996 won't start

[rjf123]

So, i returned from 10 day vacation and went to start the car. (99 996, 145000mi on odometer, 50000mi on engine) It worked perfectly fine when I left. Now, it turns over, but won't "catch". While the battery wasn't dead, per se, I did give it an overnight charge as it had been sitting for 10 days and the weather was cold. But this didn't change anything. Plenty of gas. Fuses look ok.

Any thoughts? I'm betting computer, but not sure how to prove this without a code reader. Anything i should try before calling AAA and hauling it off to the dealer?

Thanks in advance...

Ross

[RFM]

I would check the clutch pedal switch, the fuel pump and the ignition switch first, there are more possibility's depending on time to spend.

[rjf123]

I would check the clutch pedal switch, the fuel pump and the ignition switch first, there are more possibility's depending on time to spend.

The clutch pedal switch and ignition switch work fine as the car turns over just fine. If they weren't working, i'd expect to get just nothing.

The fuel pump, fuel injection, or no spark from the ignition system seem likely - but not sure how to check these without a computer reader. Is there a way to do this??

Ross

[kwinaz]

I would check the clutch pedal switch, the fuel pump and the ignition switch first, there are more possibility's depending on time to spend.

The clutch pedal switch and ignition switch work fine as the car turns over just fine. If they weren't working, i'd expect to get just nothing.

The fuel pump, fuel injection, or no spark from the ignition system seem likely - but not sure how to check these without a computer reader. Is there a way to do this??

Ross

After some cranking (not too much, 10 seconds max then wait until trying again) go put your nose at the exhaust outlet. You should smell raw fuel. If you don't there is likely a fuel pump/delivery issue. Fuel smell present points as you mention to ignition or computer woes.

good luck

[rjf123]

I would check the clutch pedal switch, the fuel pump and the ignition switch first, there are more possibility's depending on time to spend.

The clutch pedal switch and ignition switch work fine as the car turns over just fine. If they weren't working, i'd expect to get just nothing.

The fuel pump, fuel injection, or no spark from the ignition system seem likely - but not sure how to check these without a computer reader. Is there a way to do this??

Ross

After some cranking (not too much, 10 seconds max then wait until trying again) go put your nose at the exhaust outlet. You should smell raw fuel. If you don't there is likely a fuel pump/delivery issue. Fuel smell present points as you mention to ignition or computer woes.

good luck

Ok, tried this. I smell gas! So it's not the fuel delivery system. Anything i can try next?

Ross

[RFM]

Good point about the clutch switch, the ignition switch on the contrary am not convinced, it's possible, in some cases with a faulty switch, to activate the starter motor and loosing contact with the ignition at the same time, due a defective inner switch. The DME and pump relays are also a possibility to check. You can hear the fuel pump running in the front trunk, let a helper start and put your ear on the trim behind the spare wheel.

[rjf123]

Good point about the clutch switch, the ignition switch on the contrary am not convinced, it's possible, in some cases with a faulty switch, to activate the starter motor and loosing contact with the ignition at the same time, due a defective inner switch. The DME and pump relays are also a possibility to check. You can hear the fuel pump running in the front trunk, let a helper start and put your ear on the trim behind the spare wheel.

Thanks. I'll do some more poking around.

Ross

[Loren]

Wiggle the ignition switch - if anything changes or happens then you likely need a new ignition switch.