993 - Cabriolet recall notice

[993C2EX]

For those 993 cab owners who might have experienced issues with the roof locking mechanism...

I came across this last week.
There's a recall on the 993 roof locking mechanism.

This is a Canadian recall but presumably the mechanism is the same for all nationality cars.
Here's a link to the Transport Canada site but I suspect this affects other countries as well.

https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&mk=2003&mkName=PORSCHE&md=911%20CARRERA&fy=1997&ty=1997&ft&ls=0&sy=0&syName=All%20Systems&all=0&rn=2004449&cf=SearchResult&pg=0&fbclid=IwAR2se1H_UC1XCuBTPJXM8dOl5VjQwR7TXjgaSftsQUUegwVH7ghNoDhAuUQ

Recall Details[/h1]


Transport Canada Recall # 2004-449[/h2]Recall Date2004-12-29Last Updated2019-03-07Notification TypeSafety MfrSystemOtherIssued byPORSCHEManufacturer Recall NumberA502Units Affected

386CategoryCarRecall DetailsOn certain vehicles, a crack in the electric roof locking motor's helical gear can result in the catch lever no longer holding the roof firmly to the windscreen frame. If both roof locking motors fail, the softtop could open while the car is in motion. Correction: Dealers will replace both roof locking motors. The new electric motors have a stronger gear mechanism, which locks the roof into the closed position. Also, a new sensor system within the motor assembly provides an improved control signal to the instrument cluster if the roof is not properly closed when the driver drives off.MakeModelModel Year(s) AffectedPORSCHE911 CARRERA1995 1996 1997 1998Manufacturer NameContact NumberWeb SitePORSCHE1-800-767-7243

 

[tscaptain]

Moved this to the 993 forum

 

[MoC2S]

Hi Geoff

Yes, I publicised this around that time (mid 200s) to UK Forum members, any cabriolet owner should check for evidence it has been done, if in doubt visit the nearest friendly PC, or run the VIN checker against outstanding recalls.

cheers, Maurice

 

[993C2EX]

Thanks Maurice,
I wasn't fortunate enough to be a 993 owner back then and that is a real shame.
When I first bought mine I had quite a bit of expensive work done on the mechanisms by Porsche Exeter all paid for and none on free recall. I have a very comprehensive service history and no mention of these being recalled / replaced.
The VIN search doesn't seem comprehensive but I suppose not all cars were recalled.
Are you aware of any way of visually checking to see if they are original locks or have been replaced ?

 

[MoC2S]

I'm pretty sure the recall applied to all Cabs, and Porsche Exeter should have been aware of it. (I meant mid-2000s as you certainly noted)

I suggest a phone call to the service dept (manager), noting the work you had done when, explaining you need to know if this mandatory safety recall was performed ..

If that doesn't cut the mustard, I'd very surprised !

cheers, Maurice

 

[MoC2S]

Just to back up my statement above, look at 'Sues ..' post here from 2011 ..
https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=606261

I'm sorry, we used to have a large Tech Articles / FAQ, but someone screwed up the T&Cs to remove IP rights from contributors ..

Which VIN recall tool are you using ?

cheers, Maurice

 

[MoC2S]

https://recall.porsche.com/prod/pag/vinrecalllookup.nsf/VIN?ReadForm&c=gb

??

 

[993C2EX]

Hi Maurice,
This is the message I get for that VIN tool...


Last updated Feb 28,2021
Recalls[/h2]
There are currently no open recalls for this vehicle.

Maybe thats because the work has already been carried out ?... I need to arrange the annual service so I'll speak with Exeter about this also so what they can say from their records...

 

[MoC2S]

I thought it was mandatory for performance of a recall to be documented in the service book .. this one had serious safety implications, if not as serious as the engine harness one (fire, destruction etc)!

Does this sound alarm calls to anyone else as to the Club's disregard for all this stuff .. [:-] .. serious question !!

cheers, Maurice

 

[993C2EX]

Apparently Porsche opt out of the Ombudsman register which seems to bring together all recalls across all manufacturers and so the only recall register and only way of checking is via Porsche themselves. It lists no recalls outstanding, none issued, none completed against my VIN number.
Ive just written to OPC Exeter as I need to arrange the annual service and asked them to clarify this for me also.
I'll let you know what their response is.

 

[MoC2S]

OK .. !

I'll write to the R&T Director seeking clarification cc: chairperson .. [:-]

Can't Say no More !!

cheers, Maurice

 

[993C2EX]

Hi Maurice,
PC Exeter responded to say that the recall parts replacement was completed on my 993 at Porsche centre Guilford September 2007.
Though it is not detailed online and not stamped in the service book, Exeter suggest that, if I wish, I can write to Porsche Guilford and ask them to check their records and update my service book.
They also attached a screen shot ..... which I would like to attach to this message but am struggling to do so.
This states specifically for my car that there are no outstanding recalls and that the recall for the hood locks was completed.
It seems that all is well.

Thanks you for your support through this post.

 

[MoC2S]

And ... relax ! Result !

It is an important issue that must be addressed, tho', so I'll take it on !

cheers, Maurice

 

[MoC2S]

Hi Maurice,
They also attached a screen shot ..... which I would like to attach to this message but am struggling to do so.
This states specifically for my car that there are no outstanding recalls and that the recall for the hood locks was completed.
It seems that all is well.
Thanks you for your support through this post.

Hi Geoff

If you copy and paste the screen shot into a new word doc, you should be able to attach it here - use the full reply version .. !

Don't just drop in a jpg ! It makes a mess !!

cheers, Maurice

 

[993C2EX]

wow this is clumpy.... so here we go the pdf of the completed recall from the Porsche system....

Download

 

[MoC2S]

Ok .. so you have full Acrobat, its just that copy / paste of a jpg on a forum post creates pages of cr#p.

So its recall A502 of course, it had slipped my mind in the intervening 16 years .. sorry I can't quote the full text anyway .. but >> https://rennlist.com/forums/993-forum/177338-porsche-recalls-18-000-993-cab-5.html

Don't tell them I sent you ! cheers, Maurice

 

[paulwalters]

Geoff, I had a problem at the weekend with the cabriolet roof not closing on my 993 C2, due to the roof locking motors failing to actuate. The front of the top was locked in a position above the top of the windscreen with a 25mm gap and could not be moved when operating the toggle switch. I had to loosen the 2 x 19mm bolts each side of the rear seats and open the top manually. I think there could be a fault with the roof locking motors, also I have no history of my car undergoing the recall for replacing the locking motors. Have you experienced a similar problem and has your 993 cab had the recall work done ?
Thanks for any advice.
Paul

 

[993C2EX]

Hi Paul,
You describe the exact fault that I had and also releasing the overrides to lower the roof.
it should also be noted that this happened to me on a very hot summers day and so I think expansion played a part.
My system was rectified by Porsche Exeter but at quite a cost and following two visits as it’s quite a technical challenge to synchronise the two motors.
fortunately for me I had just bought the car so I agreed a 50/50 cost split with the seller.
the issue was not with the locks a d microswitches as the roof didn’t meet the top of the windscreen. More to do with the motors and drive cables.
however the locks and switches also had to be aligned once the drive system was rectified.
history shows that my locks and switches mechanics had been replaced previously on the recall.
you can search this against the VIN number on the Porsche website or you can just ask your local Porsche dealer to confirm this for you.
Let me know if you need more info, compare costs etc.
best of luck!