Turned my ignition, nothing then a whirring noise from the back - what happened?

[notworthy]

Hey all,

I need some technical help please. I turned the key on my boxster (2003 2.7) for a normal start and it didn't start or tick over however a whirring noise from the back went into action and stayed on for about 30 seconds (felt like a minute). During that whirring noise time I had turned off the ignition and had the key pulled out.

Has anyone experienced this before and/or have an idea of what just happened.

The noise was still going even with the key out of the ignition!

I waited until the noise stopped, turned the ignition again and it started really abruptly (almost perfectly) and no issue at all. Really strange.

Thanks, I look forward to your responses.

[particlewave]

Sticky or failing starter solenoid
Rebuild or replace soon or you'll be paying for a tow.

[notworthy]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Sticky or failing starter solenoid
Rebuild or replace soon or you'll be paying for a tow.

Thanks for your input. So, does this mean replacing the whole starter motor or is there another option?

[Paul]

Clean and lube the solenoid and bendix and take your chances.

[BYprodriver]

Could be the ignition switch going bad

[particlewave]

Personally, I'd just disassemble and clean the solenoid and lube the bendix, as Paul said.

[notworthy]

Thanks for your comments. It has been 6 days and not a sign of it happening again. Prevention is better than a cure though. I have never done this before and am brave enough to have a look at tackling this. Any pointers?

[woodsman]

buy a good manual first- I have a Bentley and it seems to skip a lot of details.