1998 996 C2

[Basic]

ATM said:

Most pressing problem now is the poor battery and the dodgy power cables combo making hot starts problematic. Luckily the car died outside my house and refused to start. So I am now not using the car because I dont want to get stranded. Is this power cable heat problem an easy fix or does it require a competent mechanic?

My hot starting problem proved to be the starter motor. The local indi suggested it was 997s that had a problem with the leads to the starter motor, not 996s.

[ATM]

Took the car for a drive. Nothing exciting.

Wet door trim seems to be drying out so possibly got unlucky with window position and heavy rain - maybe.

Car started fine when I set off. Just tried to start straight after stopping and doesn't even turn over. Same as earlier in the week so definitely a hot starting problem. I haven't charged the battery so has juice to start well when cold but not when hot.

[Basic]

That's what mine did. Starter sort of gave it a bit of a go then nothing. Wouldn't even turn over. I read all the forums about replacing the leads then ended up just driving to the garage for them to mend it when it wouldn't start after filling up with petrol.

Replacing the starter leads sounded a bit of a faff. I don't think I'd bother doing it myself.

But anyway, replacing the starter completely cured it.

[ATM]

Yeah I did Google it and from what i can see the starter sits sort of under the rear driver side seat - if that makes sense. So from the back its air box off and then various long ratchets. Not for me that.

I've also got a bit of a sticky clutch pedal which I'm guessing is master cylinder.

So I think it needs a trip to a specialist and a service to boot.

[nebpor]

The starter cable is a tricky job - my guy was cursing me blind as it’s done blind, it’s got a clip hidden behind the intake!

I only had a hot start problem. The car always started after you tired again, it didn’t actually ever let me down .... maybe it’s that AND your battery if the battery was drained before? Probably the starter as well ;-)

[ATM]

Well if the car is left for a few days it starts fine then the battery is ok I'd guess. If I turn it off and then try to start it again when it's hot then I get nothing. Knowing my luck I'll end up buying all 3 and the alternator and whatever else.

[nebpor]

Yep, that was same symptoms as me for the cable - car would start after being left a week!

When you filled up when hot, went to start the car, it would cough then not be able to turn. Ignition back to zero, wait a few seconds, then it would start just fine.

The starter always sounded lazy compared to my friends as well - once the cable was changed, it whirred as fast as the best of them!

Cable was about a hundred quid from design911 and took about an hour and a half to fit - alternator off, intake off, that was about it - it was just that it was fiddly.

After mine was done, aircon stopped working - he had managed to disturb a hidden aircon connector whilst he was at it, so had to do most of the job again - the connector is the one behind the throttle body .... so you end up working facing the front of the engine, with each hand round each side of the intake!

[ATM]

Commuting duties covered today with zero drama. Car still a bit damp inside but I think its drying out as I use it.

[ATM]

[therealsamdailly]

nebpor said:

Yep, that was same symptoms as me for the cable - car would start after being left a week!

When you filled up when hot, went to start the car, it would cough then not be able to turn. Ignition back to zero, wait a few seconds, then it would start just fine.

The starter always sounded lazy compared to my friends as well - once the cable was changed, it whirred as fast as the best of them!

Cable was about a hundred quid from design911 and took about an hour and a half to fit - alternator off, intake off, that was about it - it was just that it was fiddly.

After mine was done, aircon stopped working - he had managed to disturb a hidden aircon connector whilst he was at it, so had to do most of the job again - the connector is the one behind the throttle body .... so you end up working facing the front of the engine, with each hand round each side of the intake!

Any chance of a link to what you bought? Is the earth that gets damaged?

I think I have exactly the same issue. It cold starts first time every time, but hot starts are a bit of a lottery. I've changed the battery and the situation has improved massively.

However, the starter still feels very lazy (compared to my old 986 'S', and I'm guessing they're not dissimilar)

edited - car looks awesome ATM. dirt makes it look very purposeful

[nebpor]

Not sure what gets damaged, just changed the whole cable!

Part number is 99660701901
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/99660701901...


Item Qty to Order Item Price Line Price
Wiring harness 06 00
(99660701901)
1 £71.15 £71.15

[ATM]

therealsamdailly said:

edited - car looks awesome ATM. dirt makes it look very purposeful

I've got some moss growing on it or algae. Feels a bit better now using it daily. Not tried any hot starts. Just driving to work and then back. That's only 5 miles each way all inner city so stop start 30 limits.

[ATM]

Terrible moisture in the car this morning. Had trouble seeing where I was going. Gave it a good going over with the blue roll at work so the journey home was much clearer. I dont think I've got any leaks so maybe just the time of year. I have a dehumidifier thing in there but it doesn't seem to be doing much.

[LordHaveMurci]

ATM said:

Terrible moisture in the car this morning. Had trouble seeing where I was going. Gave it a good going over with the blue roll at work so the journey home was much clearer. I dont think I've got any leaks so maybe just the time of year. I have a dehumidifier thing in there but it doesn't seem to be doing much.

Try cat litter in an old sock.

Or a new sock if you like

[ATM]

LordHaveMurci said:

ATM said:

Terrible moisture in the car this morning. Had trouble seeing where I was going. Gave it a good going over with the blue roll at work so the journey home was much clearer. I dont think I've got any leaks so maybe just the time of year. I have a dehumidifier thing in there but it doesn't seem to be doing much.

Try cat litter in an old sock.

Or a new sock if you like

Not a cat owner so do I just buy any car litter or is there a difference?

[Zarco]

ATM said:

LordHaveMurci said:

ATM said:

Terrible moisture in the car this morning. Had trouble seeing where I was going. Gave it a good going over with the blue roll at work so the journey home was much clearer. I dont think I've got any leaks so maybe just the time of year. I have a dehumidifier thing in there but it doesn't seem to be doing much.

Try cat litter in an old sock.

Or a new sock if you like

Not a cat owner so do I just buy any car litter or is there a difference?

Anything absorbent will do the same job.

I'd check for blocked vents too. Bottom of windscreen perhaps?

[ATM]

Zarco said:

ATM said:

LordHaveMurci said:

ATM said:

Terrible moisture in the car this morning. Had trouble seeing where I was going. Gave it a good going over with the blue roll at work so the journey home was much clearer. I dont think I've got any leaks so maybe just the time of year. I have a dehumidifier thing in there but it doesn't seem to be doing much.

Try cat litter in an old sock.

Or a new sock if you like

Not a cat owner so do I just buy any car litter or is there a difference?

Anything absorbent will do the same job.

I'd check for blocked vents too. Bottom of windscreen perhaps?

Hmmm

Will these affect condensation in the cabin?

[Glasgow 911SC]

Are you sure your leak isn't worse than you think? If you can get you hand under the carpet you might find it's saturated.

[ATM]

Which carpet?

[Glasgow 911SC]

Under the drivers or passenger side front carpet. It's really thick, dense foam and can hold a tonne of water. You wouldn't necessarily feel it on the surface, so getting your hand underneath would be best. There's a gap in the carpet under the seats which should allow you access.