Sticky/ reluctant starter
 

My car has become increasingly difficult to reliably start. Sometimes it's fine. others it's click click click try again click as i freak out that I will
Have to leave the car at a gas station.

Sticky starter solenoid? Is this common? My 997.1 gt3 never had an issue. My current 997.2 rs used to crank faster than my .1 did and start faster. Now it's finicky. I changed the battery already and didn't make a difference and i leave it on a Porsche tender.

Feedback appreciated before I spend money.

Ty

Most likely a loose ground somewhere in the starter circuit. Humidity will have an effect on a bad connection, possibly explaining the intermittent problem.
I would check all the connections between the battery, frame ground, and starter. Remove each connector and use some emery cloth to roughen up the surfaces before re-connection.
Also, solenoid power cable, solenoid, starter, ignition switch, and all related wires.

Modena 1, my GT3 had the exact same symptoms as yours. The loose ground that grizfish described very well could be the culprit, but if that doesn't work, it could be an intermittent clutch pedal ignition lock switch. ( https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/SKU9XXCPS.html ) I temporarily replaced mine with a jumper wire which worked for a short time but the problem ended up being the starter - likely the solenoid. I had my starter rebuilt at a local Bosch approved shop and now all is well. Yes, the starter problem seems to be pretty common as these cars get older.

The ignition switch on 997's is also prone to failure but I doubt there will be a "click click" if that happens.

There are DIY threads on here and on Pelican for all the above if self-maintaining is your thing.

Ty,

Your description is exactly the same symptoms that my 07 997.1 RS exhibited. Checked all electrical connections and also followed jackb911's process. In the end, the starter was on it's way out. Replaced, no issues.

Good luck.

My 2010 997.2 GT3 RS had the same problem. Apparently it's common. My starter was replaced under warranty in 2018 with a newer, more robust unit. There's a discernible difference in how quickly it fires up with the new starter.

Try cleaning contacts and tightening them at the starter-and of course make sure your battery isn't part of the problem-if needed, replace it.

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-gt2-...ter-click.html

When I replaced my starter I couldn't find a DIY for the 997 GT3. This was as close as I could find. Note that the Mezger GT3 engine has the starter located in the same location as the earlier air-cooled 911's. "Regular" 997's require access via the engine compartment,

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...er_install.htm

The access is probably tighter on the 997 GT3 but it basically requires disconnecting the wires and the ground strap from the starter and the two bolts that attach the starter to the crankcase. Contrary to what others have reported, it is not necessary to un-attach the inner CV joint on the right rear axle as the starter will come out vertically after a bit of fiddling. Re-installation is the opposite of removal but make sure to clean the wiring and ground contact points. The top starter bolt is a bit dicey to reinstall, just install the lower one first and do not tighten fully until both bolts are in place,.

If you have access to a lift, the procedure is pretty easy. At the time I did not have one (I do now), just a pair of good jackstands, and the process was not as much fun as it otherwise could have been. By the way, if you remove the right rear wheel like I didn't do, you will be happier.

Also, if you buy a new starter, get the Bosch, not the one that comes in the Porsche box. It is the exact same starter - same part number. The only difference is the one that comes in the Porsche box carries the typical Porsche Tax. Examples from Pelican Parts:

BOSCH - https://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search_2016.cgi?command=DWsearch&make=POR&description=starter $396.50 (available for less elsewhere...)

PORSCHE - https://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search_2016.cgi?command=DWsearch&make=POR&description=starter $1,438.75

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...218200a678.jpg

If you look at my thread you can see that I could have easily kept going to remove the starter(11mm deep socket needed)
You probably only need to tighten the cables-

In the meantime, try banging on the starter with a hammer. Not too hard, just a few knocks. :) This has worked for me to get cars started with starters that are dead or dying.

Yeah replace the starter. Then it will be like new again