Car cannot start. Dash light flashes wildly. Please help
 

Hello,

I hadn't been reading the tech forums for over half a year now and I have totally forgotten all the famous problems the Boxster possesses.

I need a quick reminder of what my problem is. I have been searching but I can't seem to find the description of the problem I am facing now.

My problem is my Boxster suddenly won't start today. I stick the key in and the dash lights will flash wildly and my windows went down an inch and back up repeatedly as well as I can hear the starter in the engine ticking. It doesn't seem to be a battery problem because all the lights are on brightly.

Is this the famous ignition switch problem? My key goes in and out of the ignition fine.

I remember reading this exact problem people had before, but I can't find it now.

Could someone please remind me what this issue is? Is it battery related or ignition switch?

thanks very much

Ken

My bet would be a bad ignition switch.

could be switch but also check under driver's seat for any moisture/water....

SOunds like the battery has failed.

Yah? I kinda think that maybe the problem because I hadn't driven the car for a couple weeks. But my car is parked underground and there are no power outlet near by for me to trickle charge it. :(

You have a problem with the battery.

Yep... battery, ignition switch or alternator (which caused the battery to go bad).

Eliminate the battery and alternator by checking them with a DMM. If the battery reads 12.6 volts from terminal to terminal, cables off, and cables on, car running same test voltage should read 13.6 - 14.5 volts (alternator voltage), any other values and this is your problem.

If these check out, then it's the switch.

I changed the ignition switch and it still didn't start. So it has to be the battery.

I took the battery out the car and am charging it now with a battery charger.