I just bought a 2004 996 Turbo last week and drove it back to California from Texas.

No problem with starting the whole trip and for the last 6 days in California. Drove it yesterday. Today, I am suppose to take the car to DMV to have it register and the car won't start.

The lights, radio, etc. all work. Volt meter on the gauge says over 12 volts. The engine doesn't turn, and I don't hear a click (from the relay). I do hear some noise (maybe the pump).

Tried charging for 2 hours and voltage stay the same. Tried jumping and still the same.

Can someone tell me where is the starter relay and how to get to it if it is hidden? Where can I find the starter so I can check the connection. I do not have a car jack so not able to jack up the car. However, I am thin and can get under from the back of the rear wheels.

 

Wonder if it could be the ignition switch

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/996-turbo-gt2/232553-ideas-why-car-wont-start.html[/URL"]URL="https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/996-turbo-gt2/232553-ideas-why-car-wont-start.html"]https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/996-turbo-gt2/232553-ideas-why-car-wont-start.html[/URL


Where in OC are you ? I have a Durametric, so we could scan for codes. However, I'm not a mechanic, I've done a few things on the car, but have alot to learn. Wish I could offer more. Vision Motorsports in Laguna Hills is VERY GOOD in my opinion, especially for general maintenance type stuff, they are extremely knowledgeable.

 

You would need to get a test light and check the wire(small wire) at the starter..
while someone is cranking it.if it lights up.
your starter is bad..if there is no light then you need break out a wiring diagram.

 

Yesterday, I had the radio looked at because of weak reception. The mechanic stalled the car and can not get it to re-start. So I jump in, remove the key and re-insert, it started right up. Does it sound like something is going bad on the ignition switch?

 

Sounds like a possibility, fairly common problem on these cars from what I've read, I think it's an easy fix and not too expensive.

Hopefully others will chime in.

 

If these have a computer chip in the key those some times will fail..

if continues try a spare key.

 

i tried both keys and both the same.

 

Did you check the clutch pedal cutout? Try really pushing the clutch to the floor. If that doesn't work, hard-wire the cutout to make sure it isn't a switch problem. That would be a really simple fix!

 

JSBear, I am in Laguna Niguel, CA

 

From what I've read, all 996 & 986 Boxsters are prone to ignition switch issues. A dealer would probably make you replace the whole assembly, which is $$$$$$$$$$$$. Again, from what I've read all that needs to be replaced is the $15 control switch. Supposedly easy to replace. A bad switch can make the key feel mushy and can cause weird electrical issues. This is per a local Porche authority that is very credible.

 

Having just replaced my 99 996 starter and ignition, I would recommend getting the $20.00 AUDI part that generally fails in the ignition. Held in place by 2 small flat head screws, covered in red paint, on the back (end) of the ignition casting. Crawl under the front floor, look up at the ignition casting. Light purple electrical plug pulls off, the black plastic electrical part to the ignition is the part to replace. Using tiny flat head screwdriver, loosen the 2 screws (one out of view to the left side of the ignition assembly). The part pulls off, easy to replace. Good luck.

 

I found one of the switch or relay next to the clutch pedal that the screw holding in place was lose (not the electrical connector). I tighten the screw and no more starting problem. Perhaps, the screw was also acting like a ground so when not tighten, lost the ground connection. See pic for the part I am referring to.

 

Excellent! Thanks for sharing the solution.