I've been having an intermittent Check Engine light, and during my last visit to the dealer, Jim Ellis in Atlanta (no affiliation), reading the fault codes seemed to indicate one bad Oxygen Sensor, Bank 1 (right side), pre-cat. The Oxygen Sensor, also known as the O2 Sensor, or Lambda Sensor does just what you might guess, measure oxygen in the exhaust gases. Voltage created by the sensor is proportional to how much oxygen is present, and the computer (DME) uses this signal along with other...
43 Comments

Porsche suggests the spark plugs get replaced at the 60,000 mile service...nuf said, lets get at it. I'll just go into detail for the steps to replace one plug, they are all similar. UPDATE: In 2008 Porsche lowered the recommended interval for replacing the spark plugs to 60,000 km (~37,000 miles) or 4 years, whichever comes first, for cars in the USA. My plugs looked OK at 60,000 miles, use your best judgement. Thanks to pcormier at P-9 for his spark plug article. Thanks to...
107 Comments

Porsche brake rotors can last for many years of normal street use without wearing out. For other owners 'normal' use also includes track duty which can accelerate wear and/or cause other defects like cracking. When normal wear or defects reach a certain threshold it is time for new discs. I will use the terms "rotor" and "disc" interchangeably, "rotor" because it is the part of the brakes which actually turns, and "disc" because of the part's shape. I feel this is an acceptable practice...
111 Comments

Upper engine cover removal will probably be the first disassembly most owners will do on their beloved Caymans, and subsequently the most frequent disassembly operation. For almost every car on the road you can just pop the hood to get access to the engine, but placing the engine in the middle of the car kind of eliminates this easy method. Why? Access for maintenance or checks like Air Cleaner Cartridge Replacement or Checking the Power Steering Fluid Level. Installing a clear...
27 Comments

This is a very basic procedure, practically not worthy of an article, but it does bear mentioning that you must remove the upper engine cover to access the power steering fluid reservoir. So, even if you are not having any problems, every time your cover comes off go ahead and check your fluid level. Many people use the abbreviation PS for "power steering", which fact may aid you in future searches. It might have been a nice feature if Porsche had included a little door you could pop open...
15 Comments

Replacing the Cayman air cleaner is pretty straightforward, and would be extremely easy except for the fact that the clearances are very tight. Some people refer to the air cleaner as an air filter, the engine air filter, etc., I would consider all to be correct. Why? The air cleaner is a scheduled maintenance item. Some owners in dusty or dirty environments will decide to replace this item on an accelerated schedule. Prerequisite- Remove Upper Engine Cover (link) Tools-
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The Good News: There's only one belt, and it is easy to change. The Bad News: The belt isn't that easy to get to. Why? The belt is a scheduled maintenance item. Temporary removal for maintenance or underdrive pulley installation Roadside Repair :(
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There is an engine cover behind my seats? Some people don't know this, now you do! I call it the front engine cover, Porsche calls it the "rear wall cover", I think we're both right. The Goal: WHY? Replace Accessory Drive Belt - Scheduled Maintenance Item Underdrive Pulley Installation
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Variously called the Emergency Brake, Handbrake, Parking Brake, sometimes the system wears, or loosens up, so that too much movement of the lever is required for braking. The parking brake cable cannot be adjusted. Adjustment is via threaded barrel adjusters inside the rear brake rotors. Access to the adjuster can be made through a wheel bolt hole. Brake rotor removal is NOT required. The brakes should be fully applied if you pull the hand lever 5 clicks. Installing wheel studs will...
32 Comments