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Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

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14 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW

Discussion summary

YOUR RESEARCHPossible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Leading reported evidence

Use 'flat tire'

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

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Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

Ed..there was a similar line in my rant but I used 'flat tire'.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?
Frequently discussed work

Check oil level

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

check your oil level, it might be to high.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?
Read full discussion summary

Leading evidence: 'Use 'flat tire'' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check oil level' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.

Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.

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1 matching discussions · 14 captured posts examined · 0 partial discussions

Compare 4 other evidence results

Check oil level

Suggestion or failed attempt

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

check your oil level, it might be to high.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Check throttle body valve

Suggestion or failed attempt

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

Check your throttle body valve for excessive oil.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Replace ignition switch ('02 996 targa)

Suggestion or failed attempt

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion · Original poster

Been researching a ton and realized I need to replace my ignition switch ('02 996 Targa).

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Replace master light switch, done oil

Suggestion or failed attempt

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion · Original poster

Have only had to replace the master light switch, done oil changes and a bunch of rear tires.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?
Frequently discussed actions (8)

These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.

Check oil level

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

check your oil level, it might be to high.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Check throttle body valve

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

Check your throttle body valve for excessive oil.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Replace ignition switch ('02 996 targa)

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion · Original poster

Been researching a ton and realized I need to replace my ignition switch ('02 996 Targa).

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Replace master light switch, done oil

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion · Original poster

Have only had to replace the master light switch, done oil changes and a bunch of rear tires.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Run )

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion · Original poster

Could it be the lack of return 'spring' from the ignition switch (like cranking a car that's already running)?

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Run late

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion · Original poster

Had a 'spirited' drive this weekend while running late to an appointment.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Run original

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

(over120K miles) is still running the original.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?

Use 'flat tire'

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

Ed..there was a similar line in my rant but I used 'flat tire'.

Possible IMS? Or is noise related to ignition switch?
Coverage and how to read this overview

Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.

14 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.

  • Rennlist: 1 discussions

0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.

0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.

Generation: 20261027T042512Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources

POST 1 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Folks, Been researching a ton and realized I need to replace my ignition switch ('02 996 Targa). However, I now also fear an IMS failure is upon me. Had a 'spirited' drive this weekend while running late to an appointment. Restarting the car I had a good blue smoke bellow (has happened before after spirited driving - but always went away immediately). It was then I noticed my headlights and wipers not working (ignition switch). Got home ok and then figured out with manipulating the key in ignition I could get the lights, etc. working. However, when I started the car Sun. to try to figure out a Targa roof alignment problem (earlier post) I heard 'crunching' mechanical sound. It went away after 2-3 seconds and car drives normally. This morning, same thing. Collective wisdom of this board says??? Could it be the lack of return 'spring' from the ignition switch (like cranking a car that's already running)? Or am I hosed with IMS? Thanks in advance, Piccia

POST 2Original post

My guess is that it is not the IMS bearing. If the IMS bearing was so bad that you are hearing it make noise upon startup it would have failed long ago. Can you describe the sound a little better and explain exactly where it is coming from?

POST 3 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

I'll have my wife start the car tonight while I'm near the back to better diagnose/localize it. Thanks for giving me a teeny bit of hope!

POST 4Original post

a squal or screech type of moise like the started is still engaged is normally the belt or pulleys. It won't happen all the time. The smoke could be valve seals worn and letting oil into the cylinders. Not sure of all the air oil seperators deals but it could be. Check your throttle body valve for excessive oil. Big one to check is the age and condition of your oil. Also the type of oil.

POST 5Original post

awe - me thinks it not an IMS... crunching? where? might be a water pump, a pully.. your AOS, several other things, clutch even, but if you are driving it there is a good chance its not the ims making that sound as they normally only make sound on a temporary basis then become silent forever

POST 6Original post

AOS can make strange noises but I never heard any described as "crunching". The smoke points toward bad AOS.

POST 7Original post

not IMS IMO..... check your oil level, it might be to high. Ignition switch is $30 and 30min of your time.... dont stress.

POST 8Original post

Surely not the IMS. Most likely some common sense fix. I just deleted a 150 word rant. Not at the OP but the subject. Glass half full people. Man I need some coffee.

POST 9 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Sneaky Pete! Glad you didn't post!! I'm a glass have full person. I have LOVED my Targa. Bought it in 2005 w/ 30K miles on it (after a 5 month search). Have only had to replace the master light switch, done oil changes and a bunch of rear tires. It's my daily driver and has been a tank. My roof misalignment is looking like a major expense. But the collective response on the smoke/rattling etc. appears less ominous. In fact, this AM the car started fine. I'm taking it to my independent for an oil change and look through. And I'm going to tackle the ignition switch myself. Rennlist and RennTech are my saviors. Sorry to appear as the sky is falling. But we just bought my wife a new Audi A6 Avant, so I was stressing about add'l multiple thousands of $$! Best regards, piccia

POST 10Original post

I'm a half full glass person myself every now and than it dips into the half empty territory. I completely understand about stressing for money as I'm sure the majority of us do. When I saw the 3 lettered cuss word I went off but my better judgment kept me from posting the whole thing. I....like you have loved my car. I track it and its also my DD and look back at it when walking from it. The threat of the dreaded XXX word really gets me riled up. Maybe because underneath it all I'm scared $hitless about it....not sure. However I have since had my coffee...and drive it like you stole it

POST 11Original post

LOL @ Pete... I also deleted my RANT on the earlier post.... it was most likely pretty close to yours...

POST 12Original post

my headlight burned out is it my XXX (3 letter cuss word!)

POST 13Original post

Quotes source post: 7949977

Ed..there was a similar line in my rant but I used 'flat tire'.

POST 14Original post

yup.... and like you say, ALL the talk has people pointing without thinking is part of the problem, and then there is the opposite side where poeple have never heard of it and find out the hard way. Tough subject on multiple levels... but I know where you are coming from and try to be mindful of other in your boat, I spent my time there and as of yet my 99' with ? (over120K miles) is still running the original. The shop pis seeing more wide spread issues this last couple weeks. There for a while it was full of "big problems".. lately just little things like burned out headlights and flat tires

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