New Porsche! Whats wrong with it?

[Ian Stefanski]

Hello everyone, I recently got a 996 Porsche 911 for cheap!! I am young and learning how to work on cars on my own. Any help is appreciated.*

First problem: The car seems to die only sometimes when I turn the key in the ignition. Other times it fires right up no issues. Ive replaced the battery and am about to replace the alternator today. Do i need to change the ignition switch? The key has no problem going in and out super easily.*

Second problem: No ac blows hot or cold air. The screen and every button work but no air blows. What could cause this?*

Third problem: Just a couple days ago the speedometer screen shows the gears switching between 4th gear and park while the car is in park. Whats happening here? Ive driven the car hundreds of miles and this just appeared out of nowhere.*

I have attached videos and pictures in a google drive relating to the problems on top. Link:*https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18Uxo5ixNyM1Azz_vucxvjdu85b5-LrOr?usp=drive_link

Thanks again for any help!! I cant wait to get this thing restored again to fully functional condition. Of course let me know if you need any more information and Ill be more than happy to provide.*

[Otter74]

Welcome, and congratulations on your new 996. This sub-forum is for air-cooled cars. There is another one for the recent water-cooled cars: Porsche 996/997/991 Forum - Pelican Parts Forums However, while I've never been there, I've heard that the Rennlist forums are better for water-cooled cars.

[76FJ55]

For the power failure on start I would look at the battery ground strap first. if either of the terminals are corroded try cleaning them and reconnecting the battery. you could also temporarily add an extra ground path if you have a set of jumper cables connect the black leads one at the battery negative post and the other to a chassis ground point (strut bolt or other known ground point).

good luck.

[rwest]

Good luck and enjoy your new Porsche.

I don’t know anything about water cooled Porsches, but this holds true for all cars, don’t just throw parts at it unless they are cheap regularly replaced parts. Troubleshoot the issues and then just replace what is needed or you’ll likely spend a ton of money and maybe still have the original problem.

[JTT]

Rutager is correct. Don’t throw parts at it randomly...gets VERY expensive fast. There is one part that is worth throwing at it and it’s cheap and easy, and can cause a large range of weird electrical issues.

Ignition switch

If your AC isn’t blowing cold, listen to see if you can hear the compressor start when turning AC on and off. If compressor is coming on, have someone check refrigerant level. Small leaks are not unusual in a 20+ yr old car.

[tonythetarga]

There are no cheap Porsche’s! If you paid little cash then there is probably plenty of maintenance that has not taken place. Once you get this problem sorted, start going through the fluids. Have the coolant checked, not the level but effectiveness! Change the oil and have a sample analyzed. Blackstone Labs will send you sample containers and a mailing envelope.
Replace the brake fluid with a full flush. Keep records of everything.
Sounds like yours is a tiptronic. Maybe replace trans fluid too.
Baseline your ownership with a normal service.