Query regarding 997 GTS

[JW5]

Hi All,
I have a 997 GTS which I purchased with 25k miles June 15, it's daily transport so now has 41K, it was serviced in March 15 with 25k miles. This car has been 100% reliable and an absolute joy to own and drive. Until this week the car has always started instantly, over the last few days something has changed and it has stopped firing up straightaway.
Any ideas what might be causing this?
James

[Wilmslowboy]

Low battery/ lazy starter motor ??

I'd start with checking the battery is at full charge/ is charging? - 2 min job with a voltmeter...

[stevebu916]

I think I'm right in saying that the original Porsche (Moll) battery on the 997 is not a sealed type so the electrolyte levels can be topped up with distilled water. Maybe worth checking the levels in each of the cells as if left low, it will eventually render the battery unusable.

[gd]

Spot on - its definitely not a sealed unit, when a new one is fitted at Porsche they add the electrolyte and charge it overnight before fitting.

Worth checking levels and topping up. I use a trickle charger on my cars when they are not in use, as the battery levels make a massive difference to how quickly they fire up.

[c4sman]

Could do with more info on what not starting straight away means?

[crystalmethod]

My one's battery went after four years. If it's still on the original then you're probably on borrowed time.

Porsche batteries are rubbish, so whether you buy an official item, or go for a cheaper better non approved one, depends on whether you want the OPC warranty or not.

[JW5]

Hi All,
Thank you very much for your helpful replies.
I will check the e/levels, just in case they need toping up, otherwise maybe the battery needs to be replaced, I did wonder about that.
What I mean by not starting straightaway is the engine is turning over for maybe 8 seconds before it starts, whereas before I could turn the key and the engine would virtually fire up immediately.
Another question, I have extended Porsche warranty what is the score regarding a replacement battery?
James.

[crystalmethod]

If you want to renew the warranty you'll need to fit an official Porsche battery.

If you're not planning on renewing then you can choose whatever you want I think.

[Magic919]

Sometimes they replace them under warranty.

Would be better for them to check what the problem actually is. Maybe it's a sensor.

[JW5]

An update on my problem, currently being repaired by Mid Sussex Porsche, apparently the high pressure fuel pump needs replacing, I'm told it is a pig of a job and an unusual part to fail. Thankfully I have extended warranty.

[GT4P]

JW5 said:

An update on my problem, currently being repaired by Mid Sussex Porsche, apparently the high pressure fuel pump needs replacing, I'm told it is a pig of a job and an unusual part to fail. Thankfully I have extended warranty.

Might be wrong but I seem to remember that early 997.2 had a recall for the above problem.

[Big E 118]

JW5 said:

An update on my problem, currently being repaired by Mid Sussex Porsche, apparently the high pressure fuel pump needs replacing, I'm told it is a pig of a job and an unusual part to fail. Thankfully I have extended warranty.

Its quite a common fault, probably the only week point in the 997.2. Can't remember the dates but Porsche did change supplier on these as they had a high failure rate.

I've had mine replaced and solved the problem.

I believe I'm the US this was a recall but not in the UK

[Maxym]

Big E 118 said:

JW5 said:

An update on my problem, currently being repaired by Mid Sussex Porsche, apparently the high pressure fuel pump needs replacing, I'm told it is a pig of a job and an unusual part to fail. Thankfully I have extended warranty.

Its quite a common fault, probably the only week point in the 997.2. Can't remember the dates but Porsche did change supplier on these as they had a high failure rate.

I've had mine replaced and solved the problem.

I believe I'm the US this was a recall but not in the UK

I wondered about the fuel pump when I read the OP. Mine went after about four years (997.2 C2, £1,000 bill at OPC) and shortly after the replacement failed too. No starting problems though; engine would just die and it was a bit of a devil of a job to re-start it. Never left me stranded though.

[Magic919]

Would be great if it was the only weak point. I'd suggest the window regulators as another candidate.

[Cheib]

Magic919 said:

Would be great if it was the only weak point. I'd suggest the window regulators as another candidate.

Yup. My passenger side window stops on the way up and the driver's side starting doing it last week...

[GT4P]

Must be same supplier as VW as common fault on vw beetle cabs!

[Cheib]

GT4P said:

Must be same supplier as VW as common fault on vw beetle cabs!

Almost certainly is!