Where is the starter relay on a 996?

[hemeoncdoc]

I have a 99 996 carrera 4. I have had problems with starting. I replaced the starter, no better. I then replaced the ignition with the new upgraded model, no better. It will start, but does nothing until I turn the key like 10 times, then the starter will turn over vigorously and the car will start. It makes no sound until the starter finally kicks in. I checked the wiring to the starter, looks fine. I bought the starter relay, assuming there wasn't any other part that could fail!? BUT I cannot find any reference as to where it goes. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Attached below is a photo of the relay panel behind the rear seats under the carpet. NONE of those relays shares the same part number, but several have the same relay configuration as the part number. I replaced each one by one, and nothing made a difference. Either the relay is elsewhere, or it isnt the problem. ANY help would be greatly appreciated!!!

[rb101]

It located behind the back seats under the carpet in the DME area.

[hemeoncdoc]

Thanks - but could you help me understand exactly where under the carpet? Under the seat, or actually under the rear floor carpet? I tried pulling the carpet up, but I don't see anything and am afraid to tear the carpet. Thanks in advance!

[hemeoncdoc]

I found it. Thanks for the info! Now to see if it fixes the problem...

[hemeoncdoc]

[wanabe911 owner]

So, is the problem gone?

[hemeoncdoc]

No better. I revised the original post. Any suggestions? I counted today - 17 times turning the key before anything happened, then fired over.

[kejonespequa]

Hey folks: I too think I may have a relay prob. I have a no-start issue. I found the Relay Center, but have no idea what each relay is. There are no labels. Can anyone tell me what each relay is for? P.S. I have a 01' C4. Thanks

[bigel]

Hey all!

I have a periodic issue that is similar to the one described here.

I have only owned my 2003 C4S since August. Sometimes she fires right up strong and "normal" and other times it's a bit of a slow churn.

One other time it would not turn over at all. I thought maybe I had inadvertently drained the battery. Walked away for a few hours and tried it...it fired right up.

So I have a little PTSD and am waiting to get stuck somewhere.

Wondering if the OP ever got to the bottom of the issue?

Also, if anyone has any additional thoughts or direction please fire away.

[wanabe911 owner]

This would happen to my 2006 997 C2 it was a starter harness or alternator harness

Cheap part but had to drop the motor a few inches to get to it.


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[bigel]

@wanabe911 how was the issue diagnosed?

Was it a situation where you had several parts replaced, e.g., starter relay, starter, wire harness??

[wanabe911 owner]

It was a from some fellow Porsche owners on this forum that told me to check the connectors from the main harness to the starter. It was melted and no longer making a complete connection. Cold it was always turn over and start immediately.
Shut off and get gas real quick no problem.
Shut off and go away for 10-15min or so
Very slow to turn over like the battery was dead.
Battery was fine, although I remember replacing the first time it happened.
I even started putting on a battery tender although it was for that time my daily.


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[wanabe911 owner]

It was a known 997 issue at that time around 2010-2011


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[bigel]

I’m driving a 996, not sure it has the same issue.