Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Hi, Decided to take the 928 to the shops today 3 mile journey. The car was runing fine locked it up did shopping - came back started her up- off we went then after about 1/2 mile all of a sudden it just died...

Waited i guess 30 seconds to look round for warning lights etc - switched off then restarted it ran for 30 seconds and then died again would not restart - recovery truck came!

The car has fuel, electrics seem to be functioning normally, engine will turn over but not fire.

The (!) is permantly on on the dash.

Have done visual check of fluids belts etc..again all appears normal.

Any Ideas?

Thanks

Rob

The (!) normally comes on in conjunction with another light to tell you what the problem is - are you sure that all the warning lights used to come on with the ignition?

Also, can you cancel the (!) ?

You seem to have ruled out the most obvious candidates (cambelt, fuel starvation, faulty immobiliser), did you also check the belt that links the dual distributors?

Have you tried starting it again since, in case it's a problem that occurs when the engine is warm?

Edited to add..

Just looked at what you posted and perhaps I misinterpreted what you said, when you say



you have actually checked that there is fuel in the tank (don't just rely on the gauge), the fuel is getting to the engine and that there is a spark?

If you haven't done these more basic checks then perhaps start with tests at http://www.jdsporsche.com/fault%20find.html

Finally, how old is your battery - I was once in the position that my battery was capable of turning the engine, but too weak to get it to start.

As said above do the simple tests first for fuel and spark.

Check fuel pump by jumping fuel relay. Does pump run?

If car just died will be very simple fault, and likeliest cause is one of the key relays - fuel, LH ecu and EZK ecu in that order of likelihood of failure. When you have a no-start try swapping horn relay for each of these in turn but the jumper test I mentioned will give you clue whether it's a possible pump relay fault.

Clean and tighten grounds, starting with the battery griund cable.

You may also have a dirty or intermittent connection at the 14 pin plug under plastic cover next to jump post.

Guys, thanks for the info. Very busy at the moment so not sure ill have the time look at it myself in too much detail - (and I dont want to make the problem whatever it is worse! Probably a job for someone in the know!

Anybody near to Northants area that anyone can recommend? (Strouds a bit too far really!!)

Thanks

Rob

Thanks for previous input...

3 weeks later... had car transported professionally to local specialist - car arrives.. and guess what..starts first time!

They have driven car for 10 miles with no problems-left car running outside workshop - no problems.

Have decided to replace essential relays to be safe and car has been treated to a service.

So hopefully (weather permitting) will be able to go for a run this weekend.

Cheers

Rob

Do you do 3 mile trips often. My 944 would throw a wobbler if I tried that too. Hates short runs! Just flattens the battery.

Hi

I do 3 miles every day, morning and evening and my engine is a lot heavier to turn over than yours....and no battery problems...

You either need a higher amperage battery or a better alternator, I would think

All the best Brett

A better alternator would help. One of the few original parts under the bonnet. But the engineer in me wouldn't let me do 3 mile trips in it. 90% of engine wear takes place in the fist few minutes after start up. It takes 15 minutes to get oil temperature & until you do the oil isn't doing what it's supposed to do. I know a guy with a small collection of XKR's & Astons. They all have the same problem as my '44. Short journeys not what there built for Brett! You must have a monster battery on yours!

Hi

Yes the 928 battery is HUGE...LOL... plus a big alternator, my short journeys dont seem to bother it although I do tend to use my remote starting to warm up the car first which will help....

All the best Brett

That explains everything. Now if I didn't live in a flat that would be a great way to boost cold start mpg & save engine & battery. Would need a 200 yard cable.

And make sure you don't leave it in gear