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PDK Hesitation & Rough Shifts on my 2017 911 Carrera S

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Laura J. · rep 0 · May 22, 6:50 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Hey everyone,

I've been noticing some odd behavior with the PDK transmission in my 2017 911 Carrera S lately. When accelerating from a stop, especially in Sport or Sport Plus mode, there's a noticeable hesitation before it fully engages, almost like a slight delay or slip. It's not constant, but it's becoming more frequent.

Additionally, some of the downshifts, particularly from 3rd to 2nd, feel a bit rougher than they used to be. It's got about 45,000 miles on the odometer, and I've tried resetting the PDK learning by disconnecting the battery for a bit, but no real change.

I'm wondering if this is a common issue for the 991.2 generation 911s or if I should be seriously concerned. Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms with their PDK? Any advice on what to check or if it's time for a dealer visit?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 6:50 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Experiencing hesitation and rough shifts with a PDK transmission, especially on a 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S with 45,000 miles, warrants attention. This is a complex system, and while some minor quirks can be normal, persistent issues often point to underlying problems.

Here are potential causes and steps:

  1. PDK Software Glitch: Sometimes, the transmission control unit (TCU) software can develop minor glitches. A dealer can check for and apply any available software updates, which can often resolve minor shifting anomalies.

  2. Low or Degraded PDK Fluid: The PDK system relies on specific high-performance fluid. Over time and mileage, this fluid can degrade or its level can drop slightly, impacting clutch engagement and shift quality. Porsche recommends PDK fluid and filter service at specific intervals (typically around 60,000 miles or 6 years, but check your specific model's maintenance schedule). If it hasn't been serviced, this could be a contributing factor.

  3. Worn Clutch Packs: While less common at 45,000 miles unless the car has seen very aggressive driving, the wet clutch packs within the PDK can wear. This would manifest as slipping or hesitation, particularly under load.

  4. Mechatronic Unit Issues: The mechatronic unit is the 'brain' of the PDK, combining the TCU and hydraulic control unit. Malfunctions here can lead to a wide range of shifting problems. This is a more serious and costly repair.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately: If you notice any warning lights on your dashboard (e.g., 'Transmission Fault' or a check engine light), or if the symptoms worsen significantly, such as complete loss of a gear or severe jolting.
  • As soon as possible: Given the nature of the PDK, it's highly recommended to have a Porsche specialist or authorized dealer diagnose the issue. They have the specialized diagnostic tools (like PIWIS) to read Porsche-specific fault codes (beyond generic OBD-II codes like P0700, which indicates a general transmission control system malfunction) and perform specific tests on the PDK system.
  • Avoid delaying: Ignoring PDK issues can lead to more extensive and expensive repairs down the line. Early diagnosis is key to potentially resolving the problem before it escalates.
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