Shark won't start
05-10-2002, 03:18 PM
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Shark won't start
Hello everybody,
I am somewhat disappointed that my shark won't start on such a beautiful day today. Worst of all the beginning of the weekend. Anyway, I'll give you guys some symptoms to see if you can't help me diagnose. I turn the key to the battery level and everything works as it should. Exclamation light comes on, ringing sound, etc. When I go to start, it sounds like it's weakly trying to turn over. I thought it might be the battery, but I am also thinking maybe the alternator. The weird thing about it is I recently had a new radio installed. Just the head unit. When I shut the car off and pull the key out, it seems like there's still a tiny bit of power going to the radio. You can hear this clicking sound which keeps coming from there. Freaky! Anyway, please let me know what you guys think. Think I can try jumping it?
I am somewhat disappointed that my shark won't start on such a beautiful day today. Worst of all the beginning of the weekend. Anyway, I'll give you guys some symptoms to see if you can't help me diagnose. I turn the key to the battery level and everything works as it should. Exclamation light comes on, ringing sound, etc. When I go to start, it sounds like it's weakly trying to turn over. I thought it might be the battery, but I am also thinking maybe the alternator. The weird thing about it is I recently had a new radio installed. Just the head unit. When I shut the car off and pull the key out, it seems like there's still a tiny bit of power going to the radio. You can hear this clicking sound which keeps coming from there. Freaky! Anyway, please let me know what you guys think. Think I can try jumping it?
05-10-2002, 03:27 PM
#2
Range Master
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bad battery based on my experiences. low voltage would make the car run lousey even if it did start. charge the battery.
jump start if it is a stick (rolling start). don't recommend you use jumper cables, aparently some computers are very sensitive to it.
jump start if it is a stick (rolling start). don't recommend you use jumper cables, aparently some computers are very sensitive to it.
05-10-2002, 03:41 PM
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Gretch,
I've got an automatic. What do you recommend, if not jumpercables to jumpstart. I have heard that the computer is sensitive to jumpstarts as well.
I've got an automatic. What do you recommend, if not jumpercables to jumpstart. I have heard that the computer is sensitive to jumpstarts as well.
05-10-2002, 04:10 PM
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928Benz,
Porcsche installed jumpstart points in the engine bay of your car. If they didn't think the car would handle a jump start they surely wouldn't have put those there. Jump away.
Porcsche installed jumpstart points in the engine bay of your car. If they didn't think the car would handle a jump start they surely wouldn't have put those there. Jump away.
05-10-2002, 04:32 PM
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Shane,
I may sound a little stupid for asking this, but isn't the battery in the hatch. Where are the "jumping points" in the engine bay located. As I purchased the 928 last month, I am still learning about this car. Still waiting on an owner's manual. I thought about dropping by Brookstones and picking up one of those jumpstarters to be used through the cigarette lighter. Do you think this is a better alternative?
I may sound a little stupid for asking this, but isn't the battery in the hatch. Where are the "jumping points" in the engine bay located. As I purchased the 928 last month, I am still learning about this car. Still waiting on an owner's manual. I thought about dropping by Brookstones and picking up one of those jumpstarters to be used through the cigarette lighter. Do you think this is a better alternative?
05-10-2002, 05:01 PM
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Don't jump start it. Pull the battery out and see if it will take a charge. A new computer is $1,000 or more. And a new battery is less. I have also heard that the computer is sensitive to jump starts and welding. Call Dave Roberts at 928 Specialists and ask. This could save you some money. As for the jumping points in the engine bay. There is a black plastic cover on the passanger side (just behind the radiator mount) it has a plastic **** with a retaining ring. Slip that off and that's the positive. <img src="graemlins/wave.gif" border="0" alt="[byebye]" />
Chucker
1982 928 White
Chucker
1982 928 White
05-10-2002, 05:21 PM
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Some comments on your problem:
First - Always, every time, we need the model year of your car. In this case, some folks are having to make assumptions about whether you have a computer or not, for example.
The electrical system on the 928 is fairly complex, and most stereo installers don't have a clue as to how to install a unit in a 928. There should not be any clicking noises from the dash. Sounds as if you have a bad installation that is running the battery down.
A jump start is safe on a 928 IF it is done properly.
Use good cables.
You can use the jump start terminal under the hood. Look on the passenger fender. There should be a plastic cap that looks like an elongated acorn. That cap either screws off or pulls off, and under it is a terminal that looks like an elongated nut. This terminal is directly connected to the main battery cable, and the positive (red) jumper cable is connected here. The negative (black) cable is usually connected to one of the bolts that hold the cross-brace.
Turn everything in your car off - radio, A/C, lights, etc.
Position the other car, and shut the engine and everything else off.
Connect Positive (red) cable to the other car's positive (+) battery terminal.
Connect the other end of the positive (red) cable to the jump start terminal.
Connect the negative (black) cable to the other car's negative (-) battery terminal.
Connect the other end of the negative (black) cable to the bolt on the cross-bar.
