help !!!

stew · 08-10-2008, 09:53 AM

on the way to town today my 99 boxster was running fine when just quit. i pulled over ans let it sit for a minute or two and then tried to restart. it tried and almost started then nothing. checked all levels of fluids and all is fine there. let it sit for another half an hour then tried again, nothing. any ideas guys. i will have it towed if i can't get it going but want to try to fix myself if possible first before going the shop route.
thanks in adavance for any help.

stew · 08-20-2008, 08:58 PM

i have narrowed it down to the fuel pump or relay. is there a way to test a relay to see if it works still. i have a new relay coming . don't want to order a pump yet if i can test it. is there a way to test the pump out of the tank?

Britwrench · 08-21-2008, 11:31 AM

There are more than a few things causing engine shut-down. You need to run a system check on a PST2, PIWIS or Durametric to see what is happening. Make sure the fuel level is sufficient.

Even a failed ignition lock assembly can cause it.

stew · 08-21-2008, 06:18 PM

britwrench thanks for the reply. would a car with an ignition that still cranks the engine over possibly still be bad. i can turn the enigine over by turning the key but can't get it to start. it will momentarily start if i use a shot of quik start fluid. i am waiting for a new fuel pump relay to arrive to see if that fixes the problem. does anyone on this forum have the tester you mentioned that would be willing to lend one for the tests you suggest. thanks

Britwrench · 08-21-2008, 07:06 PM

You can spend time guessing what the problem is or just use AAA Plus (which you should have) and get it towed to a Porsche repair shop.

stew · 08-22-2008, 07:29 AM

the only porsche repair shop close is in portland ,not close for me so i guess i keep hunting for the problem.

Arizona_928 · 04:29 PM

if it runs off of starter fluid then it's fuel related, that could be a bad ground, a short in wiring, bad relay, bad pump, or out of gas. try jumping the relay, and testing the fuel pump.
good luck!

stew · 08-23-2008, 09:43 PM

i have repaced the relay, fuse is good. i am going to look for a grounding problem next and jump the relay to see if the fuel pump runs.can the pump be tested out of the tank? by the way where is the fuel filter located on the boxster.

Arizona_928 · 08-23-2008, 10:44 PM

I would think you can test it while still being in the tank, and the same out, but wouldn't run it that long w/out fear of burning it out..

as for the fuel filter i have idk where it's at but i would follow the fuel line form the pump, till it comes acrouse a soda can looking thing... LOL
i'm kinda curious where it's at too..

stew · 08-24-2008, 09:59 PM

so i got busy today pulling the fuel pump out. got it out and did a bench test, at first it did nothing so like all good mechanics i tapped on it and lo and behold it came to life. a couple more taps and i had it running at what sounded like full speed. i reinstalled it and nothing. so i figure it is on it's last leg and it's time to order a new one. looks like i will help support the 959 club and order one from wayne. also found the fuel filter , it's under the car beneath the middle undertray cover. thanks for all the help to those that responded. i'll let you know how it turns out.

BYprodriver · BYprodriver's Garage

Do yourself a favor & put gas in your car, I had my car towed 100 miles to Pacific Porsche & paid 2 hours labor to find out my fuel level sending unit had gone bad showing 1/4 tank when it was empty. Cheapest easiest solution to eliminate.

stew · 08-27-2008, 12:28 AM

lets see ,got my hand down in the fuel tank removing fuel pump and worst part of the job is reaching into a half full tank of gas to remove the pump. thought of that when it died .

stew · 08-28-2008, 12:17 AM

the fuel pump from pelican arrived today and i installed it and the car started right up. i am glad to have it running again. when the battery was disconected the radio went in to anti theft mode. does anyone know where i find the code to reset it.

Britwrench · 08-29-2008, 02:44 PM

Well done on the fuel pump repair!!

If you haven't already got one, I would buy a OBD2 tester and check any fault codes.

The dealer has the codes, you will probably need the radio serial number.
Check on Renntech as there is a thread about how to get the number.

stew · 08-29-2008, 06:16 PM

thanks for the replies. is there a brand of obd-2 tester you recomend, i see them everywhere made by different companies and want to get one that will work for my car and not some generic type . the fuel pump is a very easy project, much easier than some cars and trucks. the one on my chevy work truck requires that you remove the bed of the truck to get to it. i am going to change out the fuel filter next and have already changed the air filter. will probably change the oil this weekend too. i am going to go out right now to give it a good wash and wax. still serching for the radio code.