Boxster stops while driving

[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......

[skisol]

Check easy stuff as ground wires etc, battery connections, that kind of stuff.
Bad connections can destroy coils and also shut down your engine like you are saying.
I don't believe that it is normal for six coils to go bad, there must be a reason and it seems like nobody questioned that.

[sbhodge]

Thanks everyone.

I also thought it was strange for coils to go like that. I am in Townsville and the nearest Porsche Service Centre is Cairns which is 360km's away. That is where (Lars) the Porsche mechanic was flown down from. They are very disinterested in the problem and tried to rip me off for the second set of coils!!!

I forgot to mention that the ignition barrel was faulty so they replaced the ignition for me as well.

I have checked the battery terminal and cable. Have even replaced the battery. Fuel filter was changed at last service but I will check it again.

My mechanic that changed the last set of coils said he knows that the newer Fords have big problems with coils going on a regular basis but was unsure with Porsche.

Can anyone recommend which model Durametric that I should buy. I have always had pre-computer cars that were fairly easy to work on and diagnose. This is a bit new to me with all of these sensors. I will get one as per all of your advice. My last resort will be to put it on a truck and send it back to LARS!!!!!!

Love the car though and my wife says I have a constant smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel.

I am determined to solve this with all of your help. Thanks again.

[gschotland]

I agree, Durametric is a powerful and very useful tool that will pay for itself in short order. There's really only one choice for the non-pro, the Enthusiast package for US$347, which limits you to three registered VINs; the pro is unlimited.

http://www.durametric.com/content/porsche-boxster-986-s.aspx

[sbhodge]

What about the Actron series of handheld code readers. Are they any good?