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Thank you so much. Could you tell how chuffed I was? Looking forward to sorting the module (think it's possible to do with a credible person for £500) and then the rest of the car is fundamentally good. #ghettoboxster
Might be worth contacting JMG Porsche in Bournemouth. They will be able to help with the immobiliser module. If it's not too far gone a cheap repair may be possible.
Great video - as an electrician we find faults that blow our minds from time to time and it can be so frustrating when you feel like you’re going round in circles but then so satisfying when you have that “aha” moment and find out what the problem is! Hope you get to drive her home soon…
Jonny - replace the fuse for the dashboard/instrument cluster (swap with the hazard lights as same amp rating). I’ve had a 2000 986 for 12 years and been through ALL the common challenges. If you leave the key in the ignition and to position one for longer than 30 mins it overheats the instrument cluster and seems to do something to the fuse. Then when it gets warm you can’t start the car because of the fuse. It causes an instrument cluster code that you can’t see without a Durametric (I have one if you need it) or a Porsche PIIWIS diags, but swapping the fuse out resets it. That’s probably what you cleared, and I bet you left the key in the ignition to position one while you looked at the engine bay! That’s how I found this out the hard way too! Carl
Those sorts of faults are total hair pullers! I've had the same where, as a fuse warmed up, the fracture across the link opened up. It took me weeks to solve and now I swap for know-good ones before troubleshooting the rest of the system 😅
I know so well the feeling of excitement at getting a new old car then the sinking feeling and depression as more and more faults manifest themselves on the way home. Especially as it grinds to a halt in the middle of open country at midnight! Enjoyed that greatly - so much better than tedious EVs.that no one wants. Look forward to what I hope will be the next episode soon. Cheers Jonny.
Glad you were able to get it started, Johnny! I met you in person at RR7 and took a photo with you (I’m the guy with the ‘stache) - I’d have congratulated you in person if I had seen this video at that time. Welcome to the Porsche family and keep on doing what you do best, you’re my favorite car-related presenter/personality by far!
Cheers to you, Jonny! Best of luck with the new-to-you 986. Bought mine off eBay, sight unseen 15 years ago and drove it 700 miles home. She's been remarkably reliable. Mostly just minor issues: water pump leaking, cracked overflow tank - both common issues to the platform. Only major issue was a failed variocam actuator, that was a bit pricy to fix. Standard maintenance stuff is all pretty easy to deal with. 5-speed and flat six are a great combo. Can't wait to see the next installment on this one. Cheers from NC!
What an eventful start to your Boxster journey .. I'm looking forward to seeing this progress .. Just a small tip re the rear window, I roll up a towel or place a piece of pipe insulation where the window creases on my Chimaera and it stops it creasing ..
My MX5 NA has a plastic rear window and can also suffer from a crease if you don't take precautions. To that end I got my mum to sew a long sock-like tube with fluffy material, approx 100mm in diameter, and I stuffed it full of loose foam until it felt firm enough to support the bend in the window when folded down. When not in use I store the tube behind the seat out of the way. Works a treat and I have no evidence of creasing or cracking.
That's what I love about Porsches and most other German machinery. You can feel that balanced chassis and engineering experience right until sensors or ECUs fail. Good luck.
Good luck but sorry to tell you that’s the 217hp 2.7 not the later 228hp version, easy way to tell is the later 996 2.7 had a wider rear spoiler where as the earlier cars had a thin style. The ignition switches regularly fail on these and would be worth a replacement. My top tips after owning a few; 1. Use a slightly thicker grade oil than Porsche recommends at this mileage. 2. Add a magnetic sump plug, these can have IMS issues but not as prevalent as the internet would like you to think, with regular oil changes and the magnetic sump plug you can monitors the issue and usually save it before it gets bad. 3. Try to retro fit the earlier cars mechanical levers to open the bonnet using wire, it’s just such a pain when the batteries go low and you can’t access the bonnet. If you keep using the wire by the indicator the headlight and surrounding paintwork gets damaged. 4. The cats are quite restrictive on these, don’t fit a full sports exhaust just fit sports cats, you’ll get a real performance increase and better response. 5. Replace the AOS as a preventative measure. 6. Consider fitting a new flywheel as most of the dual mass flywheels are faulty by this age, if you’re boring fit a new one, but if you want a more responsive engine fit a lightweight flywheel with a new clutch and do the leaky oil seal while you’re there. 7. Don’t fit a cheap quickshift the gears feel too notchy, the best option is to fit a new 987/997 shift mechanism that reduces throw by 15% and will feel much tighter, although still plastic it allows a bit of give and doesn’t highlight the notchiness of an older gearbox 8. The 2.7 gearbox has long gearing, if you only drive to 6000rpm then change up you will be disappointed as if falls flat out of the power band, if you go to 7000 and Change up the next gear is just about in the power band. The 987 sport 2.7 had a Closer ratio six speed gearbox, and while rare would wake the car up a bit of you could fit in conjunction with a light flywheel. Best of luck 👍
I believe that the problem with starting the car is related to the anti theft system. Sometimes it happens to me as well, on my 02 Boxster. What I do is I get out of it, lock it, wait 10 seconds, unlock it and crank it. It should start right up! I thought it was the battery but it kept doing it sometimes also after replacing it. Hope it solves your problem if it arises again, good luck with your project!
