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PORSCHE - THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE |
993 - AIR-COOLED PERFECTION |
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1995 993 WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM |
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PORSCHE - THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE |
993 - AIR-COOLED PERFECTION |
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1995 993 WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM |
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I have a copy of the final report from NHTSA regarding the inquiry into the 1995 wiring harness failure issue. Seems they closed the investigation on Jan 31, 2002. Briefly, the reason quoted by the NHTSA principal Engineer Frank was: 'no safety defect trend found at this time.' As I read the detailed two-page report, I learned the following facts of their investigation: 1. Total of 414 Cases were reported to NHTSA 18 Direct complaints, 389 warranty claims, and a few miscellaneous reports. 2. Harnesses were originally made with insulation of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with rubber protective sleeves made by Leonische Drahtwerke AG. Later the supplier reported to Porsche that the TPE insulation is incompatible with the rubber material under high temp conditions. 3. On Approximately May 10, 1995, Porsche changed the rubber sleeves to PVC. 4. Additional changes were made for 1996 model on January 5, 1996 when the material was changed from TPE to PVC. 5. Warranty numbers are: 1995 315 replaced; 1996 74; 1997 13; 1998 2; 6. For the majority of complaints, the failure was discovered after some electrical system malfunction including: illumination of engine warning light, starter motor self activation, run on or failure to crank, engine rough running, dead battery. 7. No new fire complaints have been received since November 1998. 8. Reason for closing: a safety related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety related defect does not exist. The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. In closing, it appears that NHTSA did not see a significant safety issue. They list the total number of cars for 1995 and 1996 as 14,579 (1995: 7847 and 1996: 7092). I would like to way that Frank told me that the case is not permanently closed and that if more cases are brought to their attention, they may re-open the case. At any rate, if you will continue to send me the necessary info, I will continue to forward it to Frank. While it appears that we will not have much luck going forward, it never hurts to try. I would add that if you find the problem in your car, print out a copy of the report and take it with you to the dealer. At the least you can prove that Porsche has fixed the problem before under warranty and they should do the same for your car. One interesting fact that I learned from the report is that NHTSA thinks the affected harness part number is 993.607.016.05, while I have found that to be the improved harness number. They believe that te fixed harness number is 993.607.016.15 while my database has no record of this part number. I am not sure of this discrepancy since I can prove my later part number with a recent build date. Finally, thanks to all who have helped with this effort over the past two years. I personally forwarded 25 positive cases to NHTSA with your help. Frank said I was the largest single contributor and I would not have been able to do this without your help. E. J. |
UPDATE - APRIL 7, 2002 |