Start your engine - don't race the engine.
Disconnect the cables in the reverse order - your negative, the other negative, your positive, the other positive.
And now, I get to re-post the Annual Maintenance Rite - strongly recommended!
Annual maintenance:
1) Open the hatch and remove the tool panel. Remove the carpet and spare tire cover. Remove the spare, tools, etc. Open the battery box.
2) Disconnect the ground cable from the chassis. Remove the negative battery terminal. Remove the positive battery terminal. Remove the battery. Use extreme caution to avoid getting battery acid or residue from the top of the battery or cables in your eyes. Goggles are recommended. If the battery brushes against your clothes, you can end up with holes.
3) Clean the battery terminals until they are bright and shiny. Dull gray won't do. If it is possible to check the fluid level in the battery, do so. Fill to the rings. Wash the battery. Put it on a charger if possible.
4) Clean the battery box, removing all corrosion. Wash the battery box. After it dries, touch up the finish as required.
5) Clean the battery cable terminals (all three) until the connection area is clean and shiny. Dull gray won't do. Clean the connection area on the chassis.
6) Clean the speedometer/odometer drive electrical connector in the right forward corner of the spare tire well (pre-'90 models).
7) Raise the hood (bonnet). Remove the protective cap from the jump start terminal and pull the protective plastic cover from the terminal. If you are missing the cover or the cap, replace them - they are critical items. If there is no cover, water will enter the connector and corrode the connectors and wires, causing serious electrical problems.
8) If the connections are clean and tight, replace the cover and cap. If the connections show any corrosion or looseness, disassemble, clean and reassemble.
9) Jack the right front of the car so that you can SAFELY work underneath.
10) Remove the ground cable that runs from the right side of the engine to the chassis. Clean both ends of the cable, and check for corrosion in the cable. Clean the connection points, and replace the cable.
11) Check the heavy cable connection on the starter solenoid for looseness or corrosion.
12) Check the moderately heavy wires on the same connection for corrosion and breaks inside the insulation. These carry the charging current from the alternator.
13) Check the small yellow wire connection for corrosion and tightness. This wire triggers the starter solenoid.
14) Lower the car. Fold back the carpet and open the central power panel cover.
15) Check the main power connections at the top of the panel for tightness and corrosion.
16) Check the ground connections above the panel for tightness and corrosion.
17) If you are having electrical problems, remove each fuse and reinsert three times. Check the fuses for the proper value, and examine them visually for damage or corrosion. Test them is desired. Later cars have a fuse tester built into one of the relays.
18) If you feel that it is necessary, remove and reinsert each relay. This won't be easy, as they fit very tightly in some cases. Porsche sells a relay removal tool, but I am not impressed. It is basically a pair of pliers with square jaws, and will pull the relay apart. One tool that works well is a spark plug boot removal tool. It is a thin but strong sheet metal tool shaped like a "J" with the top 1/8" bent over at a right angle. You can put this angle under the bottom edge of the relay and lift it out - IF the battery is disconnected!
19) Close the panel and replace the carpet.
20) Replace the battery. Install the positive cable. Install the negative cable. Put a drop of oil on each nut. Connect the chassis end of the ground (negative) cable. Lubricate the battery box latch and close the box.
21) Lubricate the wiper drive shaft and hatch latch mechanism.
22) Clean the spare tire, jack and tools. Put a couple of large heavy plastic garbage bags in the spare tire well for emergencies, along with a tube of hand cleaner and some paper towels. Install the cover and carpet.
23) Lubricate the jack, and put it inside the tool panel. Clean and lubricate the tools. Reinstall the tool and tool panel.
24) Reset the clock and radio presets.
A couple of hours of quality time with your 928 once a year can forestall many problems.
Wally Plumley
928 Specialists
First - Always, every time, we need the model year of your car. In this case, some folks are having to make assumptions about whether you have a computer or not, for example.
The electrical system on the 928 is fairly complex, and most stereo installers don't have a clue as to how to install a unit in a 928. There should not be any clicking noises from the dash. Sounds as if you have a bad installation that is running the battery down.
A jump start is safe on a 928 IF it is done properly.
Use good cables.
You can use the jump start terminal under the hood. Look on the passenger fender. There should be a plastic cap that looks like an elongated acorn. That cap either screws off or pulls off, and under it is a terminal that looks like an elongated nut. This terminal is directly connected to the main battery cable, and the positive (red) jumper cable is connected here. The negative (black) cable is usually connected to one of the bolts that hold the cross-brace.
Turn everything in your car off - radio, A/C, lights, etc.
Position the other car, and shut the engine and everything else off.
Connect Positive (red) cable to the other car's positive (+) battery terminal.
Connect the other end of the positive (red) cable to the jump start terminal.
Connect the negative (black) cable to the other car's negative (-) battery terminal.
Connect the other end of the negative (black) cable to the bolt on the cross-bar.
Start your engine - don't race the engine.
Disconnect the cables in the reverse order - your negative, the other negative, your positive, the other positive.
