996 cam sensor warning

[hugokohl]

The check engine light on my '99 996 cam on. I had it checked out and was told by the dealer that the computer says it is a message from the cam sensor. I was told that the cam sensor itself could be bad, or that there was something wrong with the cam timing system. Has anyone delt with this problem? any input would be greatly appreciated.
thanks, Hugo

[busa4]

hugo.
there really are not many problems with the cam timing mechanism as a whole. the biggest failure is the vario cam solenoid. is the check engine light code for the cam position sensor or the vario cam solenoid?

[hugokohl]

the code is 174 camshaft adjustment bank 1. The mechanic told me that is a message from the cam position sensor. It also puts out code 115 hot MAF. Car seems to run fine, but milage is poor.
thanks for all your help
hugo

[busa4]

yep! that is the vario cam solenoid controlling the camshaft timing. that solenoid need to be replaced. it is located on the cam cover, unfortunetly you will need to remove the cam cover which requires special tools. you can buy them from a porsche dealer. if u do it yourself it will cost about 400.00 otherwise a dealer will get you for 1000.00-1200.00. good luck!

[hugokohl]

thank you very much for the advise! I think this forum is going to be a very usefull tool. Where can I purchase shop books with directions?
hugo

[busa4]

you can get a basic chiltons manual but i dont know how hard they are to find for a porsche 966. look in the history of the boxster forum. i talked another user through the same repair. you will need some basic mechanical skills to even try this.