GT4 3rd Gear Failure

[Motorhead]

Ralph,

It was my impression too that the *X part number referred to rebuilt transmissions. However I note that the Service Bulletin gives the part number as ending in CX. Very odd!

Presumably the damaged transmissions are shipped straight back to Getrag for whom it will be much cheaper just to strip and repair them and put them back on the shelf, given that the damage is relatively minor and that they’re low mileage.

Jeff

Edit: Just noticed that it’s a US Service Bulletin so maybe the *X part numbers are US specific?

 

[Brian_Innes]

Just as a matter of interest, are the 3rd gear failures reported on 718 Cayman's on the manual or PDK versions? On my track days I'm slamming full throttle upshifts in Sport Plus mode several times per lap. Likewise, downshifting under heavy braking from 4th to 3rd.

These GT4 3rd gear failures also affecting some 718 gearboxes has got me worried.

I'm unsure whether PDK and manual gearboxes share some of the same internal components.

Brian

 

[ralphmusic]

Brian,

The 3rd gear issue is on manuals only

Ralph

 

[Motorhead]

Brian,

As Ralph has pointed out, the problem only applies to the manual transmissions which are manufactured by Getrag. Your PDK transmission is of ZF manufacture.

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

That's what I wanted to hear.

Thanks guys.

Brian

 

[Jonfosaurus]

Hi, resurrecting an old thread, but can confirm this does indeed affect 981 GTS (with PTV). Lost 3rd gear under acceleration on Friday, and recovered to OPC. Registered in June 2016 so tallies with the build dates mentioned. On the plus side, they’ve comfirmed gearbox will be replaced as Porsche don’t allow repair - I’m hoping this means replacement with the upgraded unit. Is there anything else I should ask them to check / replace while doing the work? less than 15k miles so clutch should be fine, but don’t want to take for granted that they would advise on anything else if no visible issues. Hope you guys had a better weekend and were able to enjoy your cars!

 

[VvrooomM]

My 2016/16 981 Spyder has just lost third gear. Changing from 2nd to 3rd around 50 under load. New gearbox under warranty. Portsmouth disputed the fact it was a known issue??

 

[Jonfosaurus]

Pretty much exactly what happened to me. All other gears ok? 3rd spinning uselessly? Amazing how they can even suggest it is not a known issue. Just be glad we had warranties and didn’t have to argue. Service advisor at Sheffield said it was very unlikely Porsche would have honoured it out if warranty. I know most manufacturers are reluctant to pay out but it would put me off buying another Porsche to be honest, the issue is there in black and white.

 

[Twinfan]

It was a known issue for cars built in a certain timeframe - 2016MY cars built in late 2015 to early 2016. Getrag switched out a spline for a spot weld(?) or similar on some gearboxes and they had a tendency to fail. There was the recall Ralph started this thread with for GT4s built in a particular date range to have replacement gearboxes fitted. The same 'box was fitted to other Caysters in that date range but they were not subject to the recall. I guess Porsche assumed the GT4s would more likely see hard use and therefore it was a preventative measure.

Despite what the OPCs said, I would expect Porsche to show some goodwill if the fault occurs on a non-GT4 and you have an OPC service history but no extended warranty (i.e. you've shown some support to the network). Certainly worth kicking up a fuss if it happens to you.

 

[Motorhead]

I see that Jonathan had the problem on his 981 GTS Dave (I’m sure other instances have been recorded?), so the problem wasn’t restricted to GT4s, although whether or not you’d be covered if you don’t have an extended warranty is open to question. As a design/manufacturing fault you’d have a good case for a replacement FOC based upon recorded instances even if you’re out of warranty … although I suspect that you’d have to fight for it! []

Jeff

 

[Twinfan]

I'm not saying the failures don't or didn't happen on other cars Jeff, I'm saying they weren't subject to the recall []

 

[Motorhead]

Understood Dave, and that seems to be the case. Porsche damage limitation!

Incidentally, here’s an odd thing. The 987.1 PET shows the availability of all the transmission internal parts (gearbox and diff) but the 987.2 and 981 only list a replacement transmission, although the part number for the replacement is the same for the 987.2 and very similar for the 981 (987 300 010 xx vs 981 300 010 xx). I’m sure that it’s the same transmission, and still in use on the 718-series.

Jeff

 

[Twinfan]

My understanding is that it's the same gearbox too Jeff, but I think the final drive differs very slightly in the 987 series versus 981/982.

This is why the current fad of criticising the long gearing in the Cayster cars annoys me - it has always been thus!

 

[Motorhead]

That’s possibly the case Dave, and agreed on your point about the long gearing. Plus, the PDK transmission hasn’t improved the situation significantly.

My comment about internals was really to point out that although parts are available to rebuild a 987.1 transmission, strictly speaking a 987.2 unit can’t be rebuilt because the parts aren’t listed, which seems more than a little odd to me. Although a Porsche dealer presumably would be allowed to rebuild a 987.1 transmission I assume that they couldn’t rebuild one for a 987.2, even though it’s the same unit as far as I can make out. Who knows?

Jeff