Re: Dead Starter - '95 90CS

["Fred Munro" <munrof@isys.ca>]

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Byrum <markbyrum@erols.com>
To: Quattro <quattro@coimbra.ans.net>
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 1998 6:00 PM
Subject: Dead Starter - '95 90CS


>Quattro:
> Took my '95 90CS to independent Porsche/Audi/BMS/Mercedes dealer to
>look at starter which intermittantly failed to engage bendix to flywheel
>(to use an old term) while doing oil change to Mobil 1.  Recently
>purchased the car used and second purpose of visit was to "make right"
>anything that was wrong with the car when purchased.  This was one of
>those items. Could not come to terms as to who would pay for cost of
>removal of starter; opted to wait for "the boss" to return from out of
>town.  Told nothing was done to starter.  Next day car started but
>sounded "different".  At lunch today, nothing; no clicking, no spinning,
>no nothing when attempting to start car.  Accessories work therefore it
>is not the battery.  What do I look for when I look under car to
>investigate "foul play."  Want to give benefit of the doubt, but the
>doubt is getting pretty big.  Some coincidence.
>Help!
>markbyrum@erols.com


Hi Mark;

    Sounds like the starter solenoid may have quit working. It could be a
bad connection, bad wiring, bad ignition switch, or bad solenoid. The
solenoid is what makes the clicking sound. It pushes the bendix gear into
engagement with the flywheel and is a relay to switch power to the starter.
If you are not hearing a click when you try to start the car, either the
battery is too low to activate the solenoid (which is pretty low) or there
is a problem with the solenoid or circuitry.
    Your car is quite new to have these problems. The starters (at least
those on the MC engines) are quite robust (in spite of their delicate
appearance),except for a common power strap corrosion problem.
    The only thing you could look for under the car would be loose starter
bolts, loose or corroded connections at the solenoid and starter, or damaged
wiring. You may be able to test the solenoid on the car if you are not
faint-hearted, don't mind sparks, and have a steady hand. Run a jumper cable
from the positive post of the battery and touch the solenoid coil terminal
with the cable end. If the solenoid is OK, it will stroke. The engine will
also roll over unless you disconnect the car's positive cable from the
battery first, so don't leave it in gear if you have a standard
transmission. If you touch anything else with the jumper, you will likely
get an impressive (and potentially expensive) light show, so caution is
advised. If you don't have clear access to the solenoid, it is safer to
remove the starter for testing.

HTH

Fred Munro
'91 200q  250k km