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		|  12-10-2017, 11:51 AM | #1 |  
	| duke2003boxster 
				 
				Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Oakland, CA 
					Posts: 15
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				Check engine light 2003 Porsche boxstet
			 
 
			Help!!, My check engine light is illuminating, My put my old scanner on the car and it's not showing any faults. Can anyone provide me a direction i should consider. I first thought I needed to replace the 2 camshaft sensors or the oxygen sensors. I also thought I should consider replacing the AOS. I don't want to just fix other stuff if it doesn't solve my proplem. I'm a DIYer, so I hope someone can help.
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		|  12-10-2017, 12:06 PM | #2 |  
	| Porsche "Purist" 
				 
				Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Wisconsin 
					Posts: 2,123
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			Sounds like a bad scanner.  Have an auto parts store check for codes.
		 
				__________________1998 Boxster with 7.8 DME, 2005 3.6 liter/325 hp, Variocam Plus, 996 Instrument panel
 2001 Boxster original owner.  I installed used motor at 89k.
 1987 924S.      2002 996TT.        PST-2
 Owned and repaired Porsches since 1974.  Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.
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		|  12-10-2017, 01:18 PM | #3 |  
	| Custom User Title Here 
				 
				Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ft. Leonard Wood 
					Posts: 6,167
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			Go to an Autozone or other parts store and have your codes read. No sense in replacing random parts in hopes of fixing it.    |  
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		|  12-10-2017, 02:39 PM | #4 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Europe 
					Posts: 139
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	Quote: 
	
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					Originally Posted by particlewave  Go to an Autozone or other parts store and have your codes read. No sense in replacing random parts in hopes of fixing it.   |  
Yeah I agree. Also, a failing AOS has other symptoms also, like white smoke on cold starts and abnormal idling...
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		|  12-10-2017, 04:55 PM | #5 |  
	| duke2003boxster 
				 
				Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Oakland, CA 
					Posts: 15
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				Follow up to vel issue
			 
 
			Okay, DIYers, I used a better scanner and got P0344, which is replace camshaft sensor bank1, finally found where to replace sensor, right front of engine, left sensor left rear of engine, check engine light gone. Thanks for all your help
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		|  12-11-2017, 07:06 PM | #6 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: California 
					Posts: 1,859
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	Quote: 
	
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					Originally Posted by baumnutde  Okay, DIYers, I used a better scanner and got P0344, which is replace camshaft sensor bank1, finally found where to replace sensor, right front of engine, left sensor left rear of engine, check engine light gone. Thanks for all your help |  
You found the camshaft sensors where????
		 
				__________________Jäger
 
 300K Mile Club
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		|  01-10-2018, 12:46 PM | #7 |  
	| duke2003boxster 
				 
				Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Oakland, CA 
					Posts: 15
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				Follow up to camshaft sensor issue
			 
 
			I have replaced the 2 camshaft sensors for my 2003 Porsche boxster, however, I still keep getting the CEL light on my dash.  Any help regarding what I need to check next would be appreciated.
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		|  01-10-2018, 12:57 PM | #8 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: It's a kind of magic..... 
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	Quote: 
	
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					Originally Posted by baumnutde  I have replaced the 2 camshaft sensors for my 2003 Porsche boxster, however, I still keep getting the CEL light on my dash.  Any help regarding what I need to check next would be appreciated. |  
What code(s) is it throwing?
		 
				__________________“Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth.  Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.”  - Albert Einstein
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		|  01-10-2018, 01:55 PM | #9 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Omaha 
					Posts: 2,953
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			Sorry for being Capt Obvious, but did you clear the codes after replacing the sensors?  The codes don't go away by themselves. 
And not sure about everyone else's auto parts stores, but here in Neb they can only check the codes, they can't clear them.      That change has only come in to play in the last yr.
		
				__________________GPRPCA Chief Driving Instructor
 2008 Boxster S Limited Edition  #005
 2008 Cayman S Sport - Signal Green
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		|  01-10-2018, 02:31 PM | #10 |  
	| duke2003boxster 
				 
				Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Oakland, CA 
					Posts: 15
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			Okay update. Used a better scanner and got the P0344 code.  Replaced both camshaft position sensors.  Cleared the codes, but they keep coming back after a short drive 30 miles or less.  therefore, I'm attempting to determine what other issues could be causing this problem. Very frustrating because can't get car smogged without this matter being cleared up.  Again thought about oxygen sensors (car has 78K miles, however, haven't gotten any other codes which would indicate sensor issue.  Please help
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		|  01-10-2018, 02:39 PM | #11 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: It's a kind of magic..... 
					Posts: 6,649
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	Quote: 
	
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					Originally Posted by baumnutde  Okay update. Used a better scanner and got the P0344 code.  Replaced both camshaft position sensors.  Cleared the codes, but they keep coming back after a short drive 30 miles or less.  therefore, I'm attempting to determine what other issues could be causing this problem. Very frustrating because can't get car smogged without this matter being cleared up.  Again thought about oxygen sensors (car has 78K miles, however, haven't gotten any other codes which would indicate sensor issue.  Please help |  
This fault code (P0344) is pretty clear. 
 
P0344 Camshaft position sensor 1 - open circuit 
  
 
Possible fault cause: 
 - Camshaft rotor (phase sensor wheel) damaged. 
  
 
You need to the check camshaft rotor for damage.
		 
