New owner with questions

[JackG]

Hello everyone!

I bought a 2000 Boxster S this week w/28K miles. Great car,I'm really enjoying it so far, and have a couple of questions.

There's a light in the front storage area (hood), but it's not working. The bulb is good, but no voltage on the socket. Any ideas? Where's the switch? I don't see one externally, so I'm guessing in the latch mechanism?

The battery is the original one. Cranking seems a tiny bit sluggish, and it's 5 years old, so I'm going to replace it. Unfortunately, I don't have the radio code (I have all other documentation and tools, just no code card). I'm assuming the local dealer can look this up? Also, I'm thinking about hooking up a 12v supply to the battery cables while I remove and replace the battery so the car never sees a loss of 12v during the swap (saving a trip to the dealer). Anyone ever done this, any words of wisdom?

Thanks in advance,
Jack

[Brucelee]

I would check the fuse on that light if you are sure the bulb is good.

Re: Battery, replacing is a great idea. Auto Zone has one for the Box for about $65 plus core charge.

Yes, dealer can provide code for you in about 60 seconds.

I have never tried the extra power supply approach but I am always leary around Box electronics. Hate the whole power surge issue.

Best of luck with new car and welcome to our board.

[JackG]

Thanks... it