Car tries to start but doesn't (please HELP)

[kiltedgnome]

I have a 2001 Boxster. I drove it to the store, went in for a couple hours and came out to leave. Put the key in the ignition and turned it on to start. Car makes the normal cranking sound to start up, but that is all. It won't catch and run. It turns over strong. I left it in the parking lot and made arrangements to tow it the next day. I went back and tried to start it again. It sputtered, so I floored it and after a sudden "pop" it worked. I drove it home and parked it in the garage. A couple days later (when I had time), I tried to start it again and get the "cranking" sound, but no "spark to life". My mechanic can't even look at it until the 16th. Any suggestions? If any suggestions require actually seeing the engine, please explain how to expose that area. Thank you.

Oops: Car is 2001 Black Boxster 5 speed LHD US (not sure which engine).

I have found some suggestions, but need to know how to tell if these are the problem. I have been told it could be: Ignition Switch, DME, Fuel Pump, Clutch Switch, Ignition Coil, etc.

Edited June 3, 2008 by kiltedgnome

[1schoir]

I have a 2001 Boxster. I drove it to the store, went in for a couple hours and came out to leave. Put the key in the ignition and turned it on to start. Car makes the normal cranking sound to start up, but that is all. It won't catch and run. It turns over strong. I left it in the parking lot and made arrangements to tow it the next day. I went back and tried to start it again. It sputtered, so I floored it and after a sudden "pop" it worked. I drove it home and parked it in the garage. A couple days later (when I had time), I tried to start it again and get the "cranking" sound, but no "spark to life". My mechanic can't even look at it until the 16th. Any suggestions? If any suggestions require actually seeing the engine, please explain how to expose that area. Thank you.

Oops: Car is 2001 Black Boxster 5 speed LHD US (not sure which engine).

I have found some suggestions, but need to know how to tell if these are the problem. I have been told it could be: Ignition Switch, DME, Fuel Pump, Clutch Switch, Ignition Coil, etc.

gnome:

The easiest fault to eliminate is the clutch interlock switch. You can try to bypass the switch by using a jumper wire across the two terminals. The switch is located behind the clutch pedal.

Try to bypass the switch before you go down any of the other avenues.

Although it's never happened on my Boxster (MY97), for what it's worth, on another car with a stick and a clutch interlock switch, when depressing the clutch and the car not starting after a number of cranks... when the engine finally fires, there is usually a "pop" similar to the one you described. I believe it's some of the unburned fuel that got squirted into the cylinders while the engine was turning over but not starting. That is one indication that you may be having a similar problem.

Regards, Maurice.

[kiltedgnome]

No, I connected the clutch wires and it still does the starting sound without actually starting. I t is like there is no spark. I would attempt to look at the spark plugs, but still have yet to figure out how to access the engine. If I don't get any suggestions, I will end up taking it in next week when the Porsche mechanic has an opening.

[HairyPotter]

No, I connected the clutch wires and it still does the starting sound without actually starting. I t is like there is no spark. I would attempt to look at the spark plugs, but still have yet to figure out how to access the engine. If I don't get any suggestions, I will end up taking it in next week when the Porsche mechanic has an opening.

spark plugs only accessible from underneath the car; perhaps your battery current is marginal, enough juice to spin the starter moter but not quite enough to fully energise the ignition system. I bought a new battery for mine last week and that turned the motor over but wouldn't start it without an initial boost from my other car.

[RFM]

Looks like the car is suffering with a invalid fuel pump.

[R0gerB]

i had the same problem on my 2001 2.7 boxster, i replaced the fuel filter (easy and cheapest starting point) and that immediatly fixed the problem. the filter is located underneath the car in the center of the undercarrage. take the plastic cover off that covers your undercarrage and you will see a 'valley' in the center of the car stretching down the length of the vehicle. you will see your coolant lines and underneath those are your fuel lines and you will see the fuel filter. take it off and throw a new one on and you should be good to go!

[1schoir]

If replacing the fuel filter, use extreme caution as the fuel can squirt out at you under some high residual pressure.

Not too much fun when you are lying under the car.

Regards, Maurice.

[JeTexas]

Something about your story doesn't add up. Why were you in a store for a couple hours? Are you sure it wasn't a pub?

As for the car, when my 996 gave me those exact symptoms, it was a bad MAF. Try unplugging it and see if it starts.

[RFM]

Gentlemen, 987 never had a fuel filter under the car.

[Loren]

Moved this topic to the proper - 986 section.