Car is a 2001 996 Cab., 38000 miles.

Atlanta has had several days below 32. On one of those days, I tried to start the car. All lights turned on but nothing heard, no click, no engine turnover.

Made sure the battery was topped up.

Today had time to try again, it was 50 degrees. Wife jumped in turned, put the key in, it started right up! She is 5'3", so she moved the seat way up, and depressed the clutch all the way.

She backed it out and turned it off. I got right in ,,, no start. Pulled the key out, put it back in, started right up.

From the thread started in December by Deane (start issue), I am wondering if I have an ignition switch that is getting tired? Or a clutch switch?

Cold does funky things with switches more than relays, but after all, this car was built in Germany, albeit southern Germany,.

I'll try again tomorrow and see what happens. I used to be able to bend down, and all around, but bad back at 75 makes doing serious mechanical work a little different. I did do a plug and coil change last year--without any help and did ok, even with that back plug you cannot see!

All suggestions welcome. Thanks, Grant

 

Sounds like it's key/ignition switch related if you're getting lights but can turn the key with no start.

It could be something as simple as the key/transponder itself playing up. The first thing which is the simplest is to try another key (hopefully you have more than one) and try to eliminate that from the equation.

 

The changing of the ignition switch requires a gymnast's back. I was all contorted when I did it. Just have an Indy shop do it. The part is about $30 and the labor isn't much, maybe about 20 minutes, but they will charge you an hour probably.

 

Justt unplug the clutch switch, jump the wires using a paper clip for now and see if the problem comes back. Just make sure you're in neutral before cranking.

If not the clutch switch, it's likely the ignition switch.

 

Ahasi, you are right. I proved it Saturday. Temp was warm, no start. I tried moving the clutch in and out several times, and it started right away. Can you tell me where the clutch switch is?

Many thanks, Grant

 

Also make sure your floor mat is not preventing the final travel of the clutch pedal. The clutch switch is shown here in Figure 1
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm