Why is Your 2020 Porsche Cayenne Misfiring? Here's How to Fix It

How to Fix Misfire

Experiencing a misfire in your 2020 Porsche Cayenne can be frustrating. This guide will walk you through understanding, diagnosing, and addressing misfires, drawing from the experiences of other owners. As one owner discovered, the issue can be complex, stating, "Fixed the timing but my camshaft reluctor teeth seemed to be misaligned by someone who did valve cover job on it before."

Symptoms

Misfires in your vehicle can manifest in several ways. Keep an eye out for the following:

One common symptom is a noticeable coolant smell. This might indicate a leak in the cooling system that could indirectly affect engine performance and trigger a misfire. The smell can be subtle, so pay close attention when the engine is running.

Another symptom to watch for is any unusual smell coming from the engine. This could be a burning smell or something else out of the ordinary. Unusual smells can be indicators of underlying mechanical issues.

The check engine light (CEL) illuminating on your dashboard is a clear sign that something is amiss. A misfire will often trigger the CEL, providing a crucial alert that you need to investigate further. Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the specific error code and pinpoint the problem.

Also, look for any visible leaks around the engine. Even trace seepage can be a sign of a gasket or seal failure that could contribute to misfires. Inspect the engine bay regularly for any signs of fluid accumulation.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, a misaligned camshaft reluctor teeth is the most likely cause of misfires in some cases. This misalignment can occur if the teeth are bent during a valve cover job. As one owner pointed out, "As soon as I opened the valve covers I could see that the cams were exactly the same degrees out of time as my initial oscilloscope tests." This misalignment disrupts the engine's timing, leading to misfires.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a misfire in your 2020 Porsche Cayenne involves a systematic approach. Start by gathering information and then narrow down the potential causes.

1. Retrieve the Error Code: Use an OBD-II scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the PCM. This will give you a starting point.

2. Inspect the Camshaft Reluctor Teeth: If you suspect a misalignment, carefully examine the camshaft reluctor teeth. Remove the valve covers for a visual inspection.

3. Check for Coolant Leaks: Inspect the cooling system for any signs of leaks. Look for wet spots or traces of coolant around hoses, the radiator, and the water pump.

4. Evaluate Engine Smells: Pay attention to any unusual smells emanating from the engine. Determine the nature and source of the smell to guide your diagnosis.

5. Consider Timing: Given owner reports related to timing issues, evaluate the timing components.

Tools needed:

• OBD-II scanner
• Socket set
• Wrenches
• Valve cover removal tools

Step-by-Step Fix

Addressing a misfire often requires a methodical approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on owner experiences:

1. Obtain Necessary Parts: Ensure you have the correct replacement parts, such as a valve cover gasket, if you remove them.
2. Remove Valve Covers: Carefully remove the valve covers to access the camshaft and reluctor teeth.
3. Inspect Camshaft Reluctor Teeth: Visually inspect the camshaft reluctor teeth for any signs of misalignment or damage.
4. Correct Misalignment: If the teeth are misaligned, attempt to gently bend them back into their correct positions. As one owner shared: "Fixed the timing but my camshaft reluctor teeth seemed to be misaligned by someone who did valve cover job on it before. I tried to bend them back into position a few times but didn't work."
5. Reinstall Valve Covers: Once the teeth are corrected, reinstall the valve covers, ensuring a proper seal.
6. Clear Error Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to clear the stored error codes from the PCM.
7. Test Drive: Perform a test drive to ensure the misfire is resolved and the engine runs smoothly.
8. Inspect for Leaks: Keep checking for any leaks after a test drive.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Valve cover gasket
• OBD-II scanner
• Socket set
• Wrenches
• Valve cover removal tools

Real Owner Costs

The cost to address a misfire can vary widely, depending on the cause and whether you opt for a DIY or professional repair.

• DIY Repair: If the issue involves minor adjustments or component replacements, you might spend between $50 and $200 on parts.
• Professional Repair: Having a mechanic diagnose and repair the misfire can cost between $200 and $1000, depending on the complexity of the job and labor rates in your area.

It's worth noting that some repairs might require specialized tools. As one owner who does their own repairs said about getting their vehicle on stands, "I have a 4 post lift but rarely use it for a simple wheel swap. If I was bleeding brakes, I would take the time to put the car fully on jackstands if I did not have a lift."

Prevention

Preventing misfires involves regular maintenance and careful attention to your vehicle's performance.

1. Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the engine for leaks, unusual smells, and signs of wear.
2. Proper Valve Cover Installation: When performing valve cover jobs, be extra cautious to avoid misaligning the camshaft reluctor teeth.
3. Use Quality Parts: When replacing components, opt for high-quality parts to ensure reliability and longevity.
4. Monitor Engine Performance: Pay attention to how your engine runs and address any unusual symptoms promptly.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from PORSCHE owners:

Success Stories

"Fixed the timing but my camshaft reluctor teeth seemed to be misaligned by someone who did valve cover job on it before. I tried to bend them back into position a few times but didn't work." — KASH '95 993 (source)

"As soon as I opened the valve covers I could see that the cams were exactly the same degrees out of time as my initial oscilloscope tests. Fixed the timing but my camshaft reluctor teeth seemed to be misaligned by someone who did valve cover job on it before." — KASH '95 993 (source)

"I applied the Sonax liberally on all seams and contact points today, it has fixed the problem 100% for now, thank you! I hope it lasts." — 8378hjlafdljfads (source)

Owner Experiences

"So there's likely solvent remaining if not done properly? I can see why that definition of a "flush" would be risky if there was solvent remaining in the system." — garrett376 (source)

"I had one of these 12v emergency compressors from a BMW years ago that I used to top up tires and eventually burned it out. If you like what yours does, use it until it quits." — pbon (source)

"Quote: Originally Posted by Boomer80 I have never heard of techs suggesting not to flush transmission. Where does this recommendation come from and what is the reasoning behind it." — garrett376 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a misfire?

A: The time required to fix a misfire varies. Simple fixes, like adjusting the camshaft reluctor teeth, may take a few hours. More complex repairs, such as replacing a PCM, could take longer and require specialized tools.

Q: Can I drive with a misfire?

A: It is generally not recommended to drive with a misfire. Misfires can cause damage to your catalytic converter and lead to further engine problems. Addressing the issue promptly is crucial.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Porsche Cayenne?

A: While misfires can occur in any vehicle, the specific cause, like misaligned camshaft reluctor teeth, might be less common but significant when it happens.

Q: DIY vs mechanic – what's recommended?

A: The decision depends on your mechanical skill level and the complexity of the repair. If you're comfortable removing valve covers and making minor adjustments, a DIY approach may be feasible. However, complex repairs involving the PCM or timing system are best left to a professional mechanic. As one owner suggested, having the right diagnostic tools can be essential, "I’ve plugged the PIWIS in and can’t clear it they came with some form of extension cord? Am I supposed to be running that? car is a 958.1 that had halogens HELP 😅"