2009-2019 Porsche 997, 991, Caymans, & Boxsters equipped with PDK transmission often encounter a fault that completely disables the transmission.

Getting this fault message, “Transm. fault. Poss. no R gear. Drive on poss?” Beck’s European is thrilled to offer a solution to the troublesome PDK distance sensor failure.

Are you experiencing PDK failure in your 911, or other late build Porsche model? Owners with models 997, 991, Cayman, and Boxster (981) have had some pretty scary situations where they have had a gearbox fault that sends the car into limp home mode, or renders it completely undriveable. This can be due to a faulty distance sensor or displacement sensor within the PDK transmission itself. The message you will have seen on your Porsche will read, “Transm. fault. Poss. no R gear. Drive on poss.”

Repair your 7DT45 and 7DT70 Porsche PDK transmission / gearbox instead of buying a new one! The distance / position sensor failure is typically indicated by codes:

  • P1731
  • P1732
  • P1733
  • P1734
  • P1735

Please note: this repair is sold only as a complete job in our shop, and the parts are not sold separately.

And, sometimes other 17xx errors. Previously this kind of error required a new and very expensive PDK transmission, but now Beck’s European can replace the faulty gear position sensor with a new T-Design unit. This 100% new aftermarket replacement part (not made by ZF or sold by Porsche) using the latest technology and electronics (2021 vs 2007); replaces Porsche part numbers 0501325775, 0501327105, and 0501324703. Fits 911, Cayman, and Boxster models since 2009 (997 991 981 718 models). This repair fixes the following warnings and codes:

  • Car is undrivable or in limp mode
  • Dash message “Gearbox fault…”
  • OBD codes 1731,1732,1733,1734,1735 and some 17Dx
  • OBD errors “Shift rod N displacement sensor”
  • Dealer/Shop diagnosed “distance (or position) sensor failure”

The distance/displacement sensor is an important part of the Porsche PDK gearbox; its function is to tell the control unit where all 4 shift rods are at the moment. The gearbox control unit constantly communicates with the sensor pack to make sure gear shifts occurred correctly. Once the sensor goes bad/dies the control unit cannot continue so it will keep driving in the currently selected gear, will not shift anymore, and after the car is stopped it will not allow the car to be driven again – at all. The original sensor can literally go bad “overnight”. There is no warning and nothing that can be done to “prevent” the problem from occurring. Arguably it’s not “if” the sensor will fail, it’s a matter of “when”. Please contact Beck’s European if you are currently experiencing this problem.