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Just wanted to provide an update on my 911, which I picked up 2 months ago, in no small part thanks to STG and HFS.
A couple weeks ago I received the dreaded "Fault cooling system" error in the dash:
I was just cruising around downtown at the time so I didn't really understand why I should be having a cooling system issue. After a quick web search, I found these threads:
Extra thanks to plenum and his blog page, which concisely outlines the change-over valve system in the 991. Based on my perusal of the data, I came to the conclusion of a failure of the COV responsible for turning my PSE on and off. I missed my snaps, crackles, and pops, that's for sure.
I scheduled an appointment with my local dealer, Porsche of San Diego. I'm happy to report that everything went as smoothly as could be. They replaced two COVs - with the latest "F" variant with new wiring harnesses - and now my snap crackle and pops are back .
My service writer at PSD was Kevin Schugar. He was very knowledgeable about the COV issue and kept me informed throughout the repair process.
They also provided me a Macan as a loaner. I am not really an SUV guy, but I was pleasantly surprised at how Porsche was able to make a 2-ton slab of metal with a high center of gravity feel nimble and agile. If you're in the market for something in this class, put the Macan on your shortlist.
After two months and even despite this COV failure, my 911 is a thing of joy to drive. I have even grown comfy with the multifunction wheel and the "backwards" shifter. Drive yours in good health!
^^^ r00t61, thanks for sharing. Great write ups too.
I had my COV's proactively all changed on my 2012.5 C2S over a year ago at my expense when the car was in service. Overkill? Sure, but worth saving a trip and irritation if one goes out and wondering what it is or if not detected right away depending which one it is.
They are covered under warranty (if they fail) and aren't very expense if they go out of warranty.
By the way, here is a link to your great purchase story for the guys here. Glad to hear you're enjoying the 991 C4S!
^^^ r00t61, thanks for sharing. Great write ups too.
I had my COV's proactively all changed on my 2012.5 C2S over a year ago at my expense when the car was in service. Overkill? Sure, but worth saving a trip and irritation if one goes out and wondering what it is or if not detected right away depending which one it is.
They are covered under warranty (if they fail) and aren't very expense if they go out of warranty.
By the way, here is a link to your great purchase story for the guys here. Glad to hear you're enjoying the 991 C4S!
I had COVs replaced on my previous 2012.5 991S replaced twice - once for heater failure and once for PSE failure. This was after a previous campaign (under the previous owner) replaced the earlier versions. No problems after the last change, though.
Common enough issue in 991's - replaced under warranty, no problem.
With my current 991S, I have yet to have any problems, thankfully.
I was clueless to what the COV's (Change Over Valves / Solenoids) were before researching them. I'm a novice when it comes to mechanical stuff. They are just electronic switches pretty much. Word has it that there may have been moisture issues with the first batches causing failure (moisture getting into the plugs or harness). The new versions have new COV's and wiring harnesses. They also updated the versions as the years went on. 2014, 2015, 2016 ...
FYI
There are 6 for manual cars and no PSE.
Add one each if you have PDK and PSE which would be 7 or a grand total of 8.
I believe the X51 Powerkit may add another 2 as well.
Nothing really to get worried about, but reading the above links can be helpful knowing the symptoms so the problem can be easily diagnosed.
I was clueless to what the COV's (Change Over Valves / Solenoids) were before researching them. I'm a novice when it comes to mechanical stuff. They are just electronic switches pretty much. Word has it that there may have been moisture issues with the first batches causing failure (moisture getting into the plugs or harness). The new versions have new COV's and wiring harnesses. They also updated the versions as the years went on. 2014, 2015, 2016 ...
FYI
There are 6 for manual cars and no PSE.
Add one each if you have PDK and PSE which would be 7 or a grand total of 8.
I believe the X51 Powerkit may add another 2 as well.
Nothing really to get worried about, but reading the above links can be helpful knowing the symptoms so the problem can be easily diagnosed.
If anybody is interested, call Pat Driscoll. He is a cool SA and straight shooter. If you need his email or phone number, send me a PM. I'll be there on Tuesday to pick up my car and can take a look at it.
11-16-2016, 12:50 AM
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So many COVs to worry about! 
