Jump to content

Welcome to RennTech.org Community, Guest

There are many great features available to you once you register at RennTech.org
You are free to view posts here, but you must log in to reply to existing posts, or to start your own new topic. Like most online communities, there are costs involved to maintain a site like this - so we encourage our members to donate. All donations go to the costs operating and maintaining this site. We prefer that guests take part in our community and we offer a lot in return to those willing to join our corner of the Porsche world. This site is 99 percent member supported (less than 1 percent comes from advertising) - so please consider an annual donation to keep this site running.

Here are some of the features available - once you register at RennTech.org

  • View Classified Ads
  • DIY Tutorials
  • Porsche TSB Listings (limited)
  • VIN Decoder
  • Special Offers
  • OBD II P-Codes
  • Paint Codes
  • Registry
  • Videos System
  • View Reviews
  • and get rid of this welcome message

It takes just a few minutes to register, and it's FREE

Contributing Members also get these additional benefits:
(you become a Contributing Member by donating money to the operation of this site)

  • No ads - advertisements are removed
  • Access the Contributors Only Forum
  • Contributing Members Only Downloads
  • Send attachments with PMs
  • All image/file storage limits are substantially increased for all Contributing Members
  • Option Codes Lookup
  • VIN Option Lookups (limited)

Car cannot start.. dash lights flashes wildly and window moving up and

kdub
 Share

Recommended Posts

kdub Member

kdub

Posted
Posted

Hello,

I hadn't been reading the tech forums for over half a year now and I have totally forgotten all the famous problems the Boxster possesses.

I need a quick reminder of what my problem is. I have been searching but I can't seem to find the description of the problem I am facing now.

My problem is my Boxster suddenly won't start today. I stick the key in and the dash lights will flash wildly and my windows went down an inch and back up repeatedly as well as I can hear the starter in the engine ticking. It doesn't seem to be a battery problem because all the lights are on brightly.

Is this the famous ignition switch problem? My key goes in and out of the ignition fine.

I remember reading this exact problem people had before, but I can't find it now.

Could someone please remind me what this issue is? Is it battery related or ignition switch?

thanks very much

Ken

Link to comment
Share on other sites
kdub Member

kdub

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)
Sounds like a bad ignition switch.

Thank you Loren.

That's what I thought too, but wasn't sure. I search for the symptoms of a bad ignition switch and all I found was key stuck or key removed but engine still running. Again my key insertion and withdrawl is fine. I can turn the key to on no problem. But when I do crank the engine, the dash lights are blinking like x'mas lights.

I am still trying to find posts I've read by people having the same problem. Would you be able to quickly find them? What keywords should I search under?

Again, I was avidly reading the tech forums back in September after I got the Boxster. Trying to educate myself all the problems that could happen so I don't get caught by surprise. So the posts I've read were dating back 9 months ago :P

Luckily I had bought a spare ignition switch 9 months ago knowing one day I'll need it.

Edited by kdub
Link to comment
Share on other sites
kdub Member

kdub

Posted
  • Author
Posted
How old is the battery? Do you use a battery maintainer? FYI- a 4 year old battery for a Porsche is usually considered "OLD". They eat batteries!

I bought the car used back in September and it came with a new Interstate battery. I hadn't been driving the Boxster much. Only 2-3 times a month just to keep the battery charged. But that's probably not enough.

I wonder if my problem is ignition switch or just a weak battery. Again when I turn the key everything lights up pretty brightly so I tend to think it isn't the battery.

I am trying to determine the cause online before I go and buy a battery pack to jump start it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
geoff Member

geoff

Posted
Posted

When my alternator died ('01 Boxster), I had similar symptoms. The car was basically running on the battery and the battery was not being charged. If your battery is good (and some new batteries go bad), you might want to check all the connections coming off the battery (such as fully tightened battery cables) and your alternator. Flashing dash lights and possessed windows sound like the computers aren't getting enough power to function properly.

After my alternator was replaced (about 6 months after the original 4 year warranty), I decided to go ahead and replace the original battery since it was drained so low, even though it would still hold a charge. If you only drive the car a few times a month, you should definitely look into a battery maintainer. You will be amazed at how long it runs to fully charge your battery.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
kdub Member

kdub

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I went ahead and changed the ignition switch and the problem persisted. I am sure it's the battery.

I put the battery maintainer on it for two hours but it wasn't enough to get it started. So I had to do alot of traveling between places to get my battery charger and am now charging the battery at home.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.