2002 996 Turbo. When I turn the key to start the car, the electronics in the car seem to the working fine. When I turn it to the start position, it sounds like it tries to crank for a second or so, and then all I hear is this clicking sound until I stop turning the key. I tried trickle charging the car for 24 hours and had no luck. Also tried one of those external jump start battery packs and same thing was happening.

The battery is relatively new, just over a year old. Could this still be a battery issue? Or does this sound more like an ignition switch problem?

 

Clicking sound normally is a sign of a dead battery. I did read you have a new battery; however, it's not uncommon to have a new battery go dead.

What's the voltage after the charge? I'm going to assume you have cleaned the post and wires removing any corrosion.

Before you spend more time, money, checking the starter, electronics, etc., your best bet is to take your battery to a shop and have them check it for you.

 

Good advice!

 

the trickling suggests it isn't a battery issue which given the cars propensity toward devouring any/all available juice. you're right to look toward the switch.

its tough to diagnose beyond that w/out more info? do you have cels and a reader? that might help. i second testing the battery as noted already tho...

but if you're going to throw a part at it? its a vw/aud/986/996i $6 switch on amazon

 

I had the same issue because I didn't drive the car enough. Took the battery back to be checked. It was fine, but needed to be charged. I purchased a Porsche trickle charger which plugs into the lighter and I have not had a problem since. And that was about 4 years ago.

 

These cars must be on a trickle charger if they sit more than a few days. Significant amps are pulled by the electronics even when static. I had a battery for over 5 years and mine was driven maybe twice monthly at times.

 

check starter solenoid

 

Going to plug in the durametric tonight and see if that sheds any light on things.

How do I go about checking the starter solenoid? Also, someone mentioned the possibility of a corroded ground strap. Where exactly is this located in the 996 Turbo? I can't find anything on that

 

pas side below the motor to the frame. its old school but you turn the key on and cross the posts on the starter with a screwdriver. make sure its in neutral!

 

Check connections are clean and tight at starter also, good advice from Krazy.

 

Ended up being the battery after all! Ended up buying an Optima Yellowtop and made my own strap to fit it in place

 

The only thing is, that after my battery swap my speakers no longer work. Has anyone ever had this issue? I have an aftermarket stereo (Pioneer AppRadio 3)

 

Glad you figured it out. Does your radio need a security code, make sure mutes not on.