"Fault engine extract. vent. Drive on poss." error

[cassius]

Hello all,
I have a 2012 991.1, 3-pedal version. I was on a trip last weekend and an error popped up "Fault engine extract. vent. Drive on poss." with an icon of a 4-blade fan. I figured it was ok to dismiss, so I did. Kept driving. The error went on and off during my drive; I was driving very gently (below 4000 rpm accelerating, and 2000-2500 cruising).

When I got home, I pulled off the engine compartment cover and cleaned the fan connector contacts (with contact cleaner). Re-assembled everything, started the engine and no error code.

Until I drove it again about 2 hours later. The error showed about one minute into my drive. ARGH!

When I got home from that errand, I checked and both fans are spinning fine, even with the error showing.

Any ideas? Faulty sensor? Any way to test that? Or am I stuck replacing one or both fans?

Thanks in advance!

Vent ErrorMsg.jpg (186.35 KiB) Viewed 3000 times

FanIcon.jpg (654.7 KiB) Viewed 3000 times

[Tom]

That is a cryptic code for the fans on top of the engine. Try cleaning and reseating the connectors first. If that doesn't work, a fan is probably bad. No first hand experience, but some folks claim they've fixed their own fan by replacing the connector on it.

[texfrazer]

I just had that happen to my 2012 991. In my case, it was the wiring harness that had to be replaced. I hope your's is just the fan.

[cassius]

Thanks texfrazer! Which harness did you have to replace? Just the one for spoiler/fans/hood release?

After disconnecting my fan motors and cleaning contacts, I pulled off the right cover of the engine compartment (part of WM198119 procedure in the manual). However, I have no idea how to release the wiring harness connector. I'd like to get access to see if I can clean those connections. Anyone here know how to release this connector? I don't want to break it, of course.

Thanks
Cassius

[cassius]

Turns out this problem was fixed by replacement of the fan relays. Evidently the high/low speed wasn't switching correctly. Thanks to all!

Cassius

[cassius]

Update: the code came back. Replaced the fans and all is now well for >1,000 miles.

[texfrazer]

Hi cassius! I’m sorry it took me 4 months to reply! Mine was under CPO, so I don’t know which harness it was. They did tell me that one of the connectors was melted. I’m glad yours are up and running now.