				__________________“Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth.  Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.”  - Albert Einstein
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		|  01-22-2018, 09:01 AM | #12 |  
	| duke2003boxster 
				 
				Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Oakland, CA 
					Posts: 15
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			Okay, DIYer, how difficult is replacing the Camshaft rotor (phase sensor wheel).  I'm so frustrated with this issue after changing the camshaft sensor on the right front side (2003) and still getting the CEL light each time I reset it.  I can't get the car smogged until I get this matter resolved.  I"ve already been quoted an estimate of $800.00 to do this OUCH!!!, Any help from the group would really be appreciated.
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		|  01-22-2018, 06:39 PM | #13 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Canada 
					Posts: 73
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	Quote: 
	
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					Originally Posted by baumnutde  Okay, DIYer, how difficult is replacing the Camshaft rotor (phase sensor wheel).  I'm so frustrated with this issue after changing the camshaft sensor on the right front side (2003) and still getting the CEL light each time I reset it.  I can't get the car smogged until I get this matter resolved.  I"ve already been quoted an estimate of $800.00 to do this OUCH!!!, Any help from the group would really be appreciated. |  
Just to clarify, you can't get your car smog tested if there is a CEL light on OR it is giving you the Camshaft rotor error?  If so, will your car not pass if you simply take out the CEL bulb (a 15 minute job) from the cluster?
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		|  01-22-2018, 08:48 PM | #14 |  
	| Certified Boxster Addict 
				 
				Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Los Angeles 
					Posts: 7,669
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					Originally Posted by Porsche-Eh  ...you can't get your car smog tested if there is a CEL light on ? |  
^^ This is correct. ^^
 
To be more specific, illumination of the CEL light bulb is not what matters; the smog test equipment checks the ECU for emission failure codes and will not pass a car with a code.
		 
				__________________1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
 1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
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		|  01-22-2018, 09:12 PM | #15 |  
	| Custom User Title Here 
				 
				Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ft. Leonard Wood 
					Posts: 6,167
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	Quote: 
	
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					Originally Posted by Porsche-Eh  simply take out the CEL bulb (a 15 minute job) from the cluster? |  
Is this your "go-to" solution for CELs? I ask because this is the second time you've offered it as a "solution" in little more than a week. You should not be recommending this to others.
 
If you're not capable of fixing a car, you should look in to getting a regular mechanic that can.    |  
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		|  01-22-2018, 09:33 PM | #16 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: CO 
					Posts: 989
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			SO glad we don't have smog BS checks here anymore!
 But yeah, disabling the CEL is just stupid. Sorry. It is there for a reason, and with these engines should be paid attention to. To the OP, you will need to get it fixed one way or another.
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		|  01-23-2018, 04:08 PM | #17 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Canada 
					Posts: 73
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	Quote: 
	
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					Originally Posted by particlewave  Is this your "go-to" solution for CELs? I ask because this is the second time you've offered it as a "solution" in little more than a week. You should not be recommending this to others. 
If you're not capable of fixing a car, you should look in to getting a regular mechanic that can.   |  
Hahaha.... removing warning lights IS fixing it      I have a Autel MaxiDiag Elite for when things really do break.  Speaking of which, I'll post a new thread for you PW that if I can't fix (code 46) will result in another bulb being pulled       Pretty soon, I think I will have no cluster - might as well remove that too.  
 
OP:  Wow, okay.  Let's see if we can't get that sorted for you then.
 
Cheers.
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		|  01-23-2018, 04:22 PM | #18 |  
	| Porsche "Purist" 
				 
				Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Wisconsin 
					Posts: 2,123
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			In WI, the first thing they check is the check engine light by shutting the car off and then turning on the ignition switch.
		 
				__________________1998 Boxster with 7.8 DME, 2005 3.6 liter/325 hp, Variocam Plus, 996 Instrument panel
 2001 Boxster original owner.  I installed used motor at 89k.
 1987 924S.      2002 996TT.        PST-2
 Owned and repaired Porsches since 1974.  Porsche: It's not driving, it's therapy.
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		|  01-23-2018, 05:10 PM | #19 |  
	| Registered User 
				 
				Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: SE Michigan 
					Posts: 496
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	Quote: 
	
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					Originally Posted by Porsche-Eh  Hahaha.... removing warning lights IS fixing it      I have a Autel MaxiDiag Elite for when things really do break.  Speaking of which, I'll post a new thread for you PW that if I can't fix (code 46) will result in another bulb being pulled       Pretty soon, I think I will have no cluster - might as well remove that too.  
 
OP:  Wow, okay.  Let's see if we can't get that sorted for you then.
 
Cheers. |  
I hate those idiot lights, they are so frustrating but that much satisfying to turn them off with the right fixes!
 
I did combat numbers of CEL issues triggered by O2 sensors, MAF, and SEI valves, as well as airbag SRS light issues due to receptacles, corroded terminals and broken clock springs, during my 20-month ownership.
 
The other day the orange light lit during my morning commute and I was like what's now.... Then realized that it was just a low washer fluid light, whew! Will you kill that light too while you are at taking them out?
		 
				__________________1997 Boxster arctic silver/ red, XNE riveted mahogany/ leather steering wheel & 917-style wood shift knob, Ben’s short shifter, PSE, 996 TB, UDP, stereo/ center console delete, hardtop and speedster humps, daily driver rain or shine or snow!
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		|  01-24-2018, 08:25 AM | #20 |  
	| duke2003boxster 
				 
				Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Oakland, CA 
					Posts: 15
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			Okay gang, latest update regarding camshaft sensor issue.  I've reordered the Borsch camshaft sensor and will be installing it this evening.  In addition, Car will be serviced by Bauer Porsche in Oakland, CA so we can attempt to resolve this matter.  Several of you indicated the camshaft rotor might be damaged, but I haven't gotten any word of where it's located and how to repair it.  Any help would be appreciated.
		 
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