverage. Seems that if they (Porsche) determines the failure is due to a design or workmanship issue, it's covered. If they determine it's due to abuse, it's not. There's also a question as to parts availability. Apparently in the past this problem (not totally uncommon, I've discovered) was resolved by replacing the entire transmission. I was told that they later authorized replacing the failed parts only. But, meanwhile, my car sits and there's a question as to if the repair will be done under warranty or not.
My position is this.
I bought the car with 18,200 miles on it. It was advertised and purchased as a Porsche approved CPO vehicle. It's supposed to be 100% checked out and free of any major problems. I can accept the CD player issue. But not the transmission problem.
The problem with the transmission existed before I took delivery. The salesman acknowledged that it happened to him when he drove it just prior to me picking it up.
I think Porsche should belly up and fix it.
I asked about "worst case" if they refused. It could be a $10,000 "fix" ... out of my pocket.
Interested in opinions/recommendations or any input from officials at Porsche.
Richard Eriksson