I had this exact fault on my 987. Go shops. Got back to car. Would not start. Had to let the car cool down. Maybe had to wait twenty minutes. Think it was the crank position sensor. Got it done, no problems since.
These are fabulous cars and great value. I have a 987.1 Boxster and it just keeps going and going. It’s beautifully balanced, the flat six sounds wonderful and it’s plenty powerful enough for our roads. I’ve driven a few 911s and I much prefer the Boxster. I’m really looking forward to this series.
Weird how a different username made the exact same comment as you. In other words FAKE comments to improve algorithms. @AraujoOluapWaiting 1 day ago These are fabulous cars and great value. I have a 987.1 Boxster and it just keeps going and going. It’s beautifully balanced, the flat six sounds wonderful and it’s plenty powerful enough for our roads. I’ve driven a few 911s and I much prefer the Boxster. I’m really looking forward to this series.
Hi Johnny, Has 2 sperate issues on my wife's 987 cayman which had similar symptons. 1. Clutch switch , I just bypassed it and subsequently replaced it to resolve the most recent no start issue. 2 . The first no start issue was a couple of years back and was intermittent and presented itself like a dead battery but I traced the issue to a pole that the battery positive lead clamps onto which carries the power into the cabin and onto the electronics and fusebox. The clamp is designed to swivel on the pole but it gets loose and makes bad contact . A porsche parts specialist wanted £400 for the replacement pole and lead 😂😂. I removed the pole ( not easy) , treaded it with a dye set , reinstalled and put a nut on the now treaded pole to secure the lead. I can send photos , but definitely worth checking. Enda
I do apologize for laughing maniacally when the car didn't start. It was just too perfect. Your frustration was palpable. The only thing missing was the swearing, throwing things, kicking things, and the busted knuckles that usually accompanies these kinds of moments in my experience. I can't wait to see the progress on this one. Fantastic, Jonny.
This could not be more serendipitous - I just bought a Boxster yesterday. Not nearly as cheap as you got it, no known electrical faults, good operating condition it seems. Minus the roof, which has a broken transmission, it seems. Mine's an automatic / Tiptronic because I don't presently have the skillset to drive a manual car, but I do want to learn at some point. So so so looking forward to starting our Boxster journeys together. Just drove it 350 miles home, no issues. Hoping that you sort your gremlins quickly. I parked it in the garage after having an overwhelmingly positive experience today, and suddenly almost don't want to take it out for a little while. It's still too special, despite having driven it at 75mph all day. I bought it hoping we could go on road trips, maybe doing a track day some time, the lot. And suddenly it's too scary to drive. I'll get used to it, but I never dreamed of owning a Porsche and have wanted one for years, and I couldn't pass this one up for the condition it was in at the price which was very competitive for the US market. I did pay a lot more than you did though lol. Anyway, if you see this, that'd be a highlight, but I'm very stoked regardless.
I had a similar ignition issue in a Civic. It was dry solder joints in the ignition relay - when the relay warmed up the joints would presumably expand slightly and resulted in no spark until things had cooled down and then it would fire again. Reflowing the solder joints 100% solved it...
When you turned the ignition to look at engine that may have been your “first attempt” then it did it’s normal fault not starting after being previously on.
A great watch Jonny, I've been on both sides of this vid; Selling a car that developed a fault out of the blue when the buyer came to collect (fine at an earlier viewing before monies had changed hands) Buying a car that was fine when I looked round it and drove it, dead after we'd had a cuppa and signed the paperwork! Both times that slight sicky feeling in the pit of the stomach and the whole-brain headache as the mind goes though every possible thing to try but the dopamine rush is worth it when the engine fires and you drive off in to the sunset!
I'm early into watching this - Check the wiring loom, I think you might find some rubbing which could be giving an intermittent error. I remember something similar in a Merc I had. I ran it with the intermittent fault for a year before realising it must be a simple connection error. Fault was under tape too.
