ProgRockJunkie

They've turned over so much in the service dept, glad you got someone nice. They've historically always been pleasant, so they have that going for them. That said, I've left several messages about my fuel flange recall and have not been called back or scheduled. Guess I'll have to drop in.

Regarding mechanics, I use a guy named Zoli or Euroboost, shares space with Odds and Ends Detailing in Sterling. He's been outstanding, would trust him with any job on the Cayenne. I only ask questions to be an informed consumer. I have a great mechanic. Highly recommend him for anyone within easy drive of Sterling, VA.

TRINITONY

Good to know - his rates r very reasonable!

997PT2C4S

I would recommend dropping by, that's how I finally got it done. I dealt with Brad Hush, they had the part in stock and I was able to bring my truck in the next day for service. I was on a "list" for what seems like over a year, no call. They are quick to email and call me about wanting to buy my 911 though...

Is your starter completely dead or are you starting to get longer than normal cranking times?

ProgRockJunkie

The cranking is feeling labored, if that makes sense. First turnover feels strained and then fires right up. I've had this particular Cayenne for four years I think and I know I've changed the battery in that time, probably at least two years ago, maybe three. Might be worth doing that again next year if the starter doesn't die in the interim. I do trickle charge the Cayenne some though when not driving her much, may do that again now and see if it seems less strained on a completely full charge. I can wait, observe.

Wisconsin Joe

That does make sense.

Does it do the 'short crank and stop' thing? Where the starter makes a very short (like 1/4 of a revolution of the motor) crank and stops? Then you have to turn the key to off to try again?

That and the 'slow & labored' cranking are signs that the starter is getting old. It may well last a long time that way. Mine had been doing it for the previous owner for over a year, and it was six months before I did the pipe and it kept on going (no better, no worse).
I replaced the starter while I was doing the pipes because I really didn't want to pull all that apart again.

All the starter issues went away. It cranked faster than it ever had.

ProgRockJunkie

You know I think mine is sounding pretty similar to what you're describing. Old and tired but hanging in there I put the trickle charger on it overnight and there was no difference, as expected. I guess we'll just keep an eye, leave the starter in the box in the garage for a while.

JAGMAN1

My starter never failed. But it was exhibiting slow crank, kazoo, and short crank. New starter fixed all of these. All of these symptoms had been present for the 10 years of my ownership. All were get worse slowly.

J'sWorld

You can either take off the plastic retainer at the back of the coolant pipes and just barely pull up on the pipes to get that last mm of clearance to wiggle the starter out, or you can also take off the top of the thermo housing and lift it out of the way with the pipes attached to get the starter out. You can even re use the MLS gasket on the thermo housing and it likely will not leak.

dr914

We charge 3.5

Pillow

Good info! Thanks for sharing the local shop alternative as well.

(back to lurking)

ProgRockJunkie

Doubt anyone on pins and needles, but I haven't been around in a while and thought I'd close the loop. I hate finding threads that ask questions and the OP never bother's reporting back. So, replaced the starter and low and behold, it starts better. Yay. Starts like a new car now. Labor was about $400. Well worth the peace of mind.

95_993

Nice to hear!!! Follow up is always great