Odd Electrical Issues

[Rhet]

I own a '99 996 which has been a great car but I have recently had a couple of perplexing electrical issues. I don't believe they are related but any advice is appreciated.

Issue #1 - Hot Start problem. The car cranks up fine when cold but after a trip where the car warms up it becomes difficult to start. Sometimes it will not crank (similar to a discharged battery) and if you try it again (even immediatly turning the key) it will crank slowly and then fire up. Sometime this can take more than one try but it eventually fires up. BTW the battery was replaced about a year ago (Interstate Battery from the Dealer as they were out of Porsche batteries). I have not checked anything out yet so I'm fishing for ideas and or similar issues.

My thoughts: 1 - Bad Ground, 2 - Inadequate fuel pressure during hot starts, 3 Bad cell in the Battery

Issue #2 - Intermittant Signal indicator flashing during alarm cycling. I have noticed that every so often when I activate the alarm/door locks only one side of the car's indicator lighs flash (either once or twice). I can unlock the car in the morning and have only the left side flash and then when I get to work and lock the car both sides will flash. Sometimes this is reversed...sometimes both sides will flash properly evertime the locks are cycled...sometimes only one side will flash everytime the locks are cycled. The turn signals and hazards work properly. This is what make this perplexing...if the lights them selves work correctly the signal form the alarm system must be faulty?

My thoughts: 1 - Corrosion on an electrical connection somewhere.

Any thoughts or shared experience on these problems is much appreciated.

Edited May 19, 2009 by Rhet

[1999Porsche911]

I own a '99 996 which has been a great car but I have recently had a couple of perplexing electrical issues. I don't believe they are related but any advice is appreciated.

Issue #1 - Hot Start problem. The car cranks up fine when cold but after a trip where the car warms up it becomes difficult to start. Sometimes it will not crank (similar to a discharged battery) and if you try it again (even immediatly turning the key) it will crank slowly and then fire up. Sometime this can take more than one try but it eventually fires up. BTW the battery was replaced about a year ago (Interstate Battery from the Dealer as they were out of Porsche batteries). I have not checked anything out yet so I'm fishing for ideas and or similar issues.

My thoughts: 1 - Bad Ground, 2 - Inadequate fuel pressure during hot starts, 3 Bad cell in the Battery

Issue #2 - Intermittant Signal indicator flashing during alarm cycling. I have noticed that every so often when I activate the alarm/door locks only one side of the car's indicator lighs flash (either once or twice). I can unlock the car in the morning and have only the left side flash and then when I get to work and lock the car both sides will flash. Sometimes this is reversed...sometimes both sides will flash properly evertime the locks are cycled...sometimes only one side will flash everytime the locks are cycled. The turn signals and hazards work properly. This is what make this perplexing...if the lights them selves work correctly the signal form the alarm system must be faulty?

My thoughts: 1 - Corrosion on an electrical connection somewhere.

Any thoughts or shared experience on these problems is much appreciated.

Possible bad $30 ignition switch. A search will tell you about it.

Edited May 19, 2009 by 1999Porsche911

[Rhet]

"Possible bad $30 ignition switch. A search will tell you about it."

Interesting...I had kind of ruled that out since I had my whole ignition switch replaced by the dealer about a year and a half ago. I may need to take it back to them and ask them to check that out.

[bmohr]

hots starting issues also can be the starter motor going south on you. I had mine display those issues for months until i finally swapped it out...pita btw. But a good several writesups on this forum will help you through if you are so inclined and the battery and ignition switch check out fine.

[wvicary]

Another member had a similar problem and it was a corroded junction point under the engine bay. I'll try and post the link when I find it.

[Rhet]

Good stuff guys...I'd like to start with the corroded junction point (which I am assuming is either a ground or multi pin connector) and then move on to the other items.

Wvicary, I'll keep an eye out for your update with the link.

Thanks

[Benjamin Choi]

hots starting issues also can be the starter motor going south on you. I had mine display those issues for months until i finally swapped it out...pita btw. But a good several writesups on this forum will help you through if you are so inclined and the battery and ignition switch check out fine.

i can pretty much guarantee it's the starter motor - you need a new one

[wvicary]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s...mp;#entry132141

I hope this helps. You should measure the starter draw after the engine has had a chance to heat soak, it could very well be the starter.

[Rhet]

Thanks guys. I will check out the starter and connections and cable connections once it stops raining down here in Florida.

Any ideas about the indicators when activating the door locks/alarm?