Menu toggle

Intermittent ignition failure

Black_Isle_Cayenne

Black_Isle_Cayenne

New member
Morning guys.
I have a 2004 996 C4S. New battery just over a year ago.

Two weeks ago, I topped up fuel and then the car would just not start. The electrics came on, but not the ignition at all. I repeatedly tried turning on but nothing, so I assumed it must be the fuel cap or flap wasn't set properly. Went outside, took off the cap and put back on and the car was starting again - okay, problem solved?

Next day went out in it, went fine, and then on return journey, the car again won't start. Again I adjusted the fuel cap and it worked again.

Third time, topped up on fuel again and the car now started without issue. Drove to get some air in the tyres, but now the car would not start again past the electrics. I was at this for a while until I tried the jump starter and the car started fine without issue.

Does anyone here have any advise on what this could be? I assume it is nothing to do with the fuel cap, and maybe a starter ignition needing to be replaced?

Thanks in advance!
 
PS I don't know if this is related, but I am also having intermittent indicator faults with the RHS indicator. Sometimes, the stalk will flash and I will hear it clicking, other times it will not, and this affects the actual indicator lights on the car.
Thanks.
 
Hi,

Rather than an ignition fault, since the problem appears to clear when you remove and then replace the fuel cap there could be an issue with the Evaporative Emission Control [EVAP] system.

However, with the complex CAN bus electrical systems used on modern cars the most cost-effective way to find the source of your problem is to run some Porsche-compatible diagnostics to check for error codes being flagged-up. Unless you want to invest in one of the many DIY diagnostic tools available, your local Porsche Independent should be able to help you and also look into the intermittent indicator fault.

It’s also worth making sure that your battery is in tip-top condition and charged fully.

Good luck!

Jeff
 
When you say ignition did not come on how do you know there was no ignition power?

Are you saying all the dash lights lit normally but car would not turn over?

As you say started with jump starter, thinking check earth connections and also battery strength.

For RHS indicator fault do the indicator lights illuminate but not flash, or not illuminate at all? Had indicator stalk unit fail on neighbours 996 and also our 986 and similar symptoms.
 
That is a pretty random collection of faults, and I can't see an obvious common connection.

I think I would be tempted to try a new ignition switch. The contacts can break up inside causing all sorts of electrical gremlins. It is a very common problem, and there is a DIY in the Technical Articles section.
 
Motorhead said:
Hi,

Rather than an ignition fault, since the problem appears to clear when you remove and then replace the fuel cap there could be an issue with the Evaporative Emission Control [EVAP] system.

However, with the complex CAN bus electrical systems used on modern cars the most cost-effective way to find the source of your problem is to run some Porsche-compatible diagnostics to check for error codes being flagged-up. Unless you want to invest in one of the many DIY diagnostic tools available, your local Porsche Independent should be able to help you and also look into the intermittent indicator fault.

It’s also worth making sure that your battery is in tip-top condition and charged fully.

Good luck!

Jeff
Click to expand...
Many thanks, Jeff.
Will take a look at those suggestions - including double-checking the battery.
 
Get yourself a OBD reader. For my 996.1 I have a ICarsoft V2 POR and there is now a V3 available. At about £150 it will probably pay for itself the first time it is used and certainly mine did, allowing me to diagnose a fuel problem and then separately I was able to clear a Tiptronic fault without a trip to OPC. It really has paid for itself and is easy and quick to use. Incidentally try it also on the 997 setting as that worked for the tiptronic.
 
(As Richard suggests) There is a lot of suggestion that the base of the ignition switch can fail giving random electrical issues. There is a quite a lot on line about this and you need the right one for your car - but it could be a cheap fix - you can geta VW part I believe for some models. https://www.design911.co.uk/p/ingition-starter-switch-porsche-boxster-986-987/?source=doofinder - It is a diy job if you can do yoga, have a head torch and a flexible torso. Just a screwdriver up under the dash in the drivers foot well, head down feet up.. Hope this helps
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Back
Top