Intermittent Start Problem

[doragman]

I'm lucky ....'99 with 59000 glorious miles and only 2 O2 sensor replacements (other than routine maintenance items) ...and this one is minor....

Occasionally, but never on a cold start, when I turn the ignition on I get nothing......I'll turn it off and on 2 - 4 times and as soon the engine turns over it starts instantly.......like the starter is not getting any juice...have not brought it in to get checked out as it's a minor nuisance at the moment .....

Any ideas ??

[BoxsterSteve]

Could be the ignition switch, they can fail and produce all sorts of weirdness.

Others more experienced feel free to correct me....

[pothole]

Yup, switch in the ignition barrel may well be broken. Cheap fix is sourcing the switch from Audi. Porsche will only flog you the whole barrel for $$$.

[thstone]

Could also be the clutch interlock switch (the switch that looks just like a brake switch that is located on the clutch pedal mount under the dash).

The ECU won't let the car turn over unless the clutch is depressed and if the switch is intermittant you'll have intermittant starting.

I spent several weeks trying to track down my intermittant starting problem and this was ultimately the cause.

[pothole]

On a 99? My 97 will start without the clutch being depressed.

[doragman]

Finally got around to replacing the clutch switch. My intermittent starting issue never left me stranded, but decided to replace the switch (about $30) figuring it would go out completely sooner or later.

Easy to replace - one screw (went easier when I figured out the nut was fixed, and all you needed was a stubby Phillips head screw driver)...the 2 wires are clip on ...total job time is 5 minutes.....can't screw it up .......the hardest part is laying on your back under the steering column to access.

Completely solved my Intermittent starting problem ...wish I would have done it sooner! ...