Intermittant starting issue AGAIN

[otisdriftwood]

After alot of work, trying this, trying that, my 98 Boxster, tiptronic, seems to have a mind of its own when it starts. I ended up having to take it to my mechanic, although not a stealership, and said the only thing he could find was the starter relay. I've already repalced the whole ignition system with the upgraded unit from porsche. Sometimes it works, sometimes I have to try numerous times, and lock/unlock with the key (don't know if that actually does anything) in order for it to start.

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.

Also, here is a dumb question. Are the high beam and low beam bulbs separate are are they one bulb. I have highs, but no lows. This happened prior to my ignition woes.

Thanks again

Jim

[JFP in PA]

Have you looked at your ignition switch? Well known issue with these cars that causes non starts, plus electrical stuff that stops working or only works intermittently.

Second, has your shop checked your crank position sensor? Often a suspect in hard starting issues.............

[otisdriftwood]

Ok, now the car had been starting ok, sometimes it'll go 2 weeks with no problems. Now I get nothing. All dash lights come on, radio works, and I was able to start it by going from park to neutral. Its almost as if the trans gear selector switch is bad now. The brake switch works, (lights come on). I read somewhere that the grease inside the gear selector switch can become hard and thus prevent contact, resulting in the problem I have. If this is the case, what am I looking at the have this repaired/ replaced? I don't have the proper tools to do this myself (per my manual). Any suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated.

Getting to cold and wet here to be riding my Harley to work.

Thanks in advance

Jim

Edited November 21, 2011 by otisdriftwood

[JFP in PA]

There is a neutral safety switch that prevents starting the car in gear; the unit is pricey (about $300) and a bit of a bear to get at (very littlle room under the car, plus a cat is in the way). Yours sounds like it is on the way out (not uncommon):

Edited November 22, 2011 by JFP in PA