Go Back   986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners > Porsche Boxster & Cayman Forums > Boxster General Discussions

Post Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-19-2024, 10:44 AM   #1
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: South Cairo, NY
Posts: 4
1998 Boxster camshaft adjustor solenoids -- help!

Greetings! Recently my 1998 Boxster has shown "check engine" codes -- sometimes P1531 and other times P1530, which my mechanic says are caused by faulty camshaft adjuster solenoids. He said the codes indicated that both solenoids were bad, but was hesitant to do the job because the solenoids are roughly $900/each, and he could not guarantee that the problem isn't caused by something else -- like a bad seal or something.

The mechanic (whom I trust) said that the car could be driven regardless, however I have read that this could cause engine failure. Does anyone have any advice on (1) what could be causing these engine codes, (2) places where I could find less expensive parts, or (3) whether continuing to drive could harm the engine? I don't really have $2,000 to get the job done, unfortunately.

THANKS!! -- Jon

98BoxsterNY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-2024, 07:04 AM   #2
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: It's a kind of magic.....
Posts: 6,457
Quote:
Originally Posted by 98BoxsterNY View Post
Greetings! Recently my 1998 Boxster has shown "check engine" codes -- sometimes P1531 and other times P1530, which my mechanic says are caused by faulty camshaft adjuster solenoids. He said the codes indicated that both solenoids were bad, but was hesitant to do the job because the solenoids are roughly $900/each, and he could not guarantee that the problem isn't caused by something else -- like a bad seal or something.

The mechanic (whom I trust) said that the car could be driven regardless, however I have read that this could cause engine failure. Does anyone have any advice on (1) what could be causing these engine codes, (2) places where I could find less expensive parts, or (3) whether continuing to drive could harm the engine? I don't really have $2,000 to get the job done, unfortunately.

THANKS!! -- Jon
The codes indicate that either you have a wring problem going to the Vario Cam units, or the adjusters themselves are bad; but as it is unusual for both to go out at the same time, it may be a harness issue. You need to find a shop with a Porsche specific scan tool (PST II, PIWIS, Durametric) which is capable of testing each actuator individually.
__________________
Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth. Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.” - Albert Einstein
JFP in PA is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2024, 05:43 AM   #3
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: South Cairo, NY
Posts: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by JFP in PA View Post
The codes indicate that either you have a wring problem going to the Vario Cam units, or the adjusters themselves are bad; but as it is unusual for both to go out at the same time, it may be a harness issue. You need to find a shop with a Porsche specific scan tool (PST II, PIWIS, Durametric) which is capable of testing each actuator individually.
Do both various cam units do essentially the same thing, so can I drive with one working?
98BoxsterNY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2024, 07:09 AM   #4
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: It's a kind of magic.....
Posts: 6,457
Not advisable.
__________________
Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth. Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.” - Albert Einstein
JFP in PA is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2024, 05:23 PM   #5
98 Arctic silver 986
 
tommy583's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Upstate, NY
Posts: 1,452
Garage
A Durametric is a nice tool to have.


Last edited by tommy583; 06-02-2024 at 08:08 AM.
tommy583 is offline   Reply With Quote
Post Reply

Tags
boxster , camshaft , p1530 , p1531 , solenoid



Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:02 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page