Car stuck at Shop

[wywyatt]

Howdy, I was hoping for some advice as I'm a younger car owner, and not sure what to do in my situation;

I recently purchased a 2000 986, and it's got a stalling issue once it gets up to temperature. There is a local sports car mechanic shop to me which has 200 reviews, and is rated 5 stars on google maps.

Feb 19th - took the car here and was told it would "probably be diagnosed tomorrow" (Friday, the 20th.).
For the next two weeks I'm told I'm, "in the queue".
March 6th - I am told they started working on it, and it's on the lift.
March 16th - No update, so I called again. I was told they're sorry it's been getting diagnosed for more than a week, and they'd call me back the next day with an update.

No update came, so I called first thing today. Different guy today gave me the run around- said it's hard because so many parts have changed, and that he's still working on it. The only changes are an aftermarket intake and new seats, so I'm not sure what he meant. Unless he means spark plug replacements and basic maintenance like that.

Each of these times I've had to call them, and ask for the information. They've not once called me. And they're nice people so I won't be naming names or pointing fingers yet... I'll admit, maybe I should have a few weeks back though.


so, TLDR; Car has been at a sports car shop for 4 weeks, with no update and terrible communication. And, all for a diagnostic, not even to get work done. What should I do? Is this normal for this kind of car? I'm feeling pretty bummed waiting this long for just a diagnostic.

[redpepperracing]

Unacceptable. It doesn't matter what kind of car, this is not right. I would go there in person to find out what they have done, where they are in the process and when it will be done. If you don't get good answers I'd be pushing to get the car back as it's clear they aren't serious about the issue.

[alexc0814]

Obviously they don’t respect you.. unless this is the only shop in the area I’d get my car back immediately and send it somewhere else

[Qingdao]

Normal. The world is motivated by money. No offence but you don't have any. The shop owner sees a car that has at least one problem and potentially thousands of underlying problems. He is running a business and wants to make that business successful. Jumping into a car thats a quarter of a century old is not a wise move.


Either he's a good mechanic and sees the other problems you don't or he's a good business man and sees the lack of viability in working on your car.



Just wait it out, thats my advice.


He's not charging you shop storage fees right???? If he was that would make him a jerk and not a good business man or good mechanic.








EDIT: oh I just read you put an intake on it. Yeah, get your car back he's not gonna touch it. Thats no shade at the mechanic, mechanics run from aftermarket parts on old cars.



EDIT Mark ii: Did the problem start when you swapped the intake?

[Marc_986]

4 weeks without any answer or good story? Walk away (drive if you can)..

If they tell you up front it will take a few weeks, no harm done and you knew what to expect. But they can't tell it will be next day each and every time and nothing happens. This isn't going to work out.

These are not really special cars in any way, so you should be able to take it to any shop, probably preferably one that works with European cars. Sure there are areas specific to Porsche, but in general it is just another car.

[997_986]

I’ve read that the fuel pump can have a heat-related issue that goes undetected during a cold start, but which, once the pump is warm, can cause the engine to start poorly or even stall. That’s just a long shot, though – the garage needs to check it thoroughly, otherwise you’re better off doing it yourself. Crankshaft sensors often cause problems when engine is warm as well. Tbc.

[boxwrench]

Originally Posted by 997_986

I’ve read that the fuel pump can have a heat-related issue that goes undetected during a cold start, but which, once the pump is warm, can cause the engine to start poorly or even stall. That’s just a long shot, though – the garage needs to check it thoroughly, otherwise you’re better off doing it yourself. Crankshaft sensors often cause problems when engine is warm as well. Tbc.

This is precisely what my fuel pump did before it died. Cold start, fine. Even slightly above ambient temperature, trouble starting.

Eventually I had all the fuel-trim codes for maximum enrichment, and terminally low fuel pressure when warm. Gassy smells, backfires, etc. But the pressure looked better or even acceptable (at first) when the pump was cool. Eventually the pump entered its death spiral while I had the pressure gauge hooked up... that was interesting.

[mikefocke]

What Porsche specific diagnostic machine/software are they using? Foreign experience is nice but Porsche experience is sometimes necessary. I judge a shop by the cars they are working on and the state of their tear down. The deeper the better,

https://www.pcarshops.com/ can find a Porsche experienced shop near you.

[Qingdao]

Dunno where you're located, but your avatar suggests GA. In Charleston, SC there is a shop called European Road and Racing.


I bought my "blue 986" from Karl over there. Karl Troy is a fantastic mechanic and business man. I know he won't shy away from a 986.


Regardless of google reviews ERR is the way to go. Might be a bit far for you though.