[iCanMacan]

60k and I've been noticing the transfer case issue for a while but could not identify it until reading the other messages in this forum. The way I described it was it felt like driving in a car where someone doesn't know how to drive stick. The lurching and hesitation felt to me like it was not getting enough fuel and/or air, or even a vacuum issue, and was about to stall out. Ironically I went before the warranty was extended on this issue, and the dealer could not replicate or identify the issue. They told me that it was not producing any codes. I had many classic and muscle cars in the past, and there are no ODC readers for those. You have to drive, listen, diagnose, and then test your hypothesis. I went to an old school mechanic who does just that, and he wasn't familiar with the car or the known issue, but said it "felt like the differential". So in 2WD world, that would be right. In Macan speak - it's a transfer case.

It went from annoying to dangerous when I almost got broadsided in an intersection.

Here's where it gets odd for me. I added a fuel system cleaner and nothing changed. I ran the tank down to as close to empty as I could, then refueled. After about 1/4 of the new tank consumed, the transfer case issue went away. I was able to sense it only on hard acceleration with a slight bit of "bucking", or after a "spirited" drive on the highway when it was nice and warmed up, then it would show its face again. I scheduled a service appointment and was told I would have to pay $300 for diagnostic if they cannot replicate it, but it would be waived if they can. I have no idea how hard they'll try or whether they'll even notice it now. I can't imagine one bottle of additive would resolve this. As an aside - the service writer said that the transfer case was the exact same that was in the original production. I asked if it were re-engineered or modified, and they said it was exactly the same.

 

[FAST]

Hi iCanMacan,

IMHO: You may indeed have a transfer case (TC) problem, but I think you also have/had a bigger problem with something in your engine. A fuel system cleaner would in no way reduce or resolve a TC problem and the more severe symptoms you were describing are not typical TC failure symptoms. Sounds to me you had some bad fuel, but I'm guessing.

See post 501 and 509 above for typical symptoms. Most people find the biggest tell is when they are in reverse, with the steering hard left or right at idle speeds, the car will jerk, slip or shudder. The worse the situation, the bigger the shudder. If you have air suspension, set it to off-road and it will make the symptoms 2X worse. You may also feel it when driving off from a standstill (subtle - feels like you are slipping on gravel) and sometimes you feel a shudder between gears 2 - 3- 4 during modest acceleration. I have not read anywhere the the TC problem will throw codes.

Paying for the diagnostic is normal but $300 seems excessive. It's about 1 hour work and I was quoted $150 USD ($200CDN). But I'm not sure that's your root problem, so I'd hold off on that till the engine problem is resolved. Few more tanks of quality fuel and if it's still there, have someone look at it.

The Service Advisor is wrong, the replacement TC is definitely modified. See post 511. Unless they are doing the replace TC fluid and add friction modifier route .... but if you are still under warranty, they should not be doing that in NA.

 

[iCanMacan]

I just picked up. my '15 S from the dealer after having the Transfer Case replaced (I was not charged any diagnostic fee). No cost for the repair as it was entirely under warranty. I had forgotten how fun it was to drive this one. Been dealing with that issue for a while before I found the post and just wanted to thank you guys for bringing it to my attention. I was fed up and about to sell.

Question - does the TC cause any type of poor fuel economy? I've had terrible gas mileage for a while now, which coincided with the shuddering and the Engine Control Fault warning light which kept coming on for a few days then disappearing. Just wondering if that sluggishness was consuming a lot of fuel?

Again - many many thanks!

 

[jpdornberger]

I have had my Macan S for a little over 3 years with no issues. 55k miles. 2 weeks ago I put new Continental tires on. Now, the transmission slips/stutters when shifting. When starting out cold it only does it from 1st to 2nd. After driving for a half-hour or so it starts doing it in every gear.Any idea why it's doing this?
Thx, Jim D.

 

[AjaxMedia]

I have had my Macan S for a little over 3 years with no issues. 55k miles. 2 weeks ago I put new Continental tires on. Now, the transmission slips/stutters when shifting. When starting out cold it only does it from 1st to 2nd. After driving for a half-hour or so it starts doing it in every gear.Any idea why it's doing this?
Thx, Jim D.

Sounds like the Transfer Case went bad. If it is, then it is luckily covered by Porsche, but you only have until the end of the year for a 2015 to be covered. Head to a dealer asap.

 

[jpdornberger]

Sounds like the Transfer Case went bad. If it is, then it is luckily covered by Porsche, but you only have until the end of the year for a 2015 to be covered. Head to a dealer asap.

Thanks for the info! Jim D.

