How to avoid a 20k PDK repair on your PORSCHE 911, Cayman, Boxster etc.

[@tinos1975]

UPDATE: The Blackstone Labs transmission oil analysis came back on the OE Porsche fluid in my 991, so I wanted to share it with the Porsche community. With 49,000 miles on the oil, the SUS viscosity @ 210 F was 48.0 (should be between 43 - 51), the cSt Viscosity @ 100 C was 6.67 (should be between 5.1 - 7.9) and flashpoint looked good at 395 F (should be greater than 335 F). However, there was iron in the oil, which is apparently normal as the PDK wears down (gears, bearings, shafts, some cases and clutch plates). Long story short, you can probably run the oil longer, but you might risk having the iron particles build up too much and cause issues. According to the analysis, these iron particles start showing up more after 29,000 miles. Mine had 77 ppm where as 44 ppm is the universal average.

[@donr8773]

Really great information. I had forgotten about Blackstone Labs. I think they are the leader in oil analysis.

[@alexm.4621]

I'm getting ready to do the 40k oil change on my Macan GTS, I'll be sending in a sample to Blackstone for analysis. I'm curious about wear on my PDK.

[@AngelA-fj8ft]

@@alexm.4621 How much do they charge to do this? How much oil you need to send? Where are they? Thanks.

[@tinos1975]

Great video. Thanks for the suggestion. I changed my 991.1 PDK transmission filter and fluid at 49,000 miles. The fluid was filthy and there was a significant amount of gunk in the filter/pan. I’m so glad I did it! The pan was about $400 and the PDK fluid was about $30 per bottle (takes about 6). I also did the diff fluid at the same time so the whole job took me about 4 hours. Having now changed the fluid, there is no way I’d let it go to 120,000 miles. I think you’re asking for trouble if you do. I actually sent out a sample of the oil for an analysis to see how much life was left in the oil, but the results haven’t come in yet. I’ll try to post the results later. With all that being said, the car runs great. It shifts super smooth and is a lot quieter at idle.

[@donr8773]

Very impressive stuff and great information. I didn’t realize the 991.1 cars had PDK’s. I just assumed they first showed up in the 991.2’s, thanks.

[@jg11596]

This guy may be telling us the truth but if he is, rather than spread FUD (Fear Uncertainty Doubt), he needs to show a PDK service and tell us the cost.

[@shaunatkinson883]

I thought I was going to see the work being done.

[@ormand3000]

I'll trust a Porsche Engineer and their service schedule recommendations over some random dude on KZbin. I put KZbin channels below the wealth of knowledge on internet forums.

[@ryanmatthew511]

I had 3 Audi's with the DSG.. all went to high miles with ZERO issues. I did oil changes on the car at 5,000 miles , not 10. I also did Transmission at 30,000, not 40. That seems to work for me. The DSG is not crap... I have always enjoyed how smooth and fast it shifts.

[@LynxStarAuto]

The PDK's are junk because they have ancient, failure prone electronics that are not available separately from Porsche, and ZF is not allowed to sell to the aftermarket. Namely, the distance sensor. So if that one fails, the official repair is to replace the entire unit. Which is 15 bands at the dealership for the PDK only. There are unofficial repairs becoming available, and some smart guys have come up with a replacement (and updated) sensor. But like anything else that is in prototype status, only time can tell what the final result will be.

[@donr8773]

Good to know. I had a DSG Jetta SportWagen with 80k miles, bought it with 60k miles as a CPO it was great. And a 2011 Carrera S with a PDK, bought as a CPO at 33K miles now has 37K miles. So far so good on the 911, but still nervous. I probably change it when it hits 40K miles even though the dealer changed it at 33K miles it will be 6 years since changed.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

Wonder whether a 718 PDK is more reliable?

[@roderickarina]

Ty sir. I’m on 60k miles with my Panamera and in the manual it says to get the transmission serviced at 60k miles. I have no issues what’s so ever. The service will cost me $1800. I was debating on getting this service done until I watched your vid. I think I’m going to pull the plug. It’s a 2013.

[@SteveHeil-tb7wg]

So are they bad or good? I'm very confused. You said it both ways many times

[@positivesecret]

Its next to impossible to find a used one ,,,,if they failed a lot there would be tons of used ones available. All you see are the bad ones and not the thousands that have no problems.

