Car won't start

[Johnny r6]

Hi I have a 997 4s.i have had problems
Starting the car , slow turn over and flat
Batteries over the years. Recently
The starter motor has been clicking
Like you have a flat battery.
And I can't start the engine.
I've read on line that the cable to the
Starter motor is two small,and to replace
The cable is costly .
Has anybody else had this problem?
And if it's a known fault why should
We have to pay? Cheers John

 

[Lancerlot]

John, If you have a car that is several years old, you must expect to carry maintenance, repairs and renewals - nothing lasts forever. Assuming you don't have any problems with your battery or charging system and your ignition switch and clutch interlock are all fully operational, you must suspect the starter motor itself or the heavy duty cable, which sometimes sets up a resistance due to corrosion. If you have extended warranty, just let your Porsche Centre sort it out. Otherwise, clean the HD cable connections and ensure good contact everywhere and hope its not the starter as this will prove expensive. [] Regards, Clive.

 

[Alex L]

See my thread: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=807140

 

[Terry]

The main cable that you refer to is a common problem giving the type of symptoms that you describe. It is an expensive item to replace if the repair is carried out by an OPC but it is covered under the extended warranty if you have one. If you do not have a warranty it would be worth getting the car checked by a an independent specialist. I understand that some of them find it is not necessary to replace the cable, they cut the ends off and replace them using a special crimping tool which solves the problem.

 

[BigAlChesham]

Johnny - I have a Carrera 2S which has exactly the same problem. It clicks even though the battery is fully charged and I'm 99% certain it's the starter solenoid. However, my PC says it needs a new starter motor (after only 17,000 miles) - at a cost of £800+. I don't believe a word of it and will be getting a second opinion from an independent Porsche specialist. If it does in fact need a new starter motor, it doesn't say much for the quality of the parts which Porsche use. The last starter motor I had was on a clapped out old Ford with over 100,000 miles on the clock. So much for German engineering !

 

[BigAlChesham]

Further to my previous message, does anyone know if it's possible to replace just the starter solenoid and not the whole starter motor? I don't believe there's anything wrong with the starter motor itself, but these days they may be a single integral component. Does anyone know the answer please?