Warm START problems.

I joined RL several months ago. Thanks to all for helping me with narrowing down my selection on (which) Porsche to buy. I learned as much as I could about the car. Good bad and the ugly. Not much bad or ugly for the 993. After several (8) months of looking and test-driving a couple prospects I purchased 1996 993-4S Black/Black with 55,123 miles. (Pics to follow.) I absolutely “LOVE” the car. I printed off the pre-purchase ‘check list’ a RL member forwarded to me. I check history and I didn’t make an emotional purchase. That’s what I tell myself. I took the car to an independent PORSCHE authorized mechanic. The PPI was up front. A couple issues, AC needs a little love and the Viscous Coupling needs replaced, breaks need blead. I picked the car up for up for 38k so I’m ok with putting in a little. The Ppi shop said it was a great buy as it stands. Soonest I can get in is Aug 29th. Limited driving is ok.

New PROBLEM-
Recently (never came up in the PPI) it appears to have a “Warm start” problem. After I’ve driven it for a bit and get it up to temp, shot it off the car doesn’t want to restart. I turn the key and it grinds and won’t engage. “click grind grind click” I let it sit and after several attempts (6-10) the car will start. Maybe it’s the praying to the Porsche gods that helps it start. No one looks cool push starting a Porsche!. So I let it sit for a time it seems to start. In the morning it start ok. It seems to be happening more often and more specifically now the engine light has come on.?? I don’t feel its reliable at the present.

Please Help!

 

When you say grind, do you mean it sounds like the starter is not turning the engine over, but making all kinds of bad noises?

 

I had the same exact problem, turned out to be a battery! Unbelieveable as it sounds, but after replacing the starter and voltmetered every single wire by the book, a $50 battery from Costco fixed the problem.

 

Chris- Among the grinding clicking noises I hear the engine trying to turn over but it’s very rough and un-sequential. Seems strenuous to the engine. I’ll try a couple times then let it sit for a bit and try a couple more time. Usually by now it starts.

Hate to use this analogy, but like a lawnmower that has a hard time starting and when it does it’s rough for a split second then runs smooth.

It started right up last nigh (Oregon about 75 degrees) and it started just fine.

Would you think this is the battery?
Please help.

 

How old is you battery? If its more than three years (or so), I would replace it anyway. Optima Red Tops are good replacements and around a C-note to purchase.
Weak batteries have caused various wierd starting troubles with these cars.

 

Robin- Chris, sad to day but I replaced the battery and, by the book, replaced the battery, let run for 10-12 minutes and shut off. Tried to restart and same thing. ????? Help!!

 

Try jumpering the DME relay or if you have a spare in the glovebox use it.

 

Same happens to mine but only in the Summer when it is hot out and the engine is warm. First start of the day or when I leave after work it is fine but if I stop on the way home for errands by the 2 or 3 stop I need to sit for a few minutes.

Steve W had suggested the following:

Failing fuel pressure relief valve,
Vacuum leak - check hose clamps on the ISV
Failing ignition amplifier (ignitor) or coil

Just have not gotten around to digging in on this issue and Fall is just around the corner (e.g., this does not happen once the outside temps cool down).

PA