2000 Boxster Dying while driving...

[Lordblood]

Honestly the couple of mechanics I've consulted have led me onto very different paths and have tried to use scare tactics to make me spend more money.

I've ordered oxygen sensors and am going to clean the MAF first to see if there is any effect. If this isn't the answer I'm guessing its a vacuum leak and I'll go from there.

Are you getting any codes? I have a manual and it only dies now if the car has been running on idle, sometimes when I've been idling for a very long time and other times just randomly.

[chitowndad]

In general today's engines all work the same, they feed data to a computer and when one sensor is starting to go the car does silly things like you mentioned but the sensors are still within specs so they don't throw a check engine light. Google "car dies when stopped" and you'll see what I mean, everything from a bad vacuum hose to the Mass Air Flow sensor.

Find a good mechanic and describe your problem. He/She doesn't need to be a Porsche mechanic just one that understands how to troubleshoot.

My guess it that most likely it's one of the following:

MAF - dying when coming to a stop and idle "hunting" issues (up/down, up/down)
Coolant Temp Sensor - rough idle issues at either warm or cold
O2 sensor - bucking when running at a constant speed on the highway

and several more general symptoms that I can't think of right now but any good mechanic can educate you.

If it was my car, I'd first replace the ignition switch (DIY) then tap on the MAF when the engine is idling. If the idle changes, replace the MAF. Then search on this forum and then I'd post the WEB for someone that has software that can read what the computer is doing.

Keep us all posted

Good luck.

-Steve

[gabereiser]

UPDATE:
After taking my car to several 3rd party shops, shopping for the best price on my ignition switch, I found a garage called Zotz (http://www.zotzgarage.com) here in Orlando. They replaced the ignition switch and also found the root cause of my stalling issues. Bad crankshaft sensor. So they called me up to tell me the costs and all together, both switch and sensor, under $500. I'm stoked! I told them go ahead and do it as I was expecting repairs well over $800.

To all orlando area porsche owners, Zotz Garage is the best!

[Lobo1186]

Originally Posted by gabereiser

UPDATE:
After taking my car to several 3rd party shops, shopping for the best price on my ignition switch, I found a garage called Zotz (http://www.zotzgarage.com) here in Orlando. They replaced the ignition switch and also found the root cause of my stalling issues. Bad crankshaft sensor. So they called me up to tell me the costs and all together, both switch and sensor, under $500. I'm stoked! I told them go ahead and do it as I was expecting repairs well over $800.

To all orlando area porsche owners, Zotz Garage is the best!

ill second that one zotz is the place i used to live and work right down the street.

[gabereiser]

Total amount spent at Zotz Garage was $351.53!! for Ignition Switch and Crankshaft Sensor. Not only did they get it all done in one day, but I was greeted by a blonde bombshell upon dropping my car off (Hubba Hubba).

Zotz is now my garage of choice as the dealership was quoting me $600 for the switch and probably another $300-$400 for the sensor.