991 Targa 4S bust Pillar Flap - hook mechanism appears to be weak

[aholymanjones55]

ADVISORY

When my Targa was in for its 1st service and collecting the car I noticed when I dropped the hood that the passenger side, Pillar Flap (part no. 991-562-179-0) looked wonky (it's located just behind the top of the seat below the Targa rail). The said part has a hook at the bottom to which is tensioned in place by a tread/length of cord as part of the hood mechanism, no hook no tension and rubber pad does not locate properly.

Porsche Reading ordered a new part from Stuttgart and then fitted as part of warranty.

Whilst waiting for part, operation of Targa was not effected.

Pillar Flap is hidden when hood is closed was contoured at edge and covers over the pillar flap. You can see from below top was mashed up and hook is missing at the bottom


[attachment=IMG_1915 copy.jpg]

 

[aholymanjones55]

Just thought I ought to add the driver side went in exactly same place (failed hook) just before I set off for Le Mans.

Whilst away, I noticed first misting on the drivers rear view mirror. LED film is failing (auto dimming) and now this and new back plate booked in for new replacements under warranty.

On return from Le Mans and putting car away...came back a couple of days later to find a curving crack on windscreen. No obvious sign of a chip which started from base (by plastic wrap round into front luggage bay). Some 8 inches in height and 15 inches in length.

New replacement on order [it takes a couple of days to come over from Stuggart] (covered by my Lockton policy).

Grand total to replace is some £1,325 (parts and labour).

 

[aholymanjones55]

Got the car back after 3 days at Reading.

New windscreen. They were also mystified as to how a stone chip could get so low below the wiper blade given the bonnet curve means angle would be almost vertical to get in. Anyway all now done.

Both sides rubber back plates now replaced within 3 months of each other. I'm told officially this is a known weakness. Tension on cord cuts through the hook, over time. Porsche need to reinforce /upgrade hook strength.