Help needed - Porsche 991 targa starter motor not cranking

[BASPEA]

Hi all,
I have a 991 targa which will not start - I have installed a new battery and the car cranks very slightly but will not spin properly hence will not start. The car has only done 5,000 miles - any clues or help much appreciated - thanks Bas

 

[Dave jones]

Make sure that the new battery is fully charged before you fit it

 

[Terry]

Assuming the new battery is fully charged, it sounds like a starter motor problem or a an issue with one of the connections to the starter motor.

 

[BASPEA]

Thanks Terry - will check them - thanks Bas

 

[awwalker1]

I have a similar problem with my 2012 3.4 Carrera which was behaving as though it had a flat battery, but the Porsche agent at Sheffield has said that is not the problem. A new 'rear electronic control unit' was ordered from Germany as the suspected culprit, but after fitting this, it still won't fire up. I am awaiting further news! After the alternator, there can't be a lot more to rule out...starter motor maybe, not sure how complex these things are...

Thankfully it's being investigated under warranty.

Readers may be interested to know that it is rather strange to see your 911 being dragged onto a tow truck without the rear wheels turning. But if the electrics go down with the parking brake on, there's no option but to fit skids and drag it. It does look most odd.

So I guess the conclusion is that it may sadly be more than a battery issue on the Targa. Can you get the vehicle to a garage? I wish you good luck with it.

 

[awwalker1]

After further investigation, the non-starting problem on the 991 has been solved through the replacement of another of the three ECUs. The battery has been declared healthy. So it seems that the symptoms of a flat battery (slow cranking, then no response at all) can be reproduced by the failure of one of these solid state components.

Is there any news on the 991 Targa?