Recently, I posted here 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 from
Porsche.
Richard Eriksson
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