Help with Spec Boxster (starting issue)
 

Well, problems with the Spec Boxster. This is a 1997 car previously converted to a race car so I don't know where they put some things that were moved in the process.

It was doing great (battery had run down with trickle charger lost power but it started fine with a jump box). Took the car to have the door bars redone for safety reasons. It started fine at the cage shop (with a jump) but when I went to pick it up...nothing. When connected to a jump box, there's power when I turn on the kill switch (everything lights up) but it doesn't even click when I turn the key. I hooked it to a charger for 3 days--no change even when connected to a freshly-charged lead-acid jump box. I tried bypassing the kill switch--nothing. I'm reasonably sure the car has power but the starter is doing nothing.

Could welding have done something? The shop was an extremely experienced shop so I doubt they were less than completely careful.

Immobilizer? Not sure where it would have been moved to.

The car is on my (Trailex open) trailer and I'm afraid to take it off because I won't be able to get it back on to take it to a shop if I can't get it going.

I'd welcome any advice. Thanks in advance.

Peter

Start simple. Battery terminals clean? Test the battery.

Assume it still have a key? Test light at starter when you, start.

It's possible that your battery has completely died. Even with a fully-charged jump box, a dead battery will prevent the car from starting.

It's also possible the ignition switch has died. That switch is known for not being super reliable, and I keep a spare one in my box of parts.

When you turn the key, does the dash light up?

Can you pull the switch and try jumping the starter wire? From what I can see in the online wiring diagrams, it looks like the 4mm Yellow wire in pin #50 is the one to the starter.

Also, there's a relay in the trunk controlling the starter -- you could pull it and try jumping the both 4mm Yellow wires (looks like pins #3 and #5). Might be easier than pulling the ignition switch, especially on the trailer.

Also, have you checked the fuses?

Check the clutch switch too. Above the pedals under the dash.

All the above are good suggestions - could also be the starter itself. Over the years on various cars I've replaced an ignition switch, clutch switch, and a couple of starters.

^^^

Replace the battery with new, you need a new one regardless 👍

I would jump the starter with a separate battery. If the starter works, check the basics - bypass the safety switch, see what voltage you get at the starter when turning the key, and check the wiring carefully. I had the same issue on a 944 and it turned out to be a badly crimped wire at the cut off switch. The fact that there is no click does sound more like the immobilizer or safety switch though. Good luck.

Thanks, all. I'll see if I can get a meter on the starter to check the voltage.

I assume the "safety switch" to which Denis is referring is the immobilizer. I've never actually had to deal with an immobilizer, which I assume has been moved from underneath the driver's seat. Any idea what a common "new" location would likely be? I figure I'll need to remove the roof (much easier after Bill C taught me how to install quarter-turn fasteners) and maybe the driver's seat but can't believe they'd leave it under there in a race car...

I recently dealt with a bad clutch switch on our Boxster. Easiest fix is to fab a short jumper with space connectors to bypass the switch. Just remember, car can try to start when engaged in gear.

That's already been done to this car. Big help trying to warm up the engine a little before qualifying or a race. Although with the new door bars and angled bar by the A pillar it's a lot easier to get into and out of the car now...

I meant the clutch pedal safety switch. even though it has been changed or bypassed, that will 100 percent give the symptoms you describe when it is not working.