From the former owner of a 986 Boxster, best of luck with the project Jonny and can't wait to see more on your channel! I had mine when I lived in California and found it to be a great dual purpose car - civilized and practical enough to be a daily driver, yet really comes alive when pushed to 9/10ths. With regards to the issue where it won’t start again immediately after shutting off, I had the same problem on mine. Not sure if the emissions controls systems for Boxsters sold in the UK are different, but the root cause for me turned out to be a slightly cracked fuel filler cap - it was just letting out enough pressure from the fuel system to periodically trip the evaporative control system that was required for California smog regulations. Also - a couple of more recommendations as you work on the restoration: 1) If you need to replace the roof, upgrading to the glass rear window that was fitted to 2003-2004 Boxsters is worth it. Rear visibility will be a bit less, but the NVH improvement is night and day plus you also get a rear defroster element. 2) for the wheels, if you can source some reasonably priced 18-inch turbo twists (the same ones on the 993 turbo), they were actually a factory-fitted option and they make the car look just proper :)
Your own barn find. Good luck with the Boxster, there were already many tips in the messages about the starting problem, so this should now be resolved quickly.
Hi Jonny, I own the same model Boxster, had it for a bit over 12mths, when I first got it I had problems with the electrical part of the ignition switch which is supposedly a common problem so that's the first place I would look. The part is cheap being common to various VW Golf models and some Audi, easy enough to fit if you are skinny and flexible enough to get under the dash🙂
The cutting out sounds like the coolant temperature sensor Johnny. The weirdest non start I had was on a Renault Clio, I plugged in my code reader and it came up with an Automatic gearbox fault, the thing was the car was a manual😂 I cleared the fault and away it went. Good luck mate
8:44 I’m as excited as your videographer to hear it spent time in Norwich, my home city, now I’m on the other side of the world. Loving all your videos Jonny. 😊
Those bosch starters sometimes burn and only work when cold. It already sounds like its been used to start it up a trailer in 2nd gear. Motor windings will be dark if burned
There are a few people around that have worked out the diagnostic codes and have built an application for a laptop that is comparable to the Porsche inhouse reader. This could be either fun or frustrating as a car. Let's hope it is the fun one. Thanks Jonny for an honest video, although I think you may have edited some of the language. Grin. I have always wanted a Boxster but the prices in Oz are stupid.
Thank you v much. Sure enough some language was edited, but I like to keep these car journeys and experiences honest, because you never know what happens. Plus, it hopefully shows others to not be afraid to keep persisting.
Just a tip for anyone stuck in this situation without an OBD2 reader. You can sometimes reset the ECU by disconnecting the battery, turning on the lights or sounding the horn to discharge any stored electricity then connecting the battery back up and trying to crank over. I had a BMW generation Mini Cooper with too many electrical issues to count that would give me trouble cranking over sometimes and using this trick helped me out when I was stranded.
I have also bought a Boxster as a project. It is the later facelift so no Boxster chops required. What a strange design having the alarm primer separate under the seat. Looking forward to the next instalment.
first thing i thought when it didn't start the first time was stick an obd reader on it. You've got the cheap one like mine. Doesn't see everything the expensive ones do. just clear the codes and as long as it's not a fault that comes straight back it'll run. The fault may well return to be dealt with another time. I've done this a couple of times with two different BMW's. I've kept one in the glovebox for nearly 20yrs now. It has saved me a fortune in garage bills.
Fantastic. Can share the excitement of a first-light journey to secure a car (or guitar actually - but that's not for here). The passion is the thing. I get frustrated with half-arse people who won't even cross town to view a car. Anyway, hope the boy had a nice birthday. All the best.
22:28 minute mark it said "Ignition Key Not Removed" when you were trying to start it. Get yourself a new ignition switch and it will probably fix a few of the issues your having, its a very common fault on the 996/986 range and can cause all kinds of havoc when trying to start or shut down.
Starter issue will be duff Crank Position sensor (if it cranks when hot but fails to start) or if non cranking, starter.motor or solenoid. Easy whatever !!!
Someone on reddit had this issue: "So it was having issues where it wasn’t turning over occasionally, especially when warm, but seemed to be good at a cold start up. We couldn’t figure it out. Tested the pressure of the fuel pump it appeared to hold the right amount of pressure. The key was loose in the ignition lock coil so we changed that just because that can cause issues. Put a new battery in the car. And changes the crank position censor. After all that it was still giving issues. And then it blew the fuel pump fuse. And we tested it again and sure enough it was the pump. So changed it and have had no issues since."
F or awhile I thought you were having problems with the immobiliser caused by a defective key. I've been there with my 996. Central locking worked, no pblems manually opening the doors and the ignition lights would show but no start. Turned out to be the transponder in the key.
