Boxster Won't Start...Help Please

[mclawsey1]

Hi all,

Model Year - 2001

Engine - Boxster S

Trans - Manual

Country - US, but car is in Canada

I have been having some difficulties with my Boxster S and was hoping I might find some help. A few months ago I got into my car as usual and found that it would not start - The key goes in, turns, lights and everything work fine, the engine turns over but it just would not seem to "click in" and run. I tried to start it a few times that same day with no success - the engine just keeps turning over. Then I let it sit for the night and tried it the next morning. It started right away and I had no trouble with it for some time (a few weeks). This has happened to me three times now, and each time after I let it sit it starts right up.

Recently, I parked the car in my garage, everything was fine. But when I went to start it - the same thing happened - only this time, after letting it sit, it still will not start. I have checked and charged the battery, and again everything seems to be fine. The engine turns over but will not engage or run. All lights work - and the trouble lights etc light up on the display just as they normally would when starting the car. Battery is 100%

I am at a loss of what I can do - other than tow it to the garage. Would anyone have an idea? Please let me know if there is further information required to assist with the problem.

Thank you

Edited March 28, 2007 by mclawsey1

[CJ_Boxster]

Try disconnecting the plug to the MAS and see if the start will start consistantly afterwards with the MAS disconnected. If so, you need a new MAS (mas airflow sensor.)

[mclawsey1]

Try disconnecting the plug to the MAS and see if the start will start consistantly afterwards with the MAS disconnected. If so, you need a new MAS (mas airflow sensor.)

Thanks for the suggestion, but I tried that already... no luck. I think the MAS is fine, or at least so far. I was once told by a Porsche mechanic that when it starts it sort of uses "carburetor" mode, although this was said to be bad terminology. The point he was making was that the MAS and other sensors do not come into play until after it starts - the computer takes a few seconds to figure out what’s going on - the mix ratios etc. He says that a lot of problems thought to be MAS related, turn out to be other issues. - If this is true or not, I cannot say.

I have booked an appointment for the car at the garage for a Spring Tune-up, but not for two weeks. So I still have time to mess around and see if I can at least get it going and drive it to the garage rather than tow