[MNBoxster]

Hi,

By request, here is a list of things to do to bring your car out of Hibernation in the Spring. This list assumes you performed the Hibernation list I posted a while back, if not, adjust accordingly. I have attached this list in checklist form for you to Download and Print if you choose.

1.) If you haven’t kept the battery on a maintainer, put it on a charger and insure it’s at full charge.

2.) Remove Car Cover and inspect Body for any Dirt, Scratches, Rust, etc. Check all Locks, Latches for proper, smooth, operation. Remove Desiccant Bags from Car Interior – You can place these in a Microwave for 4 min. to drive any accumulated moisture out of them and place them directly in a ZipLok Bag to be reused the following year.

3.) Remove any Wheel Chock(s), Rodent Traps, etc. Using a Tire Gauge, release Air from Tires until they’re at the proper pressure. Remove any Plastic sheeting placed under the Car.

4.) Get in Car and press on the Brake Pedal to insure that your Master Cyl. and Calipers are loose and operating properly (don’t be surprised if the Pedal feels spongy or goes to the Floor. This is because your Vac. Booster has lost its vacuum charge over the winter. This will replenish once the Engine is started.) Also, set and release the Parking Brake several times to insure it’s operating properly.

5.) Press Clutch Pedal and run the Shifter through the Gears to insure that all is working properly.

6.) Set the Car in either 5th Gear or Reverse (Depending upon which direction you’re going to move the Car). Key in the #2 position (to unlock the Steering Lock). Now, with the gear engaged, push the car several feet (either forward or back depending upon where you have room). Once you’ve run out of room, put Car in Neutral and push back, re-engage the gear and push it again. This will rotate the engine and Insure that no rings have seized over the Winter. You use 5th gear or Reverse because these will give you the greatest Mechanical Advantage. Using the Starter without 1st doing this will have sufficient torque to tear the rings in the event they are seized. Unfortunately, Tip S equipped Cars do not have this option.

7.) Place Fully-Charged Battery back into Car, but do not hook it up. Tighten down retaining Bracket.

8.) Go through the Car and be sure that all Switches and Ancillaries are in their OFF positions, be sure to close Doors and Trunk too. Then attach Battery leads.

9.) Place Key in the Door and Lock/Unlock once to wake-up the Remote Locking Feature.

10.) Check Brake Fluid Reservoir Level (if it's been 2 years, this is a good time to Flush and Bleed the Brake System), Washer Fluid Level. Open Trunk and check Coolant Level and Oil Level (if equipped with a DipStick). Also, Air can dissolve into the Coolant and be released over the winter creating Air in the system. It’s a good idea to open the Bleed Valve located under the Plastic Trim piece under the Coolant Fill and Oil Fill. Place a Towel around it and the Trunk Floor to prevent any Coolant which may overflow from messing this area.

11.) Do a Safety Walk-around the Car and make sure that the area is free from obstructions. That nothing is under the Car or in it’s way. That there are no puddles under the Car from leaks which may have occured.

12.) Place Key in Ignition and turn to the Run position and leave there for 1 min. This is to start the Fuel Pump and allow it to get up to pressure. Your Malfunction lights will light, but should go off within a few seconds. Also, use this time to check the Oil level meter.

13.) Turn the Key back to OFF, wait a few seconds and turn to the Start position. Do not pump the accelerator and allow engine to crank for no more than 20 sec. If Engine fails to start, repeat procedure.

14.) Once Engine starts, allow to warm enough to come off the Fast Idle. You may notice some smoke from the tailpipe, but this is normal and should subside once the Engine warms up. Engine will run rough the first few minutes because the DME has lost it’s Adaptive Memory. It will take several minutes Idling and several miles Driving for it to relearn.

15.) While Engine is warming, check all Lights, Indicators, Horn, Insert Radio Code (if pre-’03), reset Radio Pre-Sets, Central Locking, Washers/Wipers, Manual Spoiler Deployment Switch, for proper operation. Listen for Radiator Cooling Fans to Cycle ON. Get out and check underneath for any drips or leaks.

16.) Turn on AC (lower Temp on Climate Control) to activate Compressor and circulate Oil.

17.) Standardize and Set One-Touch Control on Side Windows.

18.) Check Temp Indicator and if fully warm, run Engine up to 2500 RPM and hold for one minute. Listen for any unusual noises, vibrations, etc.

19.) Check Coolant Level (Top up if necessary), Close Bleed Valve (VERY IMPORTANT) and replace Trim Piece.

20.) Check operation of Power Top. Take care to avoid cracking the Plastic Window (if so equipped) by running the Heater beforehand, using a Blow Dryer, placing a Wet Towel which was put in a Microwave for 4 min. (careful it will be HOT) over the Plastic to warm it, or placing a Heat Lamp or Flood Light over it (at a distance, but sufficient to warm it).

21.) Put Car in gear and drive it gently for several minutes. Be sure to drive it through one complete Drive Cycle, that is: Start Cold and Idle for 2 min., Accelerate to 20-30MPH and Maintain Speed for approx. 3min. 15sec., Accelerate to 40-60MPH and hold steady for approx. 15min., Decelerate and come to a Stop and Idle in Gear for approx. 5min. (Plan your route ahead of time to meet these requirements). This will allow the System Diagnostics to Run and detect and Signal any System Faults. It will also allow the DME to relearn its Adaptive Memory as well.

Good Luck!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim’99