Great cars. I love mine and have completed every job on it. IMS bearing, clutch, flywheel, cooling system, suspension, leather interior, complete reseal of motor, fuel system, everything, I mean everything!!! Love it ❤❤❤
Try change your starter relay out for a new one. it is located in the rear trunk. also you may want to change out the DME relay as well.panel #2 relay 7 & 1
Free Mention if i diagnose the start fault? You said car has had water ingress into foot well and under seat areas. And water ingress has likely been via pillar blocked drains, so possible its run down vertical surface of firewall. The first place I would look is the relay center that contains the "start relay" which just happens to be the lowest relay and pushes in horizontal axis, making it easier to fill with water. But new relay and fit or pop cover of the old one and check or simply test when you have the no start condition with wire jumper across relay base main power cable in and out without the relay in place. This also explains why it doesn't show as trouble code, its not monitored by the ECU. Good luck. "Paul from Dallas"
Had the exact same fault with a Ford focus.... A mysterious ghost code........ Mechanic took the body control module out from down low in passenger side that got wet from a bad windscreen install..... Clean down the contacts and stuck it in his hot press for the night. Next day installed. Car never missed a beat again...
Ever since we got a 986 to replace the wife's MX5 and my Saab 'vert, I've been seeing endless "bargain basement Boxsters" paraded on RU-vid, bith in the UK and US. Often they have relatively little needed to bring them back into service after being flooded, crashed or neglected. We paid near the top of the market for 100% solid Porsche specialist history, lowish mileage garage queen and it rewarded us by rotting its rads through almost immediately. Apparently Porsche specialist dealer service doesn't include having a peek to see if there's a build-up of leaf litter in the airways... However, to drive is to forgive...
Check your earth points and give them a clean as that can cause so many electical gremlins in an old car. Those drain holes are a pain, know a few who had issues with those. Good luck
Good luck, you should be fine. If the windows weren't fixed then you probably need two modules. You need a more expensive code reader to see what is going on and do so with engine on. Also start with a known good battery. The starter may be on its way out . A connection may be seperating when it gets hot!
These have been so cheap for so long I have to believe an upturn is on the way for the prices. Love that sound too, Boxsters sound so zippy but more raucous than a V6. Anyway, a pleasure postponed is a pleasure increased.
Grossly under rated car. Sold mine recently after 5 years. No idea how a 996 commands 5x the price when they’re so bloody similar. Mega car to drive, easy to work on, relatively cheap parts. Looking forward to see how you get on with it.
To open the front or rear boots on my Boxster as well as operating the switch I need to also hold the drivers door handle open so give that a try. I think its a security feature so no one can reach in and open them when the top is down.
First Porsche I ever drove (of not very many). I owned a 40th Anniversary for 5 years but the £2k+ each time I took it for any work at all eventually put me off plus the voracious appetite for batteries and unreliability associated. But, a smooooth engine, effortless power, comfort, quiet (yes, I like that), poise, handling, small size (this is narrow bodied 2WD) made it a lovely thing. Docile and civilised to fast and controlled. It simply didn’t get enough use either. Glad to have had one as you should. 996s with sorted RMS and ceramic bearing are excellent. I don’t think the X50 pack adds other than power at the top end at the expense of low/mid but bragging rights, perhaps. Enjoy the Boxter but you’ll hanker for a “real” one…….
This will be the most interesting journey to follow on YT car shows for now. It will get fixed ! ..hopefully ..some day ..maybe. Cant wait for the followup !
I got butterflies when you spoke about new car excitement and nerves 😂. I bought a 1998 z3 2.8 2 years and was right back at that moment. Really enjoyed this video - I need another project car…
I couldn't help myself and checked as soon as I saw the reg and knew it hadn't made the MOT station. Faintly surprised an OBDII reader wasn't in your pocket before you even tried firing it up!
Not sure how relevant this is (for a car) but I had a similar HOT STARTING problem on my KAWASAKI ZXR750 motorcycle recently. It turned out to be the pulse coil pick-up unit that is part of the electronic ignition system. It would run no problem, start from cold easily but need a 30mins leaving period if stopped with a hot engine. Richard
Welcome to the club. I hope you get hooked like so many of us. My first Porsche is a Boxster S 981. Absolutely reliable and the most fun you can have with your clothes on!
I wonder if it might be a cam or crank position sensor. When the sensor started to fail in my vw, 1.8 turbo the car would sometimes not turn over with the engine warm - like if I stopped for fuel - had to wait 30-40 minutes for it to cool down. The opposite of what you're experiencing but when engine sensors start to go, they sometimes refuse to turn over. I think it was because the computer won't let it turn over if it doesn't know where the crank is positioned. Those sensors are sometimes in tough to reach places. I was quoted an hour and they took 4 hours replacing it.
