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YOUR RESEARCHHow long should it take to start the engine?
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same
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Reported cause
I observed another 996 starting a few months ago and it was the same.
Leading evidence: 'same' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'same' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace battery' (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.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
My local specialist found no drain and therefore replaced the battery.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
When the engine is running, I see 14v all the time (and did before I changed the battery).
Replace starter....faster, still takes a little longer than i'd like
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
my 03 coupe started to crank slowly, so I replaced the starter....faster, still takes a little longer than i'd like, but, it's doing well....battery is fine....i'm replacing that next week anyway and i'll update
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Suggestion · Original poster
When the engine is running, I see 14v all the time (and did before I changed the battery).
Replace starter....faster, still takes a little longer than i'd like
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
my 03 coupe started to crank slowly, so I replaced the starter....faster, still takes a little longer than i'd like, but, it's doing well....battery is fine....i'm replacing that next week anyway and i'll update
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18 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Mine takes maybe 2 seconds from when I turn the key all the way until when the engine starts. The starter starts right away, and I think I almost always hear it turn 3 or 4 times before the engine catches. One place told me that's normal, all the Porsche's we service do that. But they don't service many; probably very few 996s. And I've also heard that slow starting can be a first sign of Variocam issues, so I'd like to know whether mine is normal!
Thanks for any info/advice!
Mine fires up immediately. I don't even hear it crank if you know what I mean. Bang and its there. A battery lasts approx 4 years if that's any help. If the engine turns fast before firing up then it's not the battery. If it turns slowly before it fires, then it could be the battery. Does the engine tick over smoothly at 800 after firing? If not then it might be you need new plugs. If it does, then I would have the battery tested free at pep boys or Auto Zone. Lock your car completely in your garage as an unlocked car takes more out of the battery than a locked one does. Good luck.
I suppose the battery might be dying, or alternately, that it is draining too much between use. What is the normal level of charge? (What number should I see on the gauge on the left side of the instrument panel?) (I know I've seen above 12, but I can't remember whether a little or a lot. Now it's at 12.0, but I had to recharge it a bit yesterday, and I might not have charged it enough.)
It should be around 14v at cold start then tappered to ~13.5v. It should not drop below 13v when lots of accesories are on. If it does, the battery is not charging.
You can get this
Amazon.com: INNOVA 3721 Battery and Charging System Monitor: Automotive
Amazon.com: INNOVA 3721 Battery and Charging System Monitor: Automotive
to monitor the voltage. Extremely accurate and handy. Do not get any equivalent. This model is the best with 2 digits after the decimal.
Mine takes 3 or 4 turns then starts. Same way hot or cold. Been that way since I've owned it (3yrs). Same battery.
I have assumed it's designed that way to allow some oil pressure into the system before any load is felt.
12.0 volts is low. Take it to Pep Boys or Auto Zone and have them test the battery. If the battery is fine then you may need to look at your alternator.
my 03 coupe started to crank slowly, so I replaced the starter....faster, still takes a little longer than i'd like, but, it's doing well....battery is fine....i'm replacing that next week anyway and i'll update
Mine takes 3 or 4 cranks and my battery is new. I observed another 996 starting a few months ago and it was the same. I am guessing that this is normal....
Are these voltage levels when the car is warm? Would it be less when it is cold?
My local specialist found no drain and therefore replaced the battery. Now when I park the car after going for a drive, it shows 13.0-13.1. But after it has been sitting for a while, I see low 12s. And then after a short ~10 min drive, it's back to ~13. (And then as I sit and watch the oil test function tick off 45 seconds, the voltage level slowly drops to maybe 12.7.) (By the way, it is cold out (though not freezing), and my garage is maybe halfway between outside and room temperature, if that makes any difference.)
Anyway, I'm wondering if, under the circumstances, I should consider this voltage level normal ...
So the car seems to be holding a charge reasonably well with the new battery. The only thing I'm worried about now is the voltage level. Apparently, it should be around 14, but it never get's close. Highest I've seen is about 13.1v.
But to be clear, I'm referring to the voltage level I see after turning the key just far enough for the volatage meter to start working - before starting the engine. When the engine is running, I see 14v all the time (and did before I changed the battery). Should I be seeing more that 13.1 before I start the engine?
Thanks!
