cavediver32043

07CS 41K mi., intermittent startups. Starts fine first time occasionally, if not I turn off and attempt again. If it doesn't start on first try, it does on 2nd or 3rd attempt. Either way all Normal dash lights and NO abnormal starter noise or Solenoid noise/clicks. I did change out the clutch interlock switch. No Change. As of 2005 Porsche got rid of the 2-part ignition switch and went to a one-part Ignition switch / Control Module, part number 997 618 159 07 for model years 2005-2012/ pre-981 for 911, Boxters and Caymans.
The removal and replace is very simple other than getting my 61yr frame in the foot well and being able to see as the eyes are not what they used to b. On the pre 2005 ignition switches you can change out the electrical back half of swtch with a new one for $30. The post 2005 OM/OEM switches run $340.

My overall Question is existing Key to Ignition switch / Control Module programming. What diagnostic/programmer can be used to marry up keys to new unit? I have a Foxwell NT520 and a Durometric Enthusiast. They both are not at the needed programming ability. I avoid dealers like the plague!!

Thanks for taking the time to read my current Saga. I strive to DIY/ research n figure out all my car issues until I run into roadblocks and have to reach out....

cavediver32043

In addition car runs Great !! Changed coils n plugs at 37K mi. Ran Diagnostics and all good ; No codes.

scootr

For grins before you go changing the switch try putting a fuse in place of the clutch pedal switch.

cavediver32043

for grins I bypassed the clutch pedal Sw altogether a while back to eliminate a possible faulty new switch...

TMc993

When you say it doesn't start, does the starter motor always spin but the engine not fire up or does the starter motor not spin at all? If the starter motor is spinning but the engine isn't firing, then I'd suspect a bad/failing fuel pump or fuel pump relay. If the starter motor doesn't spin, then I'd be more suspicious of the ignition switch.

cavediver32043

Starter does not spin / nor does it make any type of noise. As mentioned, 50% of the time it starts up fine. The other 50% it takes between 1-3 attempts. All dash indications when key is turned are normal wether it starts on first or follow on attempts. To me it is the ignition sw/control module failing. if car was a pre 2005 it would be a replacement of the eletrical side of the ignition sw (Common Failure for 996 and 986 cars). But 2005 on it morphed into a 1 pc ignition module.

So my overall end question is what is needed for reprograming new ignition sw/ control module. I want to avoid Dealers!!

Schwinn

In some previous cars (non-Porsche) I saw a similar issue because the starter motor was failing. Basically, the solenoid wouldn't get enough current to kick out, which meant the motor wouldn't turn either... so you'd hear nothing. In another situation, a bad ground caused a similar issue... as it would "sometimes" have enough current to kick over, and other times not. These aren't things you can check with a voltmeter, as it's a current issue... which makes it harder to troubleshoot.

I might suggest checking to ensure you're getting voltage to the starter when you turn the key (I know, hard to do for intermittent issues)... because if you are, then this implies the control circuits are all fine, and that you may have a current issue. I've heard that these cars have had ground cable issues in the past... leading me to think this is all the more likely.

Just my thoughts on the matter...

hueyhoolihan

my understanding from research leaves no alternative to the dealership route when the electronics of the key go bad. of course, the first step would be to replace the quarter sized battery in the key. now THAT one is a DIY job and why when evaluating a potential used car purchase the first question should always be, "are their TWO working keys?".

cavediver32043

Keys eliminated early on / battery's changed, car recognizes them...

cavediver32043

Getting power to the starter, continuity checks good, battery new, clutch switch new/ now bypassed, new key batteries both keys, instrument lights on as normal on all start attempts, voltage to starter good.....changing out starter assembly.. 2007 ,41K, 15 yr old starter..

cavediver32043

It was the starter. Replaced and have had no issues since.

hueyhoolihan

thanks for taking the time to give us "the REST of the story" a la Paul Harvey.

vanlieremead

Thanks for the closure. Often that doesn’t happen.