996 Won't Start

[Roberto]

Hi, I've had my 966 for 4 months and I have noticed that when I start it, when I would turn the ignition the first time, no luck, but the second, always was a go.

It runs great. Today I took a drive, all was well. I parked. Came out 2 hours later, took the top off, put the key in the ignition, first time no luck, second time, nothing again, third time....all the lights are on, I even got a boost, no luck. There is no sound what so ever when I turn the key in the ignition.

Has anyone ever had this type of problem with possible suggestions?

Thanks

[cg962]

Had a somewhat similar experience. Caused by a faulty ignition barel in my case the barrel allowed me to turn the key one click beyond the normal position and most ancillary power functions were disabled including headlights and caused intermittent failure to start.

Hope this helps! And best of luck trying to get it sorted!

[Roberto]

Had a somewhat similar experience. Caused by a faulty ignition barel in my case the barrel allowed me to turn the key one click beyond the normal position and most ancillary power functions were disabled including headlights and caused intermittent failure to start.

Hope this helps! And best of luck trying to get it sorted!

Thanks...it was not the starter? I have not brought it in yet, but the mechanic made it sound like a starter issue...we'll see

[Wayne R. Dempsey]

I don't know what year your car is, but the early ones had problems with the ignition switches (the electrical portions), and Porsche redesigned the part a few years later. It could be the switch, or it could be the starter, but I would start by replacing the switch. It's cheap, and you can do it yourself pretty easy (see here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/86-ELEC-Ignition_Switch/86-ELEC-Ignition_Switch.htm for instructions). If that doesn't fix the problem, then the starter would be suspect. Although from what you describe, it sounds more like a dash issue. The starter problems are often related to the temperature of the engine (like it will be better or worse when the engine is hot). The starter has two parts - a solenoid and a starter motor. Sometimes the starter solenoid gets stuck - one solution is to tap it with a hammer to try to get it started, but you can't easily reach it on a 996.

Another issue may be the "chip" in the key. I would try your spare key before replacing anything and see if that gives you better results. Good luck!

-Wayne

[Roberto]

I don't know what year your car is, but the early ones had problems with the ignition switches (the electrical portions), and Porsche redesigned the part a few years later. It could be the switch, or it could be the starter, but I would start by replacing the switch. It's cheap, and you can do it yourself pretty easy (see here: http://www.pelicanpa...tion_Switch.htm for instructions). If that doesn't fix the problem, then the starter would be suspect. Although from what you describe, it sounds more like a dash issue. The starter problems are often related to the temperature of the engine (like it will be better or worse when the engine is hot). The starter has two parts - a solenoid and a starter motor. Sometimes the starter solenoid gets stuck - one solution is to tap it with a hammer to try to get it started, but you can't easily reach it on a 996.

Another issue may be the "chip" in the key. I would try your spare key before replacing anything and see if that gives you better results. Good luck!

-Wayne

Hello Wayne, thanks for the response. It is a 1999. I actually took my "valet" key and tried that, nothing. It's like everything comes on, guages, lights...but when I turn the key, it does not even make a click. The one think that bothers me is that before it reached this point, when I would start it, it never did on the first turn on the key. I always had to re position the key and the second time it always started. I would like to tap it to at least get it to my mechanic. He has already ordered the starter, I assume by doing so I cover the ignition switch? What do you mean by "dash issue"...got me a bit worried. Where would the starter selonoid be located? Thanks for your help

[judgejon]

I don't know what year your car is, but the early ones had problems with the ignition switches (the electrical portions), and Porsche redesigned the part a few years later. It could be the switch, or it could be the starter, but I would start by replacing the switch. It's cheap, and you can do it yourself pretty easy (see here: http://www.pelicanpa...tion_Switch.htm for instructions). If that doesn't fix the problem, then the starter would be suspect. Although from what you describe, it sounds more like a dash issue. The starter problems are often related to the temperature of the engine (like it will be better or worse when the engine is hot). The starter has two parts - a solenoid and a starter motor. Sometimes the starter solenoid gets stuck - one solution is to tap it with a hammer to try to get it started, but you can't easily reach it on a 996.

Another issue may be the "chip" in the key. I would try your spare key before replacing anything and see if that gives you better results. Good luck!