 

[Opt1k]

I don't think you have till end of the year, only if your car was made 31 dec 2014. Also this could be mechatronic.

 

[jpdornberger]

I don't think you have till end of the year, only if your car was made 31 dec 2014. Also this could be mechatronic.

My car is covered according to the VIN. I have 2 dealers trying to source a new transfer case. Apparently, they are in short supply.

 

[///Bruce]

My car is covered according to the VIN. I have 2 dealers trying to source a new transfer case. Apparently, they are in short supply.

Probably a remanufactured.

 

[nsx88]

Learned a bit more about transfer case (TC) failure from a Porsche service manager (SM) today. As mentioned elsewhere the root problem is a breather/filter tube on the bottom of the TC that allows moisture to get into the TC which damages the fluid and degrades the TC's performance.

To resolve this, the returned TC case is modified to remove the breather on the bottom and replace it with a top breather that is designed to prevent moisture from getting in. The guts are rebuilt, Porsche tests it and sends it back for the next replacement.

According to the SM the TC's mechanicals aren't damaged by this problem most of the time, but the rebuilt and replacement is a NA solution "encouraged" by American regulators. In Europe the first solution tried is to replace the TC fluid with a different fluid (he told me the name, but I lost my notes), add a friction modifier and reflash the TC with the lastest code. This solves the problem ~80% of the time. Maintenance is required every 4 years. Only if the problem persists is the TC replaced.

So, if your TC case is out of warranty there is potentially a few hundred dollar solution vs a $4K+ solution worth a try.

Lastly, the SM said his dealership adds the friction modifier to all their TC rebuilds and suggested I do the same. Available from Porsche parts.

Hi fast fellow Canadian here. Which dealer did I go to and how long did the Tc replacement take?

 

[jpdornberger]

Same transfer case used on the Cayenne and BMW X3 & X5. First dealership I contacted got one.

 

[FAST]

Hi fast fellow Canadian here. Which dealer did I go to and how long did the Tc replacement take?

Porsche Center Oakville.

I had to leave it for the day for the initial evaluation but I believe it was approximately an hour work.
Had to wait ~ 3 weeks for the transfer case to get in.
Actual repair took one day

I tend to split my service calls between Pfaff and Oakville, depending on where I'm working out-of at the time. I prefer Pfaff, they are a little cheaper, more flexible and more confidence inspiring.

 

[nsx88]

Porsche Center Oakville.

I had to leave it for the day for the initial evaluation but I believe it was approximately an hour work.
Had to wait ~ 3 weeks for the transfer case to get in.
Actual repair took one day

I tend to split my service calls between Pfaff and Oakville, depending on where I'm working out-of at the time. I prefer Pfaff, they are a little cheaper, more flexible and more confidence inspiring.

Thanks.

the only time I notice the symptom was testing it in off road mode.
Otherwise, the car seems fine and all… was that the case with u ?

should I still get it changed?

sorry I’m new to the macan but I am a Porsche owner

 

[FAST]

Thanks.

the only time I notice the symptom was testing it in off road mode.
Otherwise, the car seems fine and all… was that the case with u ?

should I still get it changed?

sorry I’m new to the macan but I am a Porsche owner

That's when it was most pronounced with mine also - highest height, hard turn forward or backwards at low speed - really shuddered. It was also very slightly "gravely" feeling at low speeds, but I thought it was just the road at the time. It got worse with time, but only slightly.

Are you still under warranty? If yes, definitely worth it. If you think you have a problem, you'll need to get the dealer to evaluate it. I forget the $ amount (~$200), but if they find a problem you won't have to pay.

If you are not under warranty, I would go the new fluid, friction modifier route. I can recommend a shop in Oakville if that's the case.

What is your year and mileage? BTW, it's a common problem

 

[nsx88]

That's when it was most pronounced with mine also - highest height, hard turn forward or backwards at low speed - really shuddered. It was also very slightly "gravely" feeling at low speeds, but I thought it was just the road at the time. It got worse with time, but only slightly.

Are you still under warranty? If yes, definitely worth it. If you think you have a problem, you'll need to get the dealer to evaluate it. I forget the $ amount (~$200), but if they find a problem you won't have to pay.

If you are not under warranty, I would go the new fluid, friction modifier route. I can recommend a shop in Oakville if that's the case.

What is your year and mileage? BTW, it's a common problem

2016 74k km
It’s just I would never even think I have a problem. Til I just did the off road thing.
Isn’t everyone still under warranty since they extended it ??

