Recently, I posted in the alt.autos.porsche.911 newsgroup regarding an issue
I have been experiencing with my
'02 996 TT.  Specifically, it "pops" out of second gear while
de-accelerating unless I keep light pressure on the gearshift with my hand.

Now, I may have a problem getting it fixed.

Background info:

I purchased this car from a reputable Porsche dealership about a year and a
half ago.  It had 18,200 miles on it and was being sold as a "Certified
PreOwned Vehicle" under the Porsche CPO program.  The CPO warranty was for
two years from date of purchase.

Within a day or two, I noticed the second gear issue.  I also noticed a
minor problem with the CD player (only plays out of the left side speakers).

During a follow-up visit to the dealership, I mentioned these issues to the
salesman from whom I bought the car and I asked him if they were covered
under the CPO warranty.  He indicated yes, and also checked with an
associate who agreed.  I was told to make an appointment at my convenience
and their tech would take care of it.  (He suggested it was "probably" a
minor cable adjustment).

He also told me that he had noticed the "pop" out problem also, either the
day before or the morning of the day I took delivery.
He had driven the car briefly .... I believe it was to put gas in it .....
just before I picked it up and he recalled the transmission popping out of
second gear as I described.

I waited until the car was otherwise due for service, but before the
warranty expired. The car runs fine and the "pop out" issue is more of a
nuisance than a major problem.   I have only put 2000 miles on the car since
I took delivery and store it during the winter months.

10 days ago I brought it to the dealership for the annual service and also
to address the second gear issue and the minor problem with the CD player.
I received a phone call a couple of days later.  Seems the CD player was not
covered under warranty, but the second gear issue *was* covered according to
the service manager.  Unfortunately, it was not a simple cable adjustment
however.  The fix involves removing the transmission and replacing a gear.
(I assume this is the 2nd gear syncro gear).   The service manager indicated
the work would take about a week and wanted to know if they should proceed,
or did I have plans for the car.   I asked them to go ahead and repair it.

Today, I was told that the dealership and Porsche are "fighting" over the
warranty coverage.  Seems that if they  (Porsche) determines the failure is
due to a design or workmanship issue, it's covered.   If they determine it's
due to abuse, it's not.   There's also a question as to parts availability.
Apparently in the past this problem  (not totally uncommon, I've discovered)
was resolved by replacing the entire transmission.  I was told that they
later authorized replacing the failed parts only.   But, meanwhile, my car
sits and there's a question as to if the repair will be done under warranty
or not.

My position is this.

I bought the car with 18,200 miles on it.  It was advertised and purchased
as a Porsche approved CPO vehicle.  It's supposed to be 100% checked out and
free of any major problems.   I can accept the CD player issue.  But not the
transmission problem.

The problem with the transmission existed before I took delivery.  The
salesman acknowledged that it happened to him when he drove it just prior to
me picking it up.

I think Porsche should belly up and fix it.

I asked about "worst case" if they refused.  It could be a $10,000 "fix" ...
out of my pocket.

Interested in opinions/recommendations or any input from officials at
Porsche.

Richard Eriksson