Really need some help today! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

blinkwatt · 01-10-2006, 12:19 PM

Is the steering wheel locked?

denverpete · 01-10-2006, 12:24 PM

Blinkwatt,

I asked that question but I'm not sure what she said. That would keep the key from going to ignition wouldn't it? Would it also keep the radio from coming on?

I feel so stupid trying to remember things that happen "naturally" when you're in the car - but I can't seem to get the details down!

All of this is helpful. Any thing else guys? Anything you remember doing back when you first got your Box?

Perfectlap · 01-10-2006, 12:26 PM

sometimes when its really cold and the car has been sitting for a few days I have to push down on the clutch really hard to get the engine to turn. This is only a problem on my car during the winter. Interestingly enough this problem emerged the day after a visit to my Porsche dealer for a preventive full inspection. I thought about bringing it back to say "hey what did you do to my baby?!"

anyhoo You have to have the clutch pedal firmly against the floor board. It may take several attmepts. But it always does the trick. PUSH HARD

RandallNeighbour · 01-10-2006, 12:51 PM

Is it a tip tranny? Was it left in gear when it was last driven? That'll keep it from turning over too.

If she has buried the clutch, it's in Park, and the wheel has been moved to insure the key can be moved all the way toward 3 o clock, the next thing to check is the battery, eh?

I sure do feel for you. Frustrated wives in non-functioning Porsches push all kinds of buttons inside me!

Ronzi · 01-10-2006, 01:20 PM

Pete,
I don't have the operator's manual "on me", so to speak. I keep the car in a rental garage from Nov thru April so my wife's car can go in my home garage during the winter.
It's only about a 5 minute drive away if I need to get it though.

denverpete · 01-10-2006, 02:34 PM

Okay,

It's about T-Minus 4 hours and here's what I've got:
1) Clutch in to disengage the interlock
2) Ensure the clutch is all the way in
3) Push HARD if necessary
4) Ensure the wheel isn't locked

I'll also have her check to see if I left the lights on (GOD no). It hasn't been cold and I drive it everyday so I don't think it's the battery (unless I left the lights on).

Smoke em if you've got em.

deliriousga · 01-10-2006, 05:23 PM

If the clutch is pushed in all the way and it's quiet, she'll here a light "click" sound when the ignition defeat switch kicks on.

The wheel will still be locked until you get the key into the "on" position, but when it's pressed against one side or the other of the lock it won't allow the key to turn. Sometimes you have to put the key in and wiggle the wheel while you try to turn the key to start.

Good luck.

natecooper · 01-10-2006, 05:38 PM

Sounds crazy but also feel around behind and underneath the drivers seat for dampness.

I had the same thing last winter after I had just bought a very low milage older boxster (01', 13k miles). Turns out there are drains in the front of the car that, if plugged, can leak behind the drivers seat, which happens to be where the electronics control unit is. Well, being that my car sat in parking lots for three years those drains got plugged up from leaves, dumped water into the cockpit and I couldn't start the car. Had to replace the electronics control unit, pray this is not the case.