Boxster stops while driving

[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?

[mikefocke]

and Check Engine Light and codes introduction is at https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/acheckenginelight%28cel%29 It will also show you the Actron I use (a 9135).

I would also look at the Durametric site (http://www.durametric.com/default.aspx) as it will outline capabilities the Durametric cable and s/w provide that a basic code reader doesn't. But the costs for a code reader and the Durametric are very different.

For $50-100 US you can get a hand held reader that reads fault codes and resets the CEL once the problem is fixed....for all recent cars. I used mine on my Honda and Acura. For $350 you can get s/w that runs on a Windows laptop and will tell you more about what is happening and will address some non-engine related codes and issues on a Porsche but which won't help you on other brands of cars. I opted for the cheaper option since I'm not sure I'd have understood enough of the theory to benefit from what the Durametric would have told me and I'd have had to buy a laptop....then lug it out to the garage, hook it up, etc. The Actron can travel in the car with me if I want.

Given your geography, I'm not sure I'd be owning a Porsche no matter how much fun or I'd decide that for any but the simple things it was going to get put on the back of a flatbed truck and carried to the dealer (assuming the dealer had competent mechanics, some don't). You can't tow a Porsche.

[sbhodge]

Thanks Mike.

Your honesty hit home. Probably is silly to buy a car where there is no dealer support. I am going hunting today to try and find someone that might have a scan tool. If I have no luck I will probably bite the bullet and throw it on a trailer and take it to Porsche Cairns myself. Might be a good excuse to stay a few nights and enjoy the area.

[mikefocke]

I'd be in Cairns in a heartbeat. I was last there in October 2001. Few who haven't been there appreciate your geography...AU is as big as the US. We covered 30k miles (48km) by air just while we were there.

Below freezing here awaiting snow and ice. Car parked under cover with a battery maintainer on.