996 C2 Cab Tiptronic engagement warning

reprs · 08-28-2014, 01:01 PM

Just travelled 2000 miles in one weeks across Europe with no issues in my 90k miles 996 C2 Cabriolet...fabulous.

Have a problem now I'm home.

Keep getting Selector not Engaged message on dashboard and have to keep pressure on the stick to cancel the message. Car won't change gear when message is displayed. Switching to manual makes no difference?

Removed stick and PRND selector panel but can't see a problem. Putting it back together there is a small triangular plastic plate sitting on large spring which I cannot seem to position properly. Does anyone know how this is supposed to sit as I can't get Drive at all when I clip it back the way I think it should be. Have left the PRND panel off for now and at least can get all gears now but message is still displayed.

Any suggestions welcome please.

torontoworker · 09-02-2014, 06:01 PM

Here are the relevant sections. Which part are you talking about? There is a small plastic slider (#31) that is for reducing friction. There is a spring that rests against it that is for the gear shaft engagement button so that the button pop's up again as you take your finger off of it. So this is a minor issue to sort out. Your major issue is the main problem.

You've got cables that wear out along with bearings for the cable attachment and that switch that mounts to the transmission... is expensive if that is the issue. You may get lucky in that this is a lube, adjustment or wear on a cable issue that is affecting the proper engagement of the micro switches. A good independent familiar with Porsche 996's should be able to sort this out for you. The light on the dash is caused by the TCU warning you that the switch positions are not engaged. Some people report not being able to start a Tip S 996 if these switches fail in the wrong position. If you can get this car into D and safely drive it without the mode changing on you - I would head off to a service center ASAP. If it slips into N or any other position on it's own - flatbed it - don't risk it. Hope this helps.

torontoworker · 10-07-2014, 06:38 AM

It's always helpful to others if original posters come back and post the end result of their issues instead of posting a problem getting an answer and just running away. Your final fix for the issue could help others. Hint...

Justin@Athens · Justin@Athens's Garage

I have an entire spare assembly should you need it. $35 plus shipping