 

[wwahl]

2016 74k km
It’s just I would never even think I have a problem. Til I just did the off road thing.
Isn’t everyone still under warranty since they extended it ??

Here is a copy of the warranty extension;

​ ​

MY2014 – MY2018 Macan Transfer Case Warranty Extension

Dear Mr. Wahl, You received this notice because our records, which are based primarily on state registration and title data, indicate that you are the current owner of the vehicle with the VIN: WP1AB2A5XJLB34307. What is the issue? On Model Year 2014 to 2018 Porsche Macan the Transfer Case long term durability may be below Porsche’s high quality standards. What will Porsche do? Porsche is extending the warranty coverage specifically for the subject Transfer Case in your vehicle to 7 years/unlimited mileage. All other terms and conditions specified in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet remain unchanged. What you should do? Please print and place a copy of this email in the Warranty and Maintenance booklet for your vehicle. No other action is needed at this time. This warranty extension will be reflected automatically in the warranty system of any authorized Porsche dealer. The warranty extension transfers automatically to the next owner, but please make sure to leave a copy of this email in the vehicle if you sell your Macan. If you previously paid for a repair: If you previously paid out-of-pocket for a repair to your Transfer Case that would have been covered under the terms of this warranty extension, you may be eligible for reimbursement for the portion of the repair for which you paid. You can apply for reimbursement by submitting a claim and uploading supporting documentation at the link below. To access the website, enter the Access Code Driven and your VIN in the designated fields. What should you do?​ Please save this email. If the Transfer Case in your vehicle needs service, please contact any authorized Porsche dealer to schedule an appointment. To find your nearest authorized Porsche dealer, visit: www.porsche.com/usa If you previously paid out-of-pocket for a repair to your transfer case, you can apply for reimbursement by submitting a claim at www.TransferCaseWarrantyExtension.com. Enter the Access Code below to access the website and enter your VIN to submit a claim. Website Access Code: DRIVEN If you require further assistance, you may contact us at 1-866-977-0841 or visit: www.TransferCaseWarrantyExtension.com If you are unable to complete your claim online, please contact 1-866-977-0841 to request to have a paper reimbursement form sent to you. Please return paper reimbursement forms along with the necessary supporting documentation to the following address: Macan Transfer Case Warranty Extension PO Box 2312 Portland, OR 97208-2312​ What if you have moved, or no longer own or operate this vehicle? If you have changed your address or sold the vehicle, please update your information by logging on to My Porsche and clicking on profile. You may also contact us at 1-800-PORSCHE so we can update our records. We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause you. We are taking this action to help ensure your continued satisfaction with your Porsche vehicle. Best Regards, Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

 

[FAST]

2016 74k km
It’s just I would never even think I have a problem. Til I just did the off road thing.
Isn’t everyone still under warranty since they extended it ??

So you don't have the slow acceleration from 0 gravelly feeling or the modest acceleration 2nd / 3rd shift shudder? I guess you are early in the failure cycle. From my readings here, most people get the problem between 40K-80K km.

Mine was barely noticeable for a while, then started to get progressively worse, although it never got bad. I took it to the dealer for evaluation and when I picked it up the next day it was 2X worse, which still isn't saying much. On a scale of 1-10, annoyance factor was a 2 day-to-day.

Correct, unless you've modified the drivetrain in someway and Porsche disallowed you. I got into a battle over the wheel spacers even though Porsche installed them. See post 503: Older SUVs (Cayenne 2011-14) have a 10 year extended warranty (from date of manufacturer), newer SUVs (Cayenne 15-18 and Macan 14-18) is 7 year.

 

[Fast_Eddie]

Now up for my second transfer case replacement. MY16.
Original replaced by a remanufactured "X" unit at 28k (17.5k miles). Now at 50k (31k miles).
So the "X" version lasted only about 22k (13k miles). Actually less because it has been playing up for at least 5k but was rejected because their test drivers could not detect the obvious issues. I figured to just wait til there was no argument - it is now nearly undriveable.

 

[FAST]

Now up for my second transfer case replacement. MY16.
Original replaced by a remanufactured "X" unit at 28k (17.5k miles). Now at 50k (31k miles).
So the "X" version lasted only about 22k (13k miles). Actually less because it has been playing up for at least 5k but was rejected because their test drivers could not detect the obvious issues. I figured to just wait til there was no argument - it is now nearly undriveable.

Sorry to hear that. I assume you only have one Porsche dealer within a reasonable distance?

 

[Fast_Eddie]

Sorry to hear that. I assume you only have one Porsche dealer within a reasonable distance?

Yes, The Australian distributor - owned by Porsche AG.