[@TopAutomotiveInc]

There would not be tones of used ones due to the value of the 991s and later models. Most customer that have experienced a PDK failure had us or the dealer fix it everytime. The ones that can't afford it end up at the auction but thats rare.

[@yayger825]

Is it just better to lease these cars?

[@Krankenwagen2010]

Bro your shop is beautiful forget the pdk service 😂🤣🤣what a great place to work

[@andywang5961]

The effort needed to upkeep a Porsche can only be learnt the hard way with paying so much money and time

[@AngelA-fj8ft]

Thanks for the video and great work. I have a 2017 718 Boxster S and thinking of doing this soon even I'm still under 40K miles. QUESTIONS: Have you ever replaced the plastic oil pan with a reusable Metal one, just replace the filter type? Some people have told me this is not a good idea. I've seen some plastic oil pans online from $50 to $500, any thoughts on the quality of any of the cheaper ones? What type of trans oil do you recommend, just Pentosin, or do you think Liqui Moly or Motul are better? Have you heard of there being a rear wheel alignment required after doing the trans service? Finally, what do you think about Liqui Moly products like the engine oil, or the Ceratec or the Pro Line Engine Flush, or any other products you can think of? Thanks a million and keep up the great work.

[@bobvi5490]

“You don’t know, you don’t know.” Well, I still don’t. You didn’t show us the wet clutch portion of the oil and we’re supposed to take your word for it that it gets black? Then you tell us not to believe anyone online…

[@TopAutomotiveInc]

There are other videos that we shown the oil, we didn’t want to be repetitive in this video.

[@jjyy5661]

Nick, seeking your expertise. I have 2017,C2, PDK 40k miles. While in park or at a stop I hear a rattle (like loose marbles or gravel) and I feel a slight engine stumble/vibration. If I put it in sport or sport+ the rattle and stumble is reduced. I tried to pin point where the noise was coming from, and If I put my hand on the PDK oil pan I can feel the vibration. I can also hear the rattle emanating from this area. The car shifts and drives well. Is this noise and vibration normal? Will a PDK fluid change help? Thanks

[@demetrixxx8962]

Hi there, great informative channel. I have a 991.1 turbo s. My pressure sensor 3 has failed in the pdk transmission giving me a differential lock warning fault. Fortunately for me the car is under warranty and so Porsche are replacing the transmission. My question is what does this sensor actually do?

[@LynxStarAuto]

Very common. This sensor tells the TCU the operating pressures in the unit which is necessary for clutch engagement timing. The TCU (transmission control unit) uses this data to properly apply the shifts. If the pressure sensor does not report properly, the system will enter failsafe mode. While the official sensor is not available from Porsche, ZF (the manufacturer of the transmission) sells a very similar sensor that works just the same for their 9 speeds used on Chrysler vehicles. The sensor costs 50.00 USD give or take. It can be purchased from your local Chrysler dealer. It does require the transmission to be removed from the vehicle to replace it however. Still it's a far cry from spending 15k + to replace a perfectly fine transmission because of a lockout on a 50.00 part.

[@demetrixxx8962]

@@LynxStarAuto Cheers for the info mate, yeah that's madness! Fortunately I managed to get a transmission under the warranty. Thanks for the reply.

[@MiroDrum]

@@LynxStarAuto Hi There. Do you have by any chance the part Number for the "Pressure Sensor 3"... Will try to find one at my Local Chrysler Dealer... I have exactly the same problem on my 991.1 Carrera S with 60k miles. My pressure sensor 3 has failed in the PDK(Code P0871), and the transmission is giving me a "differential lock warning fault". Will service the PDK in the next few weeks (PDK Fluid, plus filter and Differential fluid), hoping the servicing to solve the problem...

[@MiroDrum]

Thanks for the info @demetrixx8962..I have exactly the same problem on my 991.1 Carrera S with 60k miles. My pressure sensor 3 has failed in the PDK(Code P0871), and the transmission is giving me a "differential lock warning fault" - No more warranty for my car...., I hope I don't have to pay 20,000$ for new transmission...will try to find a shop here in Montreal Area to change the sensor...

[@aaronnoel6176]

Why am I watching this even tho I dont own one. But anyways I wish I could own one, great facts.

[@ymararma]

What does a transmission/PDK service normally cost? Fluid change/service?

