Microfiber Static- Defect?
 

Waxing my 2005 987S, when I was finishing off the hood, I heard a "click" like the front hood had opened. When I went to start up the car, there was an error message. I took it to the Porsche dealer and they told me that sometimes electrostatic builds up when buffing the hood as it is aluminum…and it can cause electric sensors to fail. Unfortunately, the main control unit had to be replaced at a cost of almost $900, which I paid.

Shortly after I was driving it and another failure message came on. When it took it in just yesterday, they told me that it was likely a bad PSM unit...at a cost of $3,400 just for the part. The service tech also told me this was likely related to the electrostatic shock created when I used the microfiber towel.

The car is NOT under warranty. I feel like Porsche should stand behind their product and at least replace the PSM unit without cost...this is a defect!! In the Boxster Concours manual, it actually states that to properly prep a 987 for review, one should remove wax with a microfiber towel!!

What can I do to get Porsche to help me out? Any thoughts or ideas?

Help?
 

Wayne...have your heard of this problem with the 987? Microfiber static causing damage to control and sensors in the front end?

I'm at a loss here. 2005 Boxster S...meticulously maintained....only 29,000 miles. And now I have a $5,000 expense from waxing the car!!!

Try........www.tinwiskers.us

I hate to tell you this, but the dealer's explanation is complete nonsense......

^ What he said! Complete nonsense (and I'm being kind). There is no way you'd realistically be able to generate sufficient static with a microfiber towel to knock out an electrical module burried within the car.

My recommendation would be to invest in a Durametric diagnostic tool and find the source of the fault codes yourself. It will be the best money saving purchase you ever make!

. . . oh, and find a new dealer!

Definitely find a new dealer, biggest nonsense I ever heard

This is also why you never give a dealer any possible causes they can latch on to and blame you.

I think I had the same problem a few years ago. Cleaning the headlights and hood, I'm sure was the culprit. Took it to the dealer and they cleared no charge. Told me if came back on they would have to swap out. It didn't. I trashed all of my microfiber cloths!!

I hate to tell you guys who doubted me...but this is a known problem in 05-06 Boxsters.

See this thread from this very forum:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/boxster-cayman-forum/693419-headlights-microfiber-cloth-dont-mix.html

And here is another example:

"System fault, visit workshop" -

So, if this IS a problem...shouldn't Porsche be held responsible??....it this isn't a defect...I don't know what is. Even the Concours guide from Porsche Club of American endorses using microfiber towels when buffing the wax off of a Boxster (any year).