Boxster stops while driving

[sbhodge]

Hi everyone.
This is a bit of a long story I am sorry. :ah:
I have a 2001 Boxster S Tiptronic. Purchased it privately and on the first day I was driving it the engine stalled. I coasted it to the side of the road and after a few attempts to start it turned over and I was on my way again for a short while. Happened again another 5 times.
As I do live in a town without a porsche service centre I had to wait for a Porsche Service Centre mechanic to be flown down. This happens about twice a year. He diagnosed three coils had died, did a full service and sent me on my way. Car seemed to be not quite right and eventually had a similar problem 3 months later. I took it to my local mechanic who is very helpful. He diagnosed that the other 3 coils had failed, replaced them and the car ran really well for about two weeks.
I was driving on the highway when I lost total power and all of the lights came on the dash. Tried restarting and could hear the motor trying to turn over but it would not start. Sat there for 5 minutes before restarting it and headed back home. Drove beautifully once again for a couple of minutes before doing the same thing another few times til I got it home. It starts first go from a cold start but instead of starting in second gear it is in first. Still feels pretty smooth if I rev it but with a slight rough idle (if that makes any sense).
I am leaning towards a crank sensor issue. Can anyone give me some advice please.

[mikefocke]

fuel pressure to me at first.

But now the ECU needs to be read for hints with a code reader. You can buy one I'm sure down there in your beautiful (if soggy in spots right now) country and it should be a standard part of your kit if you live a long way from a P-car shop with the really right equipment. Actron is a brand we commonly see in the states. At least reading the codes will give you a hint on what the problem could be and if the car needs to be stopped or can be driven (or if it is something you can do yourself).

[WhipE350]

Hi Mike, do you recommend a specific Actron model for just basic code reading and resetting (or is resetting not necessary once issue is fixed). I see they have several models CP????

Thanks!

[jditom]

Given the lack of mechanics in your area I would get more than just a code reader.

http://www.durametric.com/default.aspx

[sbhodge]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I have been told that there is a mechanic in town that has a scan tool as he works on Audi, BMW, Jag etc etc etc. I will give him a call tomorrow and see if he can hook up to porsche. Apparently he is a guru finding obscure faults.

I was online yesterday trying to find a code reader to buy but was unsure which was the better one to go for.

My only concern after reading other peoples problems with the crank angle sensor was that they were not getting a fault code. I was thinking I might be in a similar situation after the only code the porsche mechanic got was for the coils.

Tried it again yesterday. Started from cold fine but only idled for about 2 minutes before shutting down.

Yes it is a bit wet and soggy here at the moment but it is our yearly ritual and we get used to it. Everything is very green!!!!!

[Steve Tinker]

I can recommend the Durametric scan tool and the guys there @ Durametric in the US are very helpfull. I had the scanner in my hands 6 days after I ordered it on line - its now one of my most important pieces of equipment in the garage.

As for your problem, sounds like it could be a blocked fuel filter (pretty easy to change) or the crank sensor - whatever the problem, you are guessing without the diagnostic tool or an expert Porsche garage to run some tests.
Where abouts are you located - if the worst comes to the worst and your local mechanic cant diagnose the fault, you may have to ship it to a Porsche indi......