🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Porsche

Model:

911 Carrera 4 / Carrera 2

Model Code:

996 Series (Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 variants)

Common Nickname:

996 Carrera

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 2 (996 generation) represented a significant evolution for the iconic 911, moving to a water-cooled engine and a more modern chassis. This manual targets owners and independent specialists looking for in-depth, authoritative repair information.

Competitors:

Competes with factory service manuals for contemporary performance vehicles like the Ferrari 360 Modena, Aston Martin DB7, and Chevrolet Corvette C5, offering a similar level of detail and technical specification.

Features:

Authentic Porsche factory data, detailed procedures, comprehensive wiring diagrams, torque specifications for all fasteners, troubleshooting guides, and parts information.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All mechanical and electrical systems, troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair, maintenance, and adjustments.

Pages:

Typically over 1000 pages for a complete factory service manual set, though specific product listings may vary.

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English (Standard for this model and market)

Format:

Likely a digital format (PDF) for easy searching and printing, or a printed manual.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine mechanicals (disassembly, assembly, torque specs).

Transmission:

Manual (G96/00, G96/01, G96/10) and Tiptronic (G96.50) transmissions: disassembly, assembly, fluid capacities, torque specs, troubleshooting.

Drivetrain:

All-wheel drive (Carrera 4) system, front and rear axle assemblies, driveshafts, CV joints, differentials.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, traction control (PSM), brake pad and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures, parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment procedures, power steering system.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, ignition system, instrument cluster, comfort systems, body electronics.

Body Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable), chassis components, anti-corrosion measures.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, troubleshooting.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostics, fault codes, diagnostic tools, troubleshooting flowcharts.

Maintenance:

Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component replacement, engine rebuild, transmission repair, suspension overhaul, electrical component repair.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues.

Installation Removal:

Complete instructions for removing and reinstalling all major components and sub-assemblies.

Adjustments:

Alignment adjustments, throttle cable adjustments, clutch adjustments (if applicable).

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and component-level repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Likely PDF; should be searchable text, allowing for quick information retrieval. High-resolution scans or original digital files ensure clarity of diagrams and text.

Quality:

If printed, expect clear text and high-quality reproduction of all diagrams, schematics, and photographs. Paper quality should be durable for workshop use.

Binding:

If printed, likely spiral-bound or lay-flat binding to facilitate use during repairs.

Paper:

If printed, durable, heavy-weight paper suitable for a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated, Flat-Six (Boxer)

Engine Codes:

M96.01 (Carrera 2), M96.03 (Carrera 4, later Carrera 2)

Displacement:

3.4 Liters (3387 cc) for early models, 3.6 Liters (3596 cc) for later models (2002 onwards).

Horsepower:

Approx. 300 hp (3.4L), Approx. 320 hp (3.6L)

Torque:

Approx. 258 lb-ft (3.4L), Approx. 273 lb-ft (3.6L)

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic ME7.x

Bore Stroke:

93.0 mm x 82.7 mm (3.4L), 96.0 mm x 82.7 mm (3.6L)

Compression Ratio:

11.5:1

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VarioCam (variable valve timing on intake camshaft)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Manual (G96/00 for RWD, G96/01 for AWD)

Type:

5-Speed Tiptronic Automatic (G96.50)

Clutch:

Hydraulic, single dry plate

Final Drive Ratio:

Typically 3.44:1 (Manual RWD), 3.44:1 (Manual AWD), 3.15:1 (Tiptronic)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Pentosin MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 synthetic)

Tiptronic Transmission Fluid:

Porsche ATF JWS 3309 (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4430 mm (174.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1305 mm (51.4 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2350 mm (92.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on configuration (Carrera 2 vs. Carrera 4, manual vs. Tiptronic)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1900 kg (4189 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 130 liters (4.6 cu ft) front trunk, plus rear 'frunk' space.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Specific NHTSA ratings for this generation are not readily available in a standardized format, but the chassis and safety features were considered robust for its time.

Traction Control:

Porsche Stability Management (PSM) standard on most models.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes, typically ventilated with 4-piston calipers (larger optional PCCB ceramic brakes available).

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags.

Rollover Protection:

Integrated rollover protection structure.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

System:

PCM (Porsche Communication Management) system, typically with navigation, radio, CD player. Later models offered improved infotainment options.

Audio:

Optional Bose or High-End sound systems available.

Features:

Cruise control, parking assist sensors (rear), Bi-Xenon headlights (optional).

Connectivity Options:

Limited connectivity by modern standards. May include optional CD changer, telephone preparation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check owner's manual for specific intervals.

Major Service:

Significant service intervals occur around 30,000 miles (e.g., spark plugs, filters, coolant) and 60,000 miles (e.g., drive belts, clutch inspection).

Engine Oil:

Mobil 1 0W-40 synthetic is Porsche's recommended oil. Capacity approximately 8.5 liters (9 US quarts).

Coolant:

Porsche approved G48 or G40 coolant concentrate mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approximately 22 liters (5.8 US gallons).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 High Performance.

Common Issues:

IMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearing failure (especially on early models with specific bearing types), rear main seal leaks, cylinder scoring (less common with the 996 compared to the early M96 engine design), water pump leaks, AOS (Air/Oil Separator) failure.

Service Bulletins:

The manual will reference Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Porsche for known issues and their fixes.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Porsche has a storied history with the 911, dating back to 1963, known for its rear-engine layout, performance, and motorsport pedigree.

996 Generation:

The 996 generation (1997-2006) marked a significant departure from previous air-cooled 911s, introducing a water-cooled engine. This generation included the Carrera 2 (RWD) and Carrera 4 (AWD) variants, and later the Carrera 4S with wider bodywork and the 3.6L engine.

Production Years:

1997-2006 (for the 996 generation). This manual specifically covers the Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 models within this range.

Manufacturing Location:

Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While the 996 generation itself received mixed reviews initially due to the departure from air-cooling and its perceived design differences from older 911s, it has since gained appreciation as a capable and increasingly collectible modern classic. This manual helps maintain its performance and longevity, allowing owners to experience its intended driving dynamics.