As some of you know, I've been plagued by limp mode for quite some time now. I did my research and requested advice from many knowledgeable sources here and elsewhere. We tried everyone of the known remedies, and even re-tuned the ECU, all to no avail. I often tell my buddies that I have more new parts on my car than a new car has new parts. I missed most of last year's track season because of boost problems. I was fed up and started to fear some electrical ghost in the system that would never get sorted out.

Then I called Bob Miller, a shop owner I met at the track. I wanted to get some fresh eyes on the problem and Bob told me his guy Rich Siegman was an excellent diagnostician, and was the kind of guy who wouldn't stop until he had solved the puzzle. I made an appointment and drove the car in on Monday and work started at 8am. Rich worked all day doing test after test after test, plus online research with other Porsche specialists known to him and the community, like Todd at Protomotive. By the end of the day he had not found what was causing the plague. Due to circumstances, I had no way to leave the car and get a ride home, so he told me to bring it back in the morning because there were a few more avenues he wanted to check out. Next morning Rich took off the muffler to check the turbos and discovers the gremlin. The left side cat in the Europipe had come out of it's seat and was blocking the exhaust. Unbelievably, I never got a code, CEL, or any other indication that this was the problem, not even a rattle. Once he cleared the obstructions, my beloved blue beauty was back to being the rocket it was previously. I can't put into words the relief I feel after this protracted battle. All hail to Rich and his determination not to give up until he came out victorious.

All told he spent 10 shop hours to find the problem, but well worth it to me, and something I wish my regular tech would have taken upon himself to do long ago, he could have saved me a lot of money and frustration. Anyone in the Maryland/Virginia area with a turbo should put their baby in Rich's hands, because he knows what he is doing, has 20+ years of experience, and takes the work as a challenge. He is not afraid to tackle tough problems and sees them as a way to expand his knowledge and skill set. He also is willing to do research and contact Porsche Motorsport if necessary. I can't say enough good things about Rich and At Speed Motorsports. Thanks a ton guys for giving me back my supercar!

 

it's incredible the places gremlins can hide in these. but back on the road/track.. congrats!

 

I own a speed shop and have seen multiple "high-flow" or AM cats fail over the years. This is why I prefer catless aftermarket exhaust systems. Especially on a forced induction vehicle.

 

Are you talking about CAT-less for the track or street? How does a CAT-less exhaust pass emissions control tests mandated by the state?

 

Had the same issue, but for 1 month in and out couldn't find the problem! The day it was resolved it was like 300lbs off of my chest....It was the best $1400 I spent (for diognostics)!!

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-sudden-2.html

 

In MD, the emission test is just an OBD readout. No cats should be OK, shouldn't it?

 

I am very interested in this answer being In Ontario, Canada the government just introduced the same OBD reading for emissions. I need to do emmissions this August.

 

Congratulations! Man I know how that feels. Such a good feeling.

 

With OBD yes it should be.

 

Any reasonable technician who drives your car in for a test would likely quickly realize it has no cat via sound or smell. Not sure what they would do then but they do still have sniffer capability.

 

Wow Larry, didn't know you were out of commission for so long. That must have been very frustrating. Glad you got it all figured out and sounds like you found a great shop! Just in time for track season!!!

 

Bobby, I had been following your thread hoping for some clue to my problem, but never saw the outcome you had until now. I don't spend as much time on 6speed as I used to. Glad to see you solved the problem and funny how it happened at the same time as mine. And as for the 300lbs off your chest, I know what you mean, except mine went on for so long it was more like an elephant.

 

Larry, is this shop located in md?

 

Thankfully no testing required in MI and other states. It shouldnt stink too bad with the correct tune. My 996 does not smell bad - EPL program.

 

Larry,

Sorry to hear about your engine problems. Catalytic convertors can fail due to backfires and the backfires are caused by ignition interruptions. Most likely its the coil packs and I assume that you've renewed these already.

With a failed cat you should get a CEL in the first place, that's what the O2 sensors are for. If your ECU is altered to neglect the O2 signal then you will run into situations like this.

With the Europipe exhausts you don't have to alter the O2 signal. We use Emitec cats which is the same brand as the OEM cats on your 996 Turbo.

I'd hoped that you would have contacted me from the beginning.

Stef