Giving Up.... :(

[macyfilms]

To remind everyone: '98 Boxster, won't crank, won't start.

After a battery that had been completely dead for a month was replaced, the car won't crank. (Hood had been locked, and power had to be fed in through lighter socket to get power to unlock hood)

The history:

Battery: replaced AND charged for 24 hours.
Ignition switch: replaced.
Clutch switch: checked, appears to be going in and out and clicking accordingly.
Fuses: all appear good.
Relays: seem okay. switched out relay with same #, still no crank.
Immobilizer: opened box under seat; no obvious sign of any damage of any sort.
Starter: tested, spins fast.
Solenoid/Starter: Cranks engine hard and fast.
Analyzer readout: no problem codes.
Key: appears good; "capsule" inside appears fine.

What am I missing ??


SG

[Paul]

Have you checked the clutch switch with a VOM to see if it is actually opening and closing the circuit?

[macyfilms]

Originally Posted by Paul

Have you checked the clutch switch with a VOM to see if it is actually opening and closing the circuit?

I will check it today. Is it possible to bypass this switch ?


sam

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by macyfilms

I will check it today. Is it possible to bypass this switch ?


sam

Yes. You can just disconnect the leads to the switch and short them by running a wire between them. It's actually better for the engine to not press the clutch in while starting anyway so I've got my switch bypassed on all my cars.

Just make sure you don't have the car in gear when you start it.

[macyfilms]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

Yes. You can just disconnect the leads to the switch and short them by running a wire between them. It's actually better for the engine to not press the clutch in while starting anyway so I've got my switch bypassed on all my cars.

Just make sure you don't have the car in gear when you start it.

Okay, I'm going to bypass. If this is not my problem, is there anything else you can think of? I'm running out of ideas. I'm wondering if my immobilizer is shutting me down and I just don't see any damage. Perhaps after sitting so long w/o any battery juice, the system no longer recognizes my key?

sam

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by macyfilms

Okay, I'm going to bypass. If this is not my problem, is there anything else you can think of? I'm running out of ideas. I'm wondering if my immobilizer is shutting me down and I just don't see any damage. Perhaps after sitting so long w/o any battery juice, the system no longer recognizes my key?

sam

Have you tried bypassing the ignition and running power directly to the starter? Easy test with a set of jumper cables.

[macyfilms]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

Have you tried bypassing the ignition and running power directly to the starter? Easy test with a set of jumper cables.

I connected the posts at the starter/solenoid and the engine cranked like a champ.

The history:

Battery: replaced AND charged for 24 hours.
Ignition switch: replaced.
Clutch switch: checked, appears to be going in and out and clicking accordingly.
Fuses: all appear good.
Relays: seem okay. switched out relay with same #, still no crank.
Immobilizer: opened box under seat; no obvious sign of any damage of any sort.
Starter: tested, spins fast.
Solenoid/Starter: Cranks engine hard and fast.
Analyzer readout: no problem codes.
Key: appears good; "capsule" inside appears fine.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

Yes. You can just disconnect the leads to the switch and short them by running a wire between them. It's actually better for the engine to not press the clutch in while starting anyway so I've got my switch bypassed on all my cars.

How's that work for you in the winter?

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Paul

How's that work for you in the winter?

I don't follow the question.

[macyfilms]

It appears there are two switches on the clutch pedal. I'm assuming one is for Cruise Control, one is for starter. Of course, i have no idea which is which. I'm hoping Paul or Blue can answer this question.



sg

[Paul]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

I don't follow the question.

Here in Wisconsin when it's -20 or colder, no one would ever try to start a manual shift car without kicking in the clutch first.