Today my 986 died on the Bay Bridge

[Oaktown 986]

Originally Posted by Tranlm

First off, do you try pressing the gas pedal when you start the car?

If you have the time and want to save the money, I'd start off with all the common and easy stuff and try to build my way up from that. Then maybe take it to a mechanic.

Reset the car's computer by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes, then try starting it up again and see if it gives you the same codes
Check the oil, air filter, IACV, MAF, PCV, and spark plugs
Clean out the throttle body and carburetor, checking all the components around them in the process
Replace the coils, oxygen sensors, and maybe the MAF. They're designed to wear out anyway.

Ok.. tested the gas while starting: no difference. Air filter and oil are all good. I guess everything else begins mañana.

[extanker]

let us know if ya find a carb.

[schoir]

Originally Posted by Oaktown 986

Ok.. tested the gas while starting: no difference. Air filter and oil are all good. I guess everything else begins mañana.

"Tested the gas", may not do it.

Try keeping the gas pedal completely floored while you try to start it. That has started many a Boxster that would not start.

Search the archives here and on RennTech and you will find some examples of that exact scenario.

Regards, Maurice.

[Tranlm]

Did you check the tubing on the AOS? A common problem in boxsters are air leaks, though I don't know if it'd be severe enough to cause your car not to start.

Please keep us updated. I'd like to know the outcome.

[Oaktown 986]

Originally Posted by schoir

"Tested the gas", may not do it.

Try keeping the gas pedal completely floored while you try to start it. That has started many a Boxster that would not start.

Search the archives here and on RennTech and you will find some examples of that exact scenario.

Regards, Maurice.

UPDATE: Today, got home from work, and I held the gas down fully. Car started for a split second, then sputtered out, like it didn't really have gas or spark. Any thoughts? Keep in mind I got the three cylinders that misfired right before it went kaput.

Jon

PS, Tranlm, I did not yet check the AOS, but when I get 'er jacked again this weekend, I shall.

[tonycarreon]

i don't want to presuppose your mechanical skills or troubleshooting prowess. however at some point ( if it were me ) i would stop trying all the "do this, do that" and get a professional opinion.

that said, have you checked the oil level?

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24415
http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24564
http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/checkenginelightcausedbymassairflowsensor

[23109VC]

I agree - at this point, if you haven't found some simple solution - I'd take it to a pro and let them take a look at it.

you can end up wasting more time/money trying to fix it yourself if you don't know what you're doing - whereas the pro might be able to troubleshoot/diagnose it ASAP.... as they know the car inside/out....

good luck and I HOPE that the problem is something not too $$$...

[Oaktown 986]

just installed the pre cat o2 sensors. To no avail. The car does not want to rev beyond 3,000 RPM, and I think it's running lean. Next part from NAPA is going to be the MAF. Any other suggestions?

http://picasaweb.google.com/jondirty/Porsche#5476108638238912290

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Oaktown 986

Any other suggestions?

A few ideas...

Fuel pump? Fuel pressure regulator (if the box has one... Not sure)? Fuel filter clogged? Electrical issue resulting in loss of spark or signal to injectors of one bank?

[Oaktown 986]

Originally Posted by tonycarreon

i don't want to presuppose your mechanical skills or troubleshooting prowess. however at some point ( if it were me ) i would stop trying all the "do this, do that" and get a professional opinion.

that said, have you checked the oil level?

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24415
http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24564
http://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/checkenginelightcausedbymassairflowsensor

well, i have more time than loose change, and i have other autos, so it's not a rushed deal; i'd rather have the car out of commission then pay $1k for something that I could have done myself. That being said, after I pull some spark plugs this weekend, and see what's going on up there, I believe I'll have some clarity on whether this is totally catastrophic, or simply a case of lacking spark.

Also, I fear that if the engine is blown, I'd rather buy a Raby then deal with sending it to a dealer for $200 plus towing fees when I'm going to need to also send it to Raby and fork up a whole lot right there.

Jon

[Lucky]

Based on what you've shared so far regarding the failure (just stopped, no unusual noises, etc.) and your attempts to diagnose, my best guess is the crank position sensor (CPS) has gone bad. As a result the engine computer has no idea where TDC is for each cylinder and can't determine when to fire the spark plug.

The only other reasonable possibility is a huge vacuum leak. One of the AOS hoses could have come loose or some other hose of a similarly large size. Check everything that connects to the intake system -- both ends of each hose and the hoses themselves for splits/cracks.

It is unlikely that the coil packs are bad. All 6 don't fail at once.

[Oaktown 986]

Originally Posted by Lucky

Based on what you've shared so far regarding the failure (just stopped, no unusual noises, etc.) and your attempts to diagnose, my best guess is the crank position sensor (CPS) has gone bad. As a result the engine computer has no idea where TDC is for each cylinder and can't determine when to fire the spark plug.

The only other reasonable possibility is a huge vacuum leak. One of the AOS hoses could have come loose or some other hose of a similarly large size. Check everything that connects to the intake system -- both ends of each hose and the hoses themselves for splits/cracks.

It is unlikely that the coil packs are bad. All 6 don't fail at once.

Thank you; this post has given purpose to my weekend: shall report tomorrow on findings for the AOS or any other hoses that are split, cracked, or disco'd.