1999 Boxster Cold Start Problems

[s.a.haynes]

I have had my 1999 Boxster for about a year now. When I first purchased the car is was getting OBD codes that eventually people on this group helped diagnose as a faulty MAF sensor. Since the replacement, the MIL has not come on. A beer to everyone for their help :beer:!

The car was put away for the winter shortly after the replacement, so I really didn't notice the next problem until this spring.

I have been having an issue with cold starts. The problem only seems to manifest itself if the car has been garaged overnight. It does not happen if the car is left in the hot sun during the day. The first time I attempt to start the car in the morning, it will cough and sputter and then stall out. Usually (but not always) the second time I turn the key, it will start normally. However, on some morning it will take me using the gas peddle to get it started, which usually causes the car to backfire and make rather nasty noises.

In all cases once the car has been running for about 30seconds, all is fine and the car will run perfectly the entire day no matter how many times I stop and restart the car (even leaving outside at work for 8 hours).

My Porsche tech wants to replace the engine coolant sensor, but even he claims that is "just a guess". Being that "just guessing" can get quite expensive on a Boxster, any other suggestions would be appreciated. Knowledge is power.

Thanks.

Sean

[wvicary]

Have a look inside the throttlebody to see if there is a build up of gunk. Just use carb cleaner and a rag to clean it up.