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Pelican Parts

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

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

Discussion summary

YOUR RESEARCH996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Reported repair

Replace ignition switch

Reported resolution
1
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 report a fix
1
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

1 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.

Reported fix · Original poster

Just replaced the ignition switch, fixed the problem.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Suggestion · Original poster

Admittedly, I had to turn the key 3 times before it would start after I replaced the ignition switch.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!
Read full discussion summary

Leading evidence: 'Replace ignition switch' (1 discussions report resolution; 0 report an unsuccessful attempt). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'no better' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace ignition switch' (1 discussions). For that action, 1 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. The most frequently reported fix is 'Replace ignition switch', supported by resolution reports in 1 discussions. 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 · 10 captured posts examined · 0 partial discussions

Compare 4 other evidence results

no better

Reported cause

No successful repair reported for this finding.

1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
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 report identifying a cause
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.

Reported cause · Original poster

I replaced the starter, and the problem is no better.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Check vacuum lines, they all look ok

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

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 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 · Original poster

Checked the vacuum lines, they all look ok.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Replace (entire) ignition switch, the starter, and the relay

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

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 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 · Original poster

I have now replaced the (entire) ignition switch, the starter, and the relay.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Replace clutch cut-out switch also

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

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 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 · Original poster

I replaced the clutch cut-out switch also.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!
Frequently discussed actions (10)

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

Replace ignition switch

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

1 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.

Reported fix · Original poster

Just replaced the ignition switch, fixed the problem.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Suggestion · Original poster

Admittedly, I had to turn the key 3 times before it would start after I replaced the ignition switch.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Check vacuum hoses

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

I'd re-check all the vacuum lines.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Check vacuum lines, they all look ok

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 · Original poster

Checked the vacuum lines, they all look ok.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Replace (entire) ignition switch, the starter, and the relay

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 · Original poster

I have now replaced the (entire) ignition switch, the starter, and the relay.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Replace clutch cut-out switch also

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 · Original poster

I replaced the clutch cut-out switch also.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Replace ignition

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 · Original poster

I replaced the ignition.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Replace only other 2 elements in the starter circuit

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
1
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that report an unsuccessful attempt
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.

Unsuccessful attempt · Original poster

I replaced the only other 2 elements in the starter circuit that I can think of. The ignition switch is much "tighter", clearly had some wear, but didn't fix it.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Replace relay

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 · Original poster

Found and replaced the relay.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Replace starter

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 · Original poster

I replaced the starter on my 99 996.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

I replaced the starter.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Replace starter, and the problem is no better

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 · Original poster

I replaced the starter, and the problem is no better.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!
Reported and suspected causes (2)

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

no better

No successful repair reported for this finding.

1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Discussions that report identifying a cause
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.

Reported cause · Original poster

I replaced the starter, and the problem is no better.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

air oil separator

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Identified cause
1
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Discussions that suspect a cause
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.

Suspected cause

I've found that if there is oil in the vacuum lines, its cause is a bad AOS.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!
Actions with reported resolution accounts (1)

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

Replace ignition switch

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

1 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.

Reported fix · Original poster

Just replaced the ignition switch, fixed the problem.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!

Suggestion · Original poster

Admittedly, I had to turn the key 3 times before it would start after I replaced the ignition switch.

996 idle and starting issues. Help!
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.

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

  • Pelican Parts: 1 discussions

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

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

Outcome without a verified action link

Well, I thought that the starting problem was fixed.

No unique explicit quoted action; no causal link assigned

NEARBY ACTION · LINK UNVERIFIED

Just replaced the ignition switch, fixed the problem.

Nearby source post

Generation: 20261026T191851Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources

POST 1 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

I replaced the starter on my 99 996. When I turned the key, it would only intermittently turn over. Not a battery problem, I suspected the starter. I replaced the starter, and the problem is no better. I replaced the clutch cut-out switch also. It will turn over after I pump the clutch pedal, turn the key several times, and eventually the starter turns over (vigorously), and it fires up. I bought a starter relay, thinking that it sounds like a relay, but I can't find where it goes??? I also have a new problem with the idle that developed following the starter replacement. After starting, it builds to a fast idle, around 2000 rpm. The engine runs well at faster rpm's. Checked the vacuum lines, they all look ok. I reset the DME, no better. The mass-flow sensor looks clean. Any help re the idle problem and the starting problem would be greatly appreciated!!

POST 2Original post

Your starting problem sounds to me like an ignition switch issue. That's a common failure area on these cars. Not sure about your idle problem but it's pretty common for people to post that after working on something else, the idle is funky--probably something didn't go back together right. I'd re-check all the vacuum lines.

POST 3 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

I ran through the vacuum tubing AGAIN. All of the tubing was intact. However, I found that a one-way valve in the vacuum line to the left of the starter was clogged with what looked like oil!? I blew it out, hooked it all up, and it runs great. Thanks for the tip. Bizarre - some cheap plastic one way valve. Dunno how oil could have gotten into that line. Wish there was an easier way to put the throttle body back in place - what a PIA!!! The ignition switch makes sense - though another frustration with Porsche that after only 51K miles something like that needs to be replaced. My 68 911 with 90 K miles is still working fine on the first one. I ordered the parts from Pelican - along with an AutoEnginuity setup. Having worked with air cooled 911's my entire adult life, there is much to be said for the relative simplicity of those engines! Thanks again for the tip.

POST 4Original post

I've found that if there is oil in the vacuum lines, its cause is a bad AOS.

POST 5 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Just replaced the ignition switch, fixed the problem. Thanks for the tip. Now I smell a ton of oil burning - wouldn't be surprised if the AOS IS bad. I guess I will do the IMS, RMS, and clutch while I am at it. Gotta love it - and only 51K miles!!!

POST 6 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Well, I thought that the starting problem was fixed. Admittedly, I had to turn the key 3 times before it would start after I replaced the ignition switch. After that, it fired up each time I turned the key for maybe 4 tries. The following morning- no improvement. Needed to turn the key 10 or more times before the starter turns. When the starter works, it does so vigorously, and always starts the car. So far... I replaced the starter. I replaced the ignition. No problem with wiring to starter, to battery, or ground. I bought the "starter relay" but have yet to replace it, as I cannot seem to figure out where it goes. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

POST 8 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

No. Noone seems to know where the starter relay is - if in fact that is the problem. I replaced the only other 2 elements in the starter circuit that I can think of. The ignition switch is much "tighter", clearly had some wear, but didn't fix it. Someone suggested that the starter relay was under the rear carpet where the ECU is. However, none of those relays share the same part number. I replaced them one by one just in case - to no avail. At this point, I may have to resort to the local dealership. However, they are both incompetent and expensive. Perhaps I am as incompetent at this point!?

POST 9Original post

According to Streather's book: "The starter relay (no. 7) is located on relay panel no. 2, which is located in the rear of the passenger compartment near to the DME." The picture in the book shows a relay panel that looks to be just behind the driver's side pop-up roll hoop. I don't know where that translates to on a coupe because I have a cabrio. At least with a relay, you can test it by borrowing another relay from another system in the car before you pop for a new relay.

POST 10 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Thank you Rrrockhound. Found and replaced the relay. Unfortunately still has the starting problem. Very weird. I have found that if I turn the key and hold it in the "start" position, sometimes after 20 to 45 seconds it will then engage the starter and fire up. If not, generally if I then turn the key to the off position, then it starts right up. I have now replaced the (entire) ignition switch, the starter, and the relay. I have not replaced the ground wire to the starter, though it looked ok. I can't imagine what is left. Anyone know where the ground wire to the starter connects to the car? Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

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