cshardy

I have a 1997 993 C2. Today I went out to start the car, but got only a rapid clicking noise accompanied by rapid flashing of the idiot lights in the instrument cluster. Is this a bad starter, solenoid, or what? Any and all feedback will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Craig

Garth S

For starters ( sorry - bad pun ), check the battery voltage: the rapid clicking usually indicates low voltage and/or a dying starter solenoid.
If it starts with jumper cables or a battery recharge, you're a winner - for replacing a battery is far more fun than doing a starter.

Stealth 993

Sounds like a flat battery.

Mike in Chi

Battery. If you use jumper cables, you have to let it charge a bit before attempting to start.

993C4Smontreal

i had that once....it was the battery. I gave it a slow charge...all was good...GL

craig001

+1 on dead battery. If you aren't comfortable jumping the car (and our batteries are not the easiest to get to) pcik up on of those portable jumper batteries that plug in the lighter socket. I have one in my garage, as yet unused so I can't say if the wiring is robust enough. When I park the p-car I plug in the Porsche Battery Maintainer that plugs into the lighter socket and delivers about .1 amps to keep the battey topped off. They are around $65, but maybe Sunset would be less.

Flying Finn

+2 on battery.

black ice

Once you jump to start, check voltage across battery terminals. When it's running your alternator should charge the battery at about 13.5-14.5 volts (someone correct me here if I'm wrong). If your battery remains close to 12 or 12.5V then your alternator is not charging.

If it's charging and your battery won't maintain a charge, check to see if it's maintenance free or not. If it's a regular battery with pop-off tops, check the electrolyte level inside. If it's very low you can top off with distilled water. There's typically a line inside or a gap showing how high to fill. You will need to charge the battery once this is done - or put it in the car, jump it, and drive for an hour or two. It's worth a shot.

If you decide to do this, remove the battery from the car before filling. Wipe the battery down with a wet cloth when you're done to avoid acid damage in your car.

Dave

WHB Porsche

Right on the money.