Blinking "D" until warm

[GSRP]

I took off yesterday morning with the temp about 37. The "D" on my shift indicator began to blink and didn't stop until the engine was warm. Then I could use the Tiptronic mode. The transmission never acted funny in any way or fashion.

My backup lights (now) come on when I put the car in Drive.

The dealer found no error codes in the computer -- and has recommended that I consider having the tranny switch replaced -- at a healthy cost. He's not sure that's the problem -- he thinks the switch at the gear-shift and the tranny switch are not communicating properly.

I'm driving a 1999 Boxster with a factory rebuilt engine with 12K on it and a replaced RMS with 1K on it.

I'm new to this board and did a quick search before posting this inquiry.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated.

-gene

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

A blinking indicator means there's a fault. But, I had a similar (though not exact) issue on my '99. The dealer cleaned and adjusted the switch and that did the trick (been perfect for more than 7k mi. now), they said it gets dirty and gunked-up over time - $168 (incl. the Radio Code). Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[jci-joe]

Here is a previous thread.

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8534

I have a 99 that I bought in October and this has happened to me twice but did not stay long. I have only put about 1K miles on it, so I am hoping this will not be a problem for me.

[GSRP]

I think I'll ask the dealer to clean the switch and adjust the cable before spending money on a new switch -- thank you very much -- this may have saved me a bundle!

-gene

[GSRP]

Just a follow up on this issue.

I had an independent Porsche tech check out this problem -- he confirmed what the dealer said -- the tranny switch does need to be replaced. I don't know if this is a common malfunction (probably not since the dealer does not keep this item in stock).

I'm having the independent shop do the work since he's about $200 less than the dealer.

-gene

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by GSRP

Just a follow up on this issue.

I had an independent Porsche tech check out this problem -- he confirmed what the dealer said -- the tranny switch does need to be replaced. I don't know if this is a common malfunction (probably not since the dealer does not keep this item in stock).

I'm having the independent shop do the work since he's about $200 less than the dealer.

-gene

Hi,

Sorry it actually was the switch. Any switch can fail, but it's not too common. Good thing you found an independent to confirm what the dealer told you, especially since he's cheaper. Good Luck!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[jci-joe]

"I'm having the independent shop do the work since he's about $200 less than the dealer."

How much was the fix?? I am having the same problem. I am going to be looking for a good independent garage in the Central PA area as well.

[GSRP]

The cost comparison is as follows:

Dealer ~ $800

Independent ~ $600

The switch is ~$285 and requires about 3 hours of labor. The dealer here in Atlanta charges $110/hour the independent charges $90/hour.

Hope this is helpful.

-gene

[RandallNeighbour]

Dang, that's one expensive repair for a switch!

[GSRP]

Yep -- my only reason for moving forward with it is that my backup lights come on when I put the car in drive -- and who knows -- if the switch continues to fail -- I may not even be able to put it in drive!!

-gene

[jci-joe]

How do you know your backup lights are on when you are driving? Did someone tell you?

[GSRP]

For some unusual reason -- a lady pulled up next to me at a stop light and told me my back up lights were on.

When I got home, I asked my wife to verify it as I put the car in drive.

I also saw it myself as the tech at the dealer drove the car to the back for an evaluation of the problem.

It's in the shop now (an independent that seems to have very satisfied customers). I'll post my experience after I pick up the car -- today I hope.

-gene