Not Starting

[vwells030]

I'm looking for advice. I have a 1997 boxster that isnt starting anymore. The engine turns over but it sounds like it isn't getting fuel. I have replaced the fuse and the relay even though I couldn't determine the orignal ones were bad. (that part was cheap) I then bought a fuel pump and installed it my self. Getting the plastic ring off the gas tank to remove the fuel sender was a serious pain, but I made it through. I have a fuel filter, but have no idea how to get the clips off the large plastic sheet hiding it under my car. I have heard this refered to as a splash guard, under plate, and I have made up a few names for it myself. If anyone has advice on how to get the clips out without breaking them, or a cheap place to go buy the clips, I would much appreciate it. If there are any other ideas you might have about what is causing the problem, that would be appreciated as well.

I have been through the guides on Pedro's

http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site_3/Replace_the_Fuel_Filter.html

and Pelican's

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/04-BASICS-Fuel_Filter/04-BASICS-Fuel_Filter.htm

Both sites are great, but i am just no skilled enough to close the gap between myself and the information they put together.

Cheers

Vernon

[1schoir]

I'm looking for advice. I have a 1997 boxster that isnt starting anymore. The engine turns over but it sounds like it isn't getting fuel. I have replaced the fuse and the relay even though I couldn't determine the orignal ones were bad. (that part was cheap) I then bought a fuel pump and installed it my self. Getting the plastic ring off the gas tank to remove the fuel sender was a serious pain, but I made it through. I have a fuel filter, but have no idea how to get the clips off the large plastic sheet hiding it under my car. I have heard this refered to as a splash guard, under plate, and I have made up a few names for it myself. If anyone has advice on how to get the clips out without breaking them, or a cheap place to go buy the clips, I would much appreciate it. If there are any other ideas you might have about what is causing the problem, that would be appreciated as well.

I have been through the guides on Pedro's

http://www.pedrosgar...uel_Filter.html

and Pelican's

http://www.pelicanpa...Fuel_Filter.htm

Both sites are great, but i am just no skilled enough to close the gap between myself and the information they put together.

Cheers

Vernon

Vernon:

The clips to which you refer, and which help to hold some of the underbody together with some 10mm plastic nuts, can simply be pulled off. Porsche calls them "floor cover clips", they are part number 999.507.657.09, there are six of them in total and they list for about $1.00 each, so no worries if you break one.

One related area to check for your no-start condition might be the central alarm control unit (a/k/a immobilizer) under the driver's side seat.

It's easy to get water intrusion if any of your drain holes are clogged. Check for any water or dampness behind the driver's seat as that is the lowest part of the floor pan. If you find dampness, check the small fuse that is installed at the rear of the unit. You can remove the unit and open it up to inspect for water or corrosion of the circuit board.

Be careful if you remove the seat not to have the key in the ignition and avoid re-inserting the key until the seat is back in the car as you will set off your airbag light. In a '97 Boxster, it is possible to unbolt the seat, NOT disconnect the connector under the seat, and lay the seat on a small platform right next to and outside the car while you check out the immobilizer.

Regards, Maurice.

Edited September 24, 2010 by 1schoir

[whall]

You might also check the crankshaft position sensor. There have been several owners reporting the same issue with their cars recently. The sensor appearatly does not "throw" a code that can be read inless (so I've heard) the failure manifests itself in a way that might damage the catalytic converters.

Here is the latest event:

http://www.ppbb.com/phorum/read.php?19,1576859,1577306#msg-1577306

Bill

[vwells030]

Thanks so much for your feedback. I got the panels off the bottom of the car this afternoon and didn't break any clips. I just tried a little harder after I figured out how easy they would be to replace. I do have to confess that I didn't really need to remove the panel with the 6 clips in it to get to the fuel filter. All you need to remove to get to that is the panel with about 10 10mm plastic nuts. I really appreciate the support from the forums.

Cheers

[JFP in PA]

You might also check the crankshaft position sensor. There have been several owners reporting the same issue with their cars recently. The sensor appearatly does not "throw" a code that can be read inless (so I've heard) the failure manifests itself in a way that might damage the catalytic converters.

Here is the latest event:

http://www.ppbb.com/...306#msg-1577306

Bill

I would be surprised if a crank position sensor failure did not throw a code..................like P0336 ("CPS out of range")...........

[vwells030]

Well it is still not starting. I have added the DME relay in the trunk to the list of things I replaced. As best I can tell there is fuel coming to the engine. I disconnected the line going into the fuel filter and tried to start the car with a pan to catch the gas. Never got any in the pan. Is that a valid test?

About to save up for the tow plus mechanic fees. Ouch!

[vwells030]

Well my issues are resolved. To make myself feel better I am just going to assume that the pump needed to be replaced anyway, but the thing that made the biggest difference in the end was to correct my mistake. I replaced the fuse for the fuel pump, but did not re-insert the new fuse into the proper slot. Once the fuse was in the correct position the care worked beautifully.

Happy motoring

Vernon

Edited October 2, 2010 by vwells030