And now, I get to re-post the Annual Maintenance Rite - strongly recommended!
Annual maintenance:
1) Open the hatch and remove the tool panel. Remove the carpet and spare tire cover. Remove the spare, tools, etc. Open the battery box.
2) Disconnect the ground cable from the chassis. Remove the negative battery terminal. Remove the positive battery terminal. Remove the battery. Use extreme caution to avoid getting battery acid or residue from the top of the battery or cables in your eyes. Goggles are recommended. If the battery brushes against your clothes, you can end up with holes.
3) Clean the battery terminals until they are bright and shiny. Dull gray won't do. If it is possible to check the fluid level in the battery, do so. Fill to the rings. Wash the battery. Put it on a charger if possible.
4) Clean the battery box, removing all corrosion. Wash the battery box. After it dries, touch up the finish as required.
5) Clean the battery cable terminals (all three) until the connection area is clean and shiny. Dull gray won't do. Clean the connection area on the chassis.
6) Clean the speedometer/odometer drive electrical connector in the right forward corner of the spare tire well (pre-'90 models).
7) Raise the hood (bonnet). Remove the protective cap from the jump start terminal and pull the protective plastic cover from the terminal. If you are missing the cover or the cap, replace them - they are critical items. If there is no cover, water will enter the connector and corrode the connectors and wires, causing serious electrical problems.
8) If the connections are clean and tight, replace the cover and cap. If the connections show any corrosion or looseness, disassemble, clean and reassemble.
9) Jack the right front of the car so that you can SAFELY work underneath.
10) Remove the ground cable that runs from the right side of the engine to the chassis. Clean both ends of the cable, and check for corrosion in the cable. Clean the connection points, and replace the cable.
11) Check the heavy cable connection on the starter solenoid for looseness or corrosion.
12) Check the moderately heavy wires on the same connection for corrosion and breaks inside the insulation. These carry the charging current from the alternator.
13) Check the small yellow wire connection for corrosion and tightness. This wire triggers the starter solenoid.
14) Lower the car. Fold back the carpet and open the central power panel cover.
15) Check the main power connections at the top of the panel for tightness and corrosion.
16) Check the ground connections above the panel for tightness and corrosion.
17) If you are having electrical problems, remove each fuse and reinsert three times. Check the fuses for the proper value, and examine them visually for damage or corrosion. Test them is desired. Later cars have a fuse tester built into one of the relays.
18) If you feel that it is necessary, remove and reinsert each relay. This won't be easy, as they fit very tightly in some cases. Porsche sells a relay removal tool, but I am not impressed. It is basically a pair of pliers with square jaws, and will pull the relay apart. One tool that works well is a spark plug boot removal tool. It is a thin but strong sheet metal tool shaped like a "J" with the top 1/8" bent over at a right angle. You can put this angle under the bottom edge of the relay and lift it out - IF the battery is disconnected!
19) Close the panel and replace the carpet.
20) Replace the battery. Install the positive cable. Install the negative cable. Put a drop of oil on each nut. Connect the chassis end of the ground (negative) cable. Lubricate the battery box latch and close the box.
21) Lubricate the wiper drive shaft and hatch latch mechanism.
22) Clean the spare tire, jack and tools. Put a couple of large heavy plastic garbage bags in the spare tire well for emergencies, along with a tube of hand cleaner and some paper towels. Install the cover and carpet.
23) Lubricate the jack, and put it inside the tool panel. Clean and lubricate the tools. Reinstall the tool and tool panel.
24) Reset the clock and radio presets.
A couple of hours of quality time with your 928 once a year can forestall many problems.
Wally Plumley
928 Specialists
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05-10-2002, 06:05 PM
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Wally,
I will take your advice and try to jump it. My car is an 85 928s 32v (Auto). I don't know if there is a computer. I'm going to purchase a portable charger, as I am afraid to try to jump from my other car. A 2000 Mercedes. There are a lot of computers in that thing and I'd have to remove the seat in the Benz to access the battery. Thanks so much for your detailed advice.
I will take your advice and try to jump it. My car is an 85 928s 32v (Auto). I don't know if there is a computer. I'm going to purchase a portable charger, as I am afraid to try to jump from my other car. A 2000 Mercedes. There are a lot of computers in that thing and I'd have to remove the seat in the Benz to access the battery. Thanks so much for your detailed advice.
05-11-2002, 12:13 AM
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Do NOT try to start the engine on a charger!!!
You can hook the charger to the jump start terminal and charge the battery (with the ignition switch OFF), and then disconnect the charger and try to crank the engine. It should take several hours to charge the battery - overnight is good.
Do NOT turn the ignition on or try to crank the engine with the charger hooked up!!
You can hook the charger to the jump start terminal and charge the battery (with the ignition switch OFF), and then disconnect the charger and try to crank the engine. It should take several hours to charge the battery - overnight is good.
Do NOT turn the ignition on or try to crank the engine with the charger hooked up!!