PCM worldwide issues

[woollyjoe]

I've recently learned how unreliable the PCM unit / system is after I had my GT4 returned after a gearbox swap with a broken PCM.

This isn't about the OPC, because ultimately, there is no reason why it should break, but do need some warranty and liability advice please.

Before my warranty expired, I called my local OPC for the gearbox issue and some other bits and pieces (under warranty). They (eventually) confirmed a recall and I had to wait 3 months for the appointment which would put me 3 weeks past my warranty, but "would be ok" including other minor issues I raised.

I delivered my car with 3k miles and pristine condition to the OPC and two weeks later got it back with a broken PCM - would not boot up at all. I mentioned this when I got home and told two things...

1. the car arrived with PCM failure [it didn't and worked fine as I went through all the "warranty issues" to confirm what was covered and not].
2. I'm out of warranty and would otherwise have to pay. They have softened on this and said they will "investigate" first for free and it may be a new PCM for which I would need to pay and Porsche may offer a contribution.

• I raised many issues about my car for warranty and PCM has not once worked in my 3 years ownership, so why would I not raise a PCM issue.
• I had to wait 3 months for my car to be looked at - whilst under warranty.
• The car has not been driven in the last year, when it went to OPC for a service. So it went from detailer, to OPC service, to garage, to OPC service.
• I've owned the car from factory and OPC serviced it.

Now there was other issues caused to my car in whilst in their ownership and confidence is low as something has happened on every visit (two times), but depending upon how my car and myself is looked after, I'm the kind of person who believes that its worth staying with someone who wants, tries and fixes problems rather than leaves.

I believe the OPC wants to fix it, but won't want to be out of pocket, so how do I get my warranty enforced as ultimately, a 3 month delay was forced on me and I was not contacted about the gearbox recall at all. I also do believe if these PCM systems are as fragile as they appear on the internet, they could have knocked something that caused the issue (where loose connections) and it's ultimately an issue that occurred after some sort of test they did (according to the video the tech sent).

Advice appreciated. Abuse for not driving my car enough is also welcome, but I have a 1 year old and 3 year old that made it tricky.

[woollyjoe]

Also to add - on handover, we turned the car on for mileage and all worked fine on PCM.

[short-shift]

Surely, the first step is to accept the OPC's offer to investigate foc? It could well be that it's a simple connection or coding issue arising from the work they were carrying out on the car.

I wasn't aware that these units are known to be particularly fragile but, in the worst-case outlook (where the unit has failed and the OPC is not prepared to replace foc) be aware that there are several third-party organisations in the UK who can diagnose and repair PCM problems for a fraction of the cost of a new unit.

James

[boxsey]

You're right to not be happy with the service you have received. Presuming the OPC is the one you bought the car from, it sounds appalling that they hadn't contacted you directly about the gearbox recall (my OPC contacted me about it and I also had a letter about it directly from Porsche (GB) head office). I also find it odd that they diagnosed a failed PCM while the car was in their hands and yet they didn't phone you to let you know about it and discuss what you wanted to do.

[woollyjoe]

Car is with OPC, but asking for advice based upon experience so I'm prepared. Hope for best, prepare for worst.

It sounds like a long road to fix.