Intermittent Cold Start Issue

[Bill_SoCal]

Good morning,

Help! :help: I have reviewed many posts on this subject, however, I have not seen a follow up post for closure…just troubleshooting stuff. I hope someone on the forum can steer me in the right direction.

Issue: In the morning (and only in the morning at initial start up) I turn the key to the start position and get nothing. Not even solenoid engagement. I then turn the key to off and try it again…the starter will engage on the second or third time, the car fires right up, and I have no further issues for the remainder of the day. This has been going on for a few weeks now. :cursing:

Potential root cause issues addressed since the issue started:

• Battery replaced (this seemed to help for a few days)

• Ignition replaced with updated assembly (mechanical/electrical)

• Clutch interlock switch replaced (piston portion)

2003 Boxster

140,000 miles

Daily driver

Any ideas of what direction I need to go next? I suppose I should go to the dealer for an electrical load test for the alternator. I wanted to ensure I wasn’t missing anything else before doing this.

Appreciate the help. B)

Bill

[pk2]

A little bit of diagnostic data would be to see if you can jump the stareter first thing in the morning. Thats connecting the 2 positive fat leads on the solenoid/starter. There's also a ground lead that runs directly to the block right there at the starter, make sure it's good, tight and clean.

That'll take a bite out of the equation.

Regards, PK

Edited April 6, 2009 by pk2

[Bill_SoCal]

Would creating a bridge for the Clutch interlock switch simulate this same scenario? I have read other posts that come back to the ignition switch...this issue was the same issue I had prior to replacing the ignition housing and electrical portion...I simply transferred my cylinder lock to the new assembly.

Appreciate the input.

Bill :beer:

[pk2]

It sounds like you have covered all the usual stuff. If your clutch switch is new and the symptoms are the same, you could jump it but I wouldn't hold my breath but it wouldn't hurt. It's not what I was describing, my thought only confirms it's not your starter.

Intermittent electrical problems are the worst. The most likely problem from my standpoint is a bad or corroded connection. The easiest ones to check are the fuse and any related relays. I usually just pull and push the fuse into there sockets several times. Do the same for relays except pull it out and give it some good wraps on your driveway. Both wil either scrub of or knock loose corrosion.

Regards, PK

[RFM]

I would check the small electric connector on the start motor for proper fitment and looseness of the small nut also.