Starting Problem

[SKooT1027]

I have been having this problem intermittently for a little while now. My 2002 Cab doesn't always start when I turn the key. The clutch is fully depressed (clutch was replaced 2 months ago when I purchased the car). I turn the key to crank, lights on the dash all come up, does the oil check, and that's it. I can hear what sounds like a faint electronics/humming sound for about 2 seconds. Sometime the car starts no problem, sometimes it will sit on crank for a second or two then all of a sudden start, and sometimes it takes multiple turns of the key before anything happens.

I believe the battery is relatively new, but I will double check this tonight. I have no problem getting the key in/out or turning it. There is a hardwired radar detector put in before I got the car. I keep this off when starting the car. It's some sort of Escort Passport.

Any idea what I should check? I was thinking battery or ignition switch first, but I'm not sure which is more likely. When the car does start up, it does so with no trouble. Otherwise the car runs great (aside from I think the MAF is going bc I sometimes get PSM/ABS lights - that will be another post)

[Benjamin Choi]

I bet it's the clutch switch. What happened was I'd go to start the car in the morning, turn the key, electrics work, everything works... turn the key, nothing happens. Crickets. I try again. Sometimes nothing, sometimes it starts just fine. i think the dealer charged me around $300 but most was covered by my warranty.

I recently replaced the clutch switch, battery, and starter motor. The car fires up like it's built to light up a small German city and their weiner schnitzels on the bar b... everytime.

Edited June 16, 2009 by Benjamin Choi

[Ahsai]

Another vote for the clutch switch. $16 from Sunset Porsche and it take 5 minutes top to DIY. Won't hurt to try it first.

[SKooT1027]

Thanks guys. I'll check that first.

Can I bypass the clutch switch to test it, or will that not necessarily be successful?

So, probably pretty foolish question, but do I just access this by laying down in the driver footwell and looking behind the clutch pedal? I can't find pics or anything

Edited June 17, 2009 by SKooT1027

[lenobleb]

Hey,

I had a similar problem with my new to me 00 cab.

I was all set examine the clutch switch. When I lied down to look at the switch, I saw that the floor mat had slid forward so the clutch pedal didn't go all the way down. I moved the mat back and no more problems.

Barry

[SKooT1027]

Hey,

I had a similar problem with my new to me 00 cab.

I was all set examine the clutch switch. When I lied down to look at the switch, I saw that the floor mat had slid forward so the clutch pedal didn't go all the way down. I moved the mat back and no more problems.

Barry

I actually still need to pick up floor mats :oops:

I think a bad connection sounds likely.

What I did notice is that the battery tends to read 12v before starting. I think you're supposed to have 12.3. However, I turned the car off, and when I went to turn it back on the battery was up above 12.5 and I still had the problem, so I dont think its the battery

[Ahsai]

Thanks guys. I'll check that first.

Can I bypass the clutch switch to test it, or will that not necessarily be successful?

So, probably pretty foolish question, but do I just access this by laying down in the driver footwell and looking behind the clutch pedal? I can't find pics or anything

Yes you can. While you're there, you can check if the switch has come loose too. It is held down by a tiny screw through an elongated hole (for small adjustment of the actual point of trigger when the clutch is pressed)

Look for this sucker along your clutch pedal.

[Boston Biosafety]

I just had the same issue. I had not idea why it would not start, so I did a search on this site and found this thread. So, I went and moved my floor matt back and it started. Thank you for the information, I was about to have the car towed to the dealer.

Hey,

I had a similar problem with my new to me 00 cab.

I was all set examine the clutch switch. When I lied down to look at the switch, I saw that the floor mat had slid forward so the clutch pedal didn't go all the way down. I moved the mat back and no more problems.

Barry

[jam996]

Why not just bypass the unnecessary switch!! take a minute and costs 10 cents.

I believe euro models porsches don't have that switch.

here's how.

http://boxsters.addr.com/hacks/clutch_switch.htm

Edited July 8, 2009 by jam996

[violaGT3]

Hey,

I had a similar problem with my new to me 00 cab.

I was all set examine the clutch switch. When I lied down to look at the switch, I saw that the floor mat had slid forward so the clutch pedal didn't go all the way down. I moved the mat back and no more problems.

Barry

Hmm, good to know this is common. I thought it was peculiar that I ran into this issue, I was thinking maybe a slightly bent clutch pedal arm. . .