Intermittent Starting problem

[keithrr]

My 2009 Gen 2 targa has developed a problem. If I stop the car and turn off the ignition then every now and then it won't re-start. Particularly embarassing in a ferry queue or when I stalled it in the Dartford Toll booth while scrabbling for change!
There is no sound, no warning lights, just nothing happens. So far, if I try it a dozen times or more, or leave it for a few minutes then it eventually starts.
My OPC (East London) were sure they had fixed it when they did the replacement on the HPFP, but no and they've had it back now for three days and can't replicate the fault.
I would be grateful if anyone has any suggestions that I can pass on to them.

 

[tscaptain]

Is it turning over but not starting or not turning over at all Keith? If it's not turning over at all it could be the clutch switch playing up.

 

[Nick_USA]

ORIGINAL: tscaptain

Is it turning over but not starting or not turning over at all Keith? If it's not turning over at all it could be the clutch switch playing up.

If it were the 'Clutch Interlock' switch (Manual Car) you would get a 'Depress Clutch' warning on the instrument cluster if you continue to hold the key in the start position.

Have you got tracker fitted to the car as it has a start inhibitor build into it. These have been known to play up.

 

[Peter Comiskey]

I have a similar problem on my Gen1.
Occasionally it won't start at all, no lights, no attempt to crank the engine, nothing...
It's caused a minute delay or so, but it's always started eventually.
I don't get the 'press clutch' graphic when this occurs so just assumed to many bits n bobs on my key ring for the immobilisation system. But will ask the OPC to check next time I'm in.

/Peter

 

[tscaptain]

Cf this earlier thread

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=572187&mpage=1&key=clutch%2Cinterlock&#572260

I'm not so sure that you will always get the "depress clutch" message if the switch is knackered. However, could be starter motor/ignition switch etc - have a read of the above thread.

 

[Peter_Bull]

ORIGINAL: Nick_USA

............... If it were the 'Clutch Interlock' switch (Manual Car) you would get a 'Depress Clutch' warning on the instrument cluster if you continue to hold the key in the start position.

When my Gen 1 intermittently failed to start it was diagnosed as the clutch switch and the OPC replaced it. No indication or message on the instrument cluster though. No re occurance since.

 

[Fraserp]

Keith i had this on my car; in my case i have the tracking system and it was intermitently disabling the ignition- stumped the garage for a while until it happened to them while road testing. Porsche OPC had to replace the tracker as the circuits were faulty. There is a well known issue with the earth strap to the starter motor too- car will not restart while it is hot, apparently.

 

[BrianJ]

You don't say whether manual or PDK. If it's a manual I'd bet on the clutch interlock switch. My Gen2 Cayman S is now on its third. The first one lasted about 18 months, the second about 6 months before doing exactly as you described. The instant workaround is to make sure you release and then depress the clutch each time you turn the key to the start position (ie if nothing happens first time, keep returning key to off position, release clutch, then depress clutch, attempt to start again. Keep repeating until something happens). The more permanent workaround is to take the switch out of the circuit altogether with a short length of wire. This will obviously remove the safety feature of not being able to start the car unless drive is disconnected via the clutch, but hey, I've managed to drive without that facility for 40 years.

In my experience, once the symptoms start appearing, they only occur intermittently but increase with time, and only in about 5% of times that the symptom occurs does a "Depress Clutch" message appear on the dash, which causes PCs and indies alike to say they can't find anything wrong.

Diligent searching on the Internet shows that loads of people have this problem, not just Porsche but Merc, BMW, Honda etc as well. My PC tells me that Porsche are aware but appear to have done nothing about it. First switch was replaced under warranty, second one by PC outside car warranty but because switch was so new. Next time I will be taking the short wire solution. So frustrating that an expensive car should be disabled by a stupid switch that I don't want and don't need which is supposed to be a safety feature.

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: BrianJ
So frustrating that an expensive car should be disabled by a stupid switch that I don't want and don't need which is supposed to be a safety feature.

Totally agree but I find it even more frustrating that we have to have he switched fitted because of Stupid people- starting there cars in gear and then trying to blame manufacturers!!
Health and safety at it's best eh! []

garyw