[@bluray4687]

I spent $1000 at an independent shop 6 months ago

[@ryanmatthew511]

@@bluray4687 You spent WAY TOO MUCH!!!! WOW.. usually I spend $500 at Indy shops

[@bluray4687]

@@ryanmatthew511 the porsche filter alone is over $400

[@ryanmatthew511]

@@bluray4687 not on the base Macan. It’s Audi Dag

[@bluray4687]

@Ryan Matthew there u go.. I have a cayman

[@desmomotodesmomoto2033]

Excellent video, Thanks!

[@ericludington5783]

Iam looking to buy either a 997.1 or 991.1 automatic, which one would have the more reliable transmission

[@TopAutomotiveInc]

997.1. We have a 2009 porsche tip turbo for sale, just fyi.

[@ericludington5783]

@@TopAutomotiveInc would you have pictures of that 09 on your website

[@jdjames997]

Great educational video, thanks for sharing this knowledge. I have a 2009 997 PDK car, with approx 25,000 miles. Would you suggest just doing the PDK service now, and if so what parts are needed (besides fluid) so i make sure the shops that quote me do it right? Thanks again, great stuff

[@black99rt]

You're overdue on age, it's 120k or 12yr was the original service interval.

[@jonathanl2748]

Great advice! Thank you.

[@merttan8923]

My friend has a 2011 Porche panamera with pdk, it’s around 190K km on it, the car is using the 2nd gear automatically, it doesn’t shift to 1st gear, is it normal ?

[@420BudNuggets]

In auto it does that for some reason. Probably to make it more smooth. If you put it in sports plus mode it will start in first

[@DAVENATCHSTOCKS]

@@420BudNuggets👏🏾

[@cayman9815]

hello Q: do you know issues with the (blue) breather cap leaking on top of the PDK ?

[@vic_con_carne5137]

Nick where is your shop located?

[@TheSloppyDingo]

If the owner was really smart, he would learn how to change that oil himself. haha

[@micraw714]

My wife's Macan S started shifting super rough into 1st when you come to a dead stop and our warranty expired. Porsche says step 1 is to try replacing the valve body mechatronic unit for $3500 and if that doesn't work, new PDK for 20k 😩 not sure if we take the gamble on the valve body or get rid of it

[@asapmonkey2393]

buy a used pdk for like $5k

[@sh0ckzilla101]

Hey going through the same thing with my macan s. Did you happen to get the valve body replaced ?

[@micraw714]

@@sh0ckzilla101 yes, we replaced the valve body and it completely fixed it! Apparently it's a very common issue and the valve body is exactly what it needs. Good luck!

[@jonasbaine3538]

@@micraw714 still rolling without any warranty? replaced with same original type valve body? concern is couldn't same part fail again??

[@micraw714]

@@jonasbaine3538 a few months after fixing it, I actually ended up trading it in for an X3 M40i haha. I've owned and worked on BMW's forever so I felt more peace of mind knowing I can fix it myself should any issues arise 😁

[@cayman9815]

hello thx for this advice question just oil change or also filter & pan ? rgs

[@TopAutomotiveInc]

Filter/ pan and oil

[@thomasfarias3146]

@@TopAutomotiveInc Hi Nick! About how much should someone expect to pay for the filter and fluid service? I know costs are fluctuating quite a bit but a ballpark figure if you can please! Thank you.

[@bluray4687]

@@thomasfarias3146 i just changed mine 6 months ago at an independent shop and it cost me $1000 to replace the filter and both fluids

[@salimrandall]

I’ll take your advice.

[@kidnplaye4630]

I will never drive a 2 pedal porsche

[@Masoniscoolyo]

Does tiptronic have the same issues? 2008 911 etc? Thanks

[@LynxStarAuto]

Naw totally different transmission, with its own unique problems. Namely the mechatronics (valve body) fails on that one.

[@dougiequick1]

Makes me want to go back to my original idea....buy one with manual tranny....the ONLY reason I even was interested is my wife has a surgically fixed neck and when she comes with me I have to really employ the clutch and great finesse to shift flawlessly with no lurching whatsoever....I actually have it down to an art and thought I could make my life easier just buying a PDF.....screw it

[@sgttombailes3380]

Just get a manual 6 speed !

[@motorsports5614]

They don't make a 6 speed manual but they do make a 7 speed manual.

[@RichardWarner-df7dz]

@@motorsports5614 yeah they do. I have 2 Porsche with 6 speed manuals.

[@anthonym484]

Get a manual and avoid these issues. Save the manual!

[@eugene9661]

every 15000 mi is just plain nonsense.