-Wayne

Hello Wayne, thanks for the response. It is a 1999. I actually took my "valet" key and tried that, nothing. It's like everything comes on, guages, lights...but when I turn the key, it does not even make a click. The one think that bothers me is that before it reached this point, when I would start it, it never did on the first turn on the key. I always had to re position the key and the second time it always started. I would like to tap it to at least get it to my mechanic. He has already ordered the starter, I assume by doing so I cover the ignition switch? What do you mean by "dash issue"...got me a bit worried. Where would the starter selonoid be located? Thanks for your help

"dash" issue means it can probably be fixed without having to mess with the engine or anything not attached to the dashboard. the key cylinder replacement sounds like the problem. dont spend any money until this is checked/replaced. good luck..

[bmohr]

If it was your starter it would more than likely have been showing signs of age long before it actually died. Would start fine on cold start ups, but would be slow to crank after the engine was warmed up. Sounds more like your ignition switch is kaput.

[juniinc]

With a good multi meter, measure it at the starter solenoid prong.

[Dharn55]

Did you check the switch on the clutch pedal. If it is bad this would prevent the starter from operating but all the lights would come on.

[Roberto]

And the final result......the ignition switch! Got it fixed and had the rest of the car checked at the same time.

I wish I was more "mechanically" inclined. I sometimes get intimidated by what I read but maybe pretty simple.

I also wish there was a crash "Porsche mechanic" course, I think I would take it...maybe in Germany?

Thanks again for your help

Roberto

[mphart]

I have the same problem. Took it to the dealer in February and they replaced the ignition switch but it still has same intermittent problem. Took back to the dealer today and they again replaced the ignition switch. I'm skeptical that I've had two bad ignition switches but I guess I'll see it the problem persists.

[Wayne R. Dempsey]

There are two parts to the switch, the mechanical part that accepts the key, and also the electrical part that is connected to the mechanical part. Both can cause problems. In particular, never put a lot of keys on your keychain with the car keys on it - that will damage the lock cylinder over time...

-Wayne

[slbates]

I have the same problem. Took it to the dealer in February and they replaced the ignition switch but it still has same intermittent problem. Took back to the dealer today and they again replaced the ignition switch. I'm skeptical that I've had two bad ignition switches but I guess I'll see it the problem persists.

It can happen..I am on number 4. I have only replaced the switch in lieu of the entire mechanism that is supposedly the fix. I will do it the proper way next time

[mphart]

I have the same problem. Took it to the dealer in February and they replaced the ignition switch but it still has same intermittent problem. Took back to the dealer today and they again replaced the ignition switch. I'm skeptical that I've had two bad ignition switches but I guess I'll see it the problem persists.

It can happen..I am on number 4. I have only replaced the switch in lieu of the entire mechanism that is supposedly the fix. I will do it the proper way next time

Interesting, I think only one part of the switch on mine was replaced (two times now). The dealer implied it might be driver error suggesting the clutch might not have been fully depressed. That isn't the case and in looking at the assembly it appears to me the switch is under the dash and contact is lost with the pedal being depresses only an inch or so. The dealer said the switch is on the firewall and the pedal would have to go all the way. That doesn't seem to be the case per my visual inspection. Can anyone confirm for me?

[Loren]

I have the same problem. Took it to the dealer in February and they replaced the ignition switch but it still has same intermittent problem. Took back to the dealer today and they again replaced the ignition switch. I'm skeptical that I've had two bad ignition switches but I guess I'll see it the problem persists.

It can happen..I am on number 4. I have only replaced the switch in lieu of the entire mechanism that is supposedly the fix. I will do it the proper way next time

Interesting, I think only one part of the switch on mine was replaced (two times now). The dealer implied it might be driver error suggesting the clutch might not have been fully depressed. That isn't the case and in looking at the assembly it appears to me the switch is under the dash and contact is lost with the pedal being depresses only an inch or so. The dealer said the switch is on the firewall and the pedal would have to go all the way. That doesn't seem to be the case per my visual inspection. Can anyone confirm for me?

Simple test - take a jumper wire and bypass the clutch switch. Just be careful you don't try to start in gear! :eek: