Yellow timing light

[stevenewman33]

I have a 987 Boxster - and yellow light comes on - sometimes for a few days and then goes off again. I took it to a local garage for a diagnostic plug in test and it showed up Timing on Bank 1. Mechanic said it could be a stretched timing chain? - but it was not making any rattling noise? - he said leave it alone.

Porsche main dealership to replace timing chain probably needs engine dropped out etc and cost a few thousands of pounds. I am leaving it alone for the time being.

 

[Motorhead]

Hi Steve,

Do you mean the Check Engine Light [CEL]? Was the garage a Porsche specialist?

Rather than a timing chain issue, it may just be a faulty VarioCam solenoid on that bank. I’d be inclined to get a second opinion from a reputable Porsche Independent; it’s something with which they should be familiar and perhaps will be able to give you some better informed advice.

Jeff

 

[ianthow]

I have a 987 Boxster - and yellow light comes on - sometimes for a few days and then goes off again. I took it to a local garage for a diagnostic plug in test and it showed up Timing on Bank 1. Mechanic said it could be a stretched timing chain? - but it was not making any rattling noise? - he said leave it alone.

Porsche main dealership to replace timing chain probably needs engine dropped out etc and cost a few thousands of pounds. I am leaving it alone for the time being.

I agree with Jeff, if the message was specific to one bank, most commonly the Variocam solenoid. Very common and can be intermittent as you describe. I would expect some roughness when the solenoid is not functioning correctly.

 

[malarcy]

What was the actual code returned. ?

Depending on the tool the “it’s timing” is just some text someone decided to assign to the code - might be true might be an interpretation and “might be engine out “ is a google response. If the timing chain was stretched it wouldn’t “heal up” so in my mind the “mechanics” commentary just got “filed” it might be true it might be nonsense but it doesn’t seem to be backed up with fact.