I went to start my 996 today and the car tried to turnover but couldn't. Then eventually after a few times I just heard a clicking noise along with sporadic flashing dash lights and the windows going down about an inch. Initially I thought I had a dead battery, so I rolled it a little, popped the clutch and it started. The battery gauge was at 14, so there's more than enough juice in the battery, leading me to think it's something else.

I drove it around a little and when I got back to my garage, turned off the engine, waited a minute and then was able to turn it back on normally. I'm not sure if when I try tomorrow it will or will not start. The car is not my daily driver and had been sitting for about 10 days in the cold northeast.

Any ideas on what the issue could be ? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Dead battery. The guage shows charging voltage, not battery status. Seems it is charging right at 14V, so likely need to replace battery. Only a drain test can tell that, not the gauge.

 

thanks for the quick response. Can any auto shop change the battery on these cars, or would you guys recommend I go to my Porsche mechanic ? (I only ask because my guy is 40 minutes away and it's kind of a pain to have the wife follow me and drive me back, etc.)

thanks.

 

Was your clutch fully engaged when you tried to start? Possibly bad clutch switch???

 

yes, clutch was fully engaged. I did however just have the IMS retrofit done. Could that have had anything to do with this ?

 

I don't think so. I'm fixin to do mine when the weather warms up a bit. Did you do it yourself? The reason I mention the clutch switch is that if the switch is going out, you may get an intermittent start sequence. Try popping the cover off the battery cover and grab a multimeter and set it to DC volts and see what you have. Ya know process of elimination, battery, ground, clutch switch, starter etc etc...

 

thanks. Quick question, what is the purpose of the clutch switch and what are the symptoms when it starts going bad ?

A few months ago I had to change the brake light switch, which I believe is very similar to the clutch switch.

Is the install as much as a pain in the *** that the brake light switch was, or is it easier because of the placement ?

thanks for all your replies.

 

Im going to PM you

 

if it is the battery it takes about 15 minutes to change it yourself. You even have the wrench in the little tool roll. Take off negative first, then the plus side, remove the old, replace the new attach plus then negative and you are done.

 

Don't forget to lookup your radio code. if you have stock radio you will need to enter the code before your deck will function after disconnecting the battery.

 

Any auto zone, sears etc can check the battery, and several of them will replace free,,,,,,,15 minute easy job. Most parts stores sell good batteries nowadays, some even carrying Optima's if you want high end. I would just go with a high grade standard from autozone etc

 

thanks everyone.

 

I bought my battery @ walmart