Engine stutter on startup... - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Porschekid · 08-21-2006, 07:24 AM

Almost without fail it seems on my first startup of the day I will get an engine stutter and the idle drops really close to stalling. It starts right up with no problem, idles fine for about 5 or 10 seconds and then the idle drops almost to the point of stalling and then corrects itself and is fine from then on out. This seems like the only problem the engine ever has. I don't know if the computer is running some test that it is having a problem with or something. Anyone ever experience this before?

VTvaster · 08-21-2006, 08:45 AM

Is the AC on when this happens??

Mine will do that but only when the AC is on during start up.

It could be the engine is not warmed up enough and with the AC on, you are asking a little too much too soon.

I have experience this in other car as well, that is why I bring it up.

Also how many miles/year?

Porschekid · 08-21-2006, 09:01 AM

2000 2.7 with ~50k miles... as far as I know A/C isn't on.

clubhead · 08-23-2006, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porschekid

Almost without fail it seems on my first startup of the day I will get an engine stutter and the idle drops really close to stalling. ...

This is a typical sign of MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor failure. Go to a independant specialist or Porsche center to have your DME fault code read. It should point to that.

You can either clean it wth carb cleaner or replace it for about $250. What year's your car?

If it's using a 996 606 124 00, that is superseded by 986 606 125 00 or 986 606 125 01. Upgrading to a later model MAF will require a DME programming which your dealer should be aware of. If you're using a 996 606 123 00, you're pretty much stuch with that. 996 606 123 00 is meant for non EGas cars though..

My aircon's always on and that never presents a problem on cold start.

Porschekid · 08-23-2006, 08:59 AM

Should there be any other signs of MAF failure? That seems to be my only symptom and it's only on the first cold start.

08-23-2006, 09:02 AM

Are you running good gas? 93 octane? Have you tried a high quality fuel cleaner with Techron?

Porschekid · 08-23-2006, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmussatti

Are you running good gas? 93 octane? Have you tried a high quality fuel cleaner with Techron?

Always 93 or 94... It's only really a weekend car though if that makes a difference. I got Chevron Techron at home but haven't put it in yet because I wasn't sure if it was safe in these cars. I will put it in if you think it won't cause a problem. I also don't have a CEL. I used to think it was because I was putting the top down and it was putting too much drain on the battery but it does it even if i'm not putting it down.

08-23-2006, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porschekid

Always 93 or 94... It's only really a weekend car though if that makes a difference. I got Chevron Techron at home but haven't put it in yet because I wasn't sure if it was safe in these cars. I will put it in if you think it won't cause a problem. I also don't have a CEL.

I have used 2 of the Techron fuel cleaners already. One at about 200 miles and another one at about 5,000 miles.

Make sure it is concentrated enough for 17 gallons of gas. The small ones are only good for 12 gallons.

It may help. And it may require more than one treatment. And it may be something else completely. Sorry.