Problems on starting up: chugging.

dannyp1 · Mar 3, 2015

I am having problems on firing her up.

Last two weeks the first engine start of the day has been fine. Turn the ignition key and it starts as normal. But on the second and third starts the engine has chugged and taken 3-4 seconds to kick in and start up. Yesterday it did the same again and on starting up for the 4th trip of the day, it refused to start. Waited an hour...then it started again. Whats going on?

One other possible clue, two weeks ago, accelerating away down a slip-road onto the M1 it slipped a gear. Never done that in the 8 years i've had the car! I stopped the car immediately, restarted and everything was fine again and has been driving fine for the part two weeks, even with hard accelerations.

Help!

[Edit: car was refuelled with half a tank of petrol the morning of the car not starting that afternoon.]

[2nd edit: speaking to someone in the office, could it be the Mass Flow sensor?]

Richard_Hamilton · Mar 3, 2015

In cases like this it is always best to start by getting a diagnostic check done. If it shows something, it will save a lot of guesswork. Otherwise you will be down to parts-swapping diagnosis, which is expensive!

dannyp1 · Mar 4, 2015

Thx Richard, will do.

Car stalled twice at traffic lights last night too.

dannyp1 · Mar 6, 2015

Got a diagnostic done and the errors that came up were: P0335 and P0336. These are for 'crankshaft position sensors'. The garage reset everything and told me to drive the car as normal. If the stalling and chugging re-appear, then i'll need the sensors replaced.

Googled at random: http://www.datsc.com/tabid/122/OBD-Error-Code/P0335/Diagnostics/Porsche/Default.aspx

I used my local garage, they have the Porsche diagnostic stuff. Total cost so far: nil. Fingers crossed.

Richard_Hamilton · Mar 6, 2015

I would say to check the connector first, but the sensor is most likely failing. It isn't an uncommon fault, and when they go completely you won't even get any chugging - it won't even start. The sensor from Porsche is about £135, but I expect your indy would be able to get one cheaper elsewhere. Not a terribly difficult job to do if the car is on a lift.

Edit: There is only one crankshaft position sensor, by the way.

dannyp1 · Mar 9, 2015

Thx Richard.

Car kept stalling this weekend. Spoke to my indy this morning and I was not comfortable with him doing the job, nor was he, so OPC here we come.

Richard_Hamilton · Mar 9, 2015

I would look for a new indy. Book time for the job is 1/2 hour. One plug to disconnect, and one bolt to undo.

dannyp1 · Mar 16, 2015

OTC Hatfield : £410 incl VAT to replace the 'crankshaft position sensor'

Running fine now apparently and gets re-delivered this evening.

Fingers crossed that thats is the end of that.

richardjjs1 · Mar 18, 2015

Should have used 'The Force Luke' and found a decent Indy.

These OPC are great for parts but I believe should only be used for cars under 5-6 years old.

They just have not got the staff who have been trained by Porsche on the older cars
Most Indies have technicians who where trained by Porsche 8 -15 years ago so know moreabout our cars.