2000 Porsche Carrera starting issue......need help!

[Johnny-5]

My girlfriend drove the Porsche today to work and back and decided to stop by the store earlier today and when she got back to the car it wouldn’t start. So I drove out there and tried to start it myself and it’s trying to start and I can hear it trying to catch but it just won’t start. I turned the ignition off and then switched it back on and can hear the fuel pump priming itself but nothing. We let it sit for a bit and still no luck. So we ended up towing the car home and tried it one more time and nothing so I decided to take a break from it. After going back out a few minutes later I figured I would try to tackle it again and took my Diagnostic Scanner with me and figured what the hell why not try to start it again before checking codes and it fired right up. No signs or warnings of anything wrong with the car and today is the first time and it’s not like the car just died while driving it was when she stopped.

Anyone know what the issue could have been? I started the car a few more times and its starting with no issues what so ever no hesitation nothing. Thanks in advance.

Johnny

[Loren]

Model and year of your car please?

[Johnny-5]

Model and year of your car please?

Sorry its a 2000 Porsche Carrera

[Loren]

Any strange occurrences with the ignition switch?

If not, then read the fault code(s).

[Johnny-5]

Any strange occurrences with the ignition switch?

If not, then read the fault code(s).

I just went out again to test it and to get any readings using my scanner and nothing. Its not reading any faults what so ever and the car still starts up. Ignition Switch seems fine. I was wondering if it could be the fuel pump or relays? I doubt its the fuel pump though because it primes just fine than when it wouldnt start and now and with only have 50k miles on the car it shouldnt go bad that quick? What do you think?

[Johnny-5]

anyone?

[Loren]

So when it doesn't start the starter cranks but the engine does not fire?

[Johnny-5]

So when it doesn't start the starter cranks but the engine does not fire?

Yea it just cranks and cranks and cranks and nothing it wont catch. Its kind of like its not sparking or throwing fuel into the cylinders. Starter and Ignition seem fine. I dont see why spark would be an issue but I havent looked or tested it so Im thinking its either a relay or pump but at that mileage is this common?

[Loren]

You could try the relay as it is easier to get to - the fuel pump is in the tank.

[Johnny-5]

You could try the relay as it is easier to get to - the fuel pump is in the tank.

Can I get the relay at any automotive store or is it only Porsche specific? Also where is it located and which one is it that I need to replace? Thanks in advance.

[Loren]

Porsche only.

996.615.101.00 Fuel Pump Relay -- US MSRP $17.44

[wross996TT]

out of curiosity, how old is the battery?

[Johnny-5]

out of curiosity, how old is the battery?

I believe its only 3 to 4 Years old from previous owner will have to check the service records she gave me when I bought the car.

[Loren]

I would replace the battery - you will need to soon anyway.

[wross996TT]

I would replace the battery - you will need to soon anyway.

+1 yep....don't get OEM and keep it on a maintainer!

[Johnny-5]

I would replace the battery - you will need to soon anyway.

Really? I dont think thats the cause of the issue though. Im actually driving the car today and so far everything is fine! Im wondering if it just happen to be a fluke that day?