New Boxster S Owner requires help please.

[Madsaint10]

Hi all,
1st post and new to Porsche so be gentle with me!

I purchased a 2005 Boxster S 3.2 Tiptronic last month. I am very happy with it except for a ‘gearbox issue’.

Having researched this on many forums, for many hours before jumping in, I wanted to really accurately describe the issue so as not to get helpful people jumping to previously dealt with advise.

Issue: In 4^th gear, at around 2,000 RPM (upwards of 40 mph as a rule) after acceleration has stopped and I am trying to maintain a speed, say behind another car or observing a speed limit) the car is reluctant to change in to top gear (5^th). It feels like the car thinks it is in Sport Mode, even though it doesn’t have a Sport Mode, and eventually will drop in to 5^th if you release the accelerator. Travelling along B roads can be more tedious with constant gear changes at 40 – 50 mph. Just maintaining speed. Once in top gear and cruising on main roads is not a problem. I do NOT get the revving/slipping symptom others have described. Only annoying staying in 4^th or changing up and down between 4^th & 5^th. I have had a diagnostic read and it has a Fault Code 0700 Torque Converter Lockup Clutch (see notes below) No clue what this means!

NOTES
[*]The Torque Converter has been replaced twice in the recent past (the 2^nd time fully refurbished earlier this year by Precision Porsche in Sussex) This was less than 2 – 3000 miles ago. [*]At the same time Precision Porsche changed the transmission oil & filter. Porsche recommended transmission oil was used (004320700)[*]The car has 70,000 miles on the clock. [*]In Tiptronic Mode it works perfectly and there are no issues at all. [*]I have no history or knowledge about the gearbox ECU, whether it is the original or an aftermarket unit, nor any later configurations.[/LIST]
I am no mechanic. Neither would I suggest I am mechanically minded, but my question is this. Are there people out there who can read/tap in to the gearbox ECU and reprogram it to be less sporty? or is this something I can do with a diagnostic machine? I do have one. The fact that the TQ has gone wrong twice before. Is that indicative of another problem? Or just bad luck? Do you know of any Southern (coast) gearbox ECU/Technicians that may be able to help me get this fixed?

This is spoiling what would otherwise be a perfect experience. Any help would be really appreciated and please remember I am not a tekkie!!!
Thanks

 

[Tracy_Wilkins]

Hi
Welcome to the club and congrats on your new car. If you would like to contact our register technical guy he will be able to help
steve@jazweb.co.uk
Regards
Tracy

 

[Motorhead]

Hi Mark,

From your description of the problem and the torque converter fault code, it sounds as though the lock-up clutch may not be engaging properly - a mechanical and/or electronic problem? I think that your first port of call should be to Precision Porsche who you say worked on the torque converter earlier this year. Surely they guarantee their work?

As Tracy says, Steve Winter of Jaz Porsche should be able to give you some useful independent advice.

Jeff

 

[Madsaint10]

Thank you Jeff & Tracy. Very useful steers. I have indeed emailed Steve, so fingers crossed! It's annoying, but in the grand scheme of things.....I know.
Mark