DC911S

Its the labor and an intricate job, so for this I would rather have a factory technician do the job. Oil changes and other things, and Indy is fine. I live a condo building, so I can't do wrench myself in the garage. My parking space costs more than my car....yes its an expensive area.

Psymon

I didn't read thru the long thread... but just want to update that I replace the starter 4 days ago and it fixed the problem.

Mine is a 2006 C2S Tip. I've had the slow/sluggish-start-when-hot issue since day one when I got the car 1.5 years ago. After reading the difference threads on this issue, and the excellent DIY, I decide to take the easier (relatively!) route first by replacing the Starter first.

It's been 4 days and so far so good. The slow/sluggish-start-when-hot have gone away. But the crank-to-start is still not as immediate (in both cold and hot), which I think it's to do with the multiple 12V devices I have in the car (2 dash cams, V1, Dension... etc). So the next step is to replace the current 3.5 year old battery, and upgrading from 80Ah to 85Ah.

DC911S

If the cable does not work for me, but they told me it was bad, then I'll do the starter at a friends house…..no lift required or fishing a cable through the chassis for that……..the DIY deems pretty easy for it, jystr takes a while. I did the GT3 TB, air box, and plenum myself already and thats just about all that needs to come off to do the starter……..I should get it back tomorrow….

ALEV8

I bet reinstalling those starter motor XZN bolts is a real butt-clincher…

993Dave

I have gotten blank stares from more than one shop when describing this hot start/slow crank/bad cable problem. I'm not convinced everyone knows what they are look at or for when faced with the slow cranking problem.

Case in point: even though my car exhibited all the symptoms of this issue, the local dealership just told me all I needed to do was replace the battery. You mean the battery that I replaced 18 months ago? I don't mind not spending the big bucks for now, but I know this is not going to solve the problem long term.

At least I can get a full replacement for the battery and avoid the $565 the dealership wanted to charge me.

/annoyed

DC911S

It's just going to want another battery down. The P dealers know all about this problem. You can't tell via a visual inspection. You need a voltmeter and a person that knows how to use it. Good luck

993Dave

Agreed on all points. I have no idea why this dealership couldn't figure it out. It seems like they definitely should know about this and how to diagnose it.

AP997S

Starter cable for sure. Any competent Porsche service shop knows of this issue. If the battery is fairly new all they need to do is measure the voltage drop from the battery to the starter and they'll discover that its the cable. Common problem on early 997's.

Falcondrivr

My local dealer quoted $1400 to change the cable. My Indy did it for $350 with the factory upgraded part.

fbfisher

Does anyone have the TSB # for the slow cranking/wire harness issue? Is see it quoted and referenced, but would like the actual document for reference.

DC911S

There is no TSB, just money to fix it

Caughtacab911

Just read through this thread. My 06 is at the dealer now for minor service before winter. They pointed out that it had a slow crank and diagnosed it as follows: "the cable that goes from starter to alternator needs to be replaced. Cost for it is $1,354.03 (would need to order part and is about a 7 hour job)".

The service manager didn't do the math but with labor that looks like about a $2,500 repair.

I've had the car for about 2 years (now 55K miles) after owning an 05 for 6 years (95K miles). The 05 never had this problem. I have noticed it's slow to start when warm, but not terribly so. It's also never failed to start. I'm thinking of holding off since it's going into storage (on a battery tender) for the winter.

I also know a decent indy mechanic (Audi race car certified) who's done work on the car, but nothing of quite this magnitude. I'm sure he'd be cheaper than $2,500.

Any thoughts?

DC911S

Its the labor, the part is about 250 dollars. Its actually two separate cables that tie together at a junction box under the car. Lots of things have to come out to get the bad one removed and the new ones in. A simple test is to measure the voltage drop. It will slowly kill your battery and could leave you stranded.

Caughtacab911

Just had things clarified. It's $1,354.03 in total, including labor. Seems more reasonable. I'm probably going to wait till spring and have it done when it's in for the oil change.

SWO Daddy

The new starter / alternator cable is $100 from suncoast Porsche. I think your quote is a bit high.