Porsche Repair: 87 944 turbo not starting, auto parts stores, starter wire

Question
the car starts if you roll and let clutch out, but wont start with key starter doesnt turn, could it be starter, wire to starter or something else car sat unused for 1 yr

Answer
Hi Ron,

Yes, it could be all three possibilities...but let's start with the most obvious, the starter.  

For the starter test, find a friend and turn on the headlights and highbeams, then activate the starter.  If the lights do not dim, the starter isn't getting power, which means the ignition switch or the control wire to the starter  from the igition switch isn't connected anymore...or is grounded because part of it is bare and touching a chassis part.  This control wire I'm referring to is probably red/black and compared to other wires that are connected at the starter, its size is smaller rather than larger.  

For the 944, the red/black wire doesn't go directly from the starter to the ignition switch, it goes to  circuit board that includes what is known as the Digitial Motor Electric Relay.  The red/black wire splits there and one leg goes to the ignition switch.  Another goes to the Digital Motor Electric Control Unit.

So...the black boxes could be stopping your progress.  But...since you can start it by dropping the clutch, let's assume the black boxes are OK.  And the ignition switch is obviously powering the coil to keep the engine running when you start it...so let's not mess with the switch.

My suggestion would be to do a few more electrical tests requiring you to be under the car and virtually bear-hugging the starter...or...just take it out .

The auto parts stores in my area, (Kragen, for example) love to do FREE starter/alternator tests.  If you take it to them you can get a good diagnosis free.

So...try the bad connection search if the lights do not dim...or yank the starter and have it checked out.  Write back and let me know what you find, OK?

Dave