I was at a shopping store parking lot. When I was ready to leave, started the car. It wouldn't crank all the way. Half way I'd say.... I kept trying and trying...after about 10 cranks and then once it's ON position i tap the gas pedal a bit...then crank it...it started.. What could be the issue..? Please help Thanks!

 

battery, starter solenoid or starter motor...most likely battery

 

How do I diagnose if it's the battery? I mean when in "ON" position it will show all the gauges lights such as (oil,cel,seatbelt,etc.) If it's the battery it wouldn't show those lights would it?

 

sure it would...just won't have the cranking amps necessary for a good start...the factory batteries in these cars are not very good imo....go to an O'Reilly or Autozone and they will test it for free

 

It is the slow death of the 996 starter. My car is doing it too. You think its the battery but the starter is turning very S L O W. Is it worse when the engine compartment is HOT?

 

Just a gut feeling: crank position sensor. A worn CPS will not operate properly once it heats up ( a trip to the store). Yet, on a cold start will fire up almost every time. If your P-car starts first try in the morning, the CPS may be suspect. Good luck.

 

My guest would be crank sensor have it scanned for codes check live data crank and see if you can see the crank sensor signal!! The sensor can also be tested for the right ohms!

 

Maybe the starter... battery... or loose connection?

Hard to diagnose via forum post.

 

Thanks guys for input. It gives me an idea which to target first. Which is the battery... then starter... Again thanks. If it happens again I will post a video for you to share.

 

I just started my car in the garage after about 4-5 hours parked. It started fine now. Some one mentioned when the engine is hot it's difficult to start. I never had a problem starting it the first time of the day.

 

Though it's hard to say conclusively here, it sounds like the starter is the culprit.

 

well, as suggested the crank position sensor is also a very possible culprit...there have been members here with the same issue...if the battery is strong and the car cranks strong and starts easily when cold but not when hot then the cps is also a likely candidate and an easy fix..the starter motor is much more expensive...if it turns out to be the starter replace the cps while you are there.

 

That would be me. I had a similar issue with my E55 AMG. She fired up cold, but hot was a gamble. I replaced the battery of no avail. I replaced the CPS (crank position sensor), and she fires up every time...hot or cold. Nonetheless, pull the codes to hone in on this issue. Keep us posted.

 

Thanks rrrruben, I hope it's the battery. Which is easy fix. BTW is your E55 silver and do you have a 944?

 

its a good thing i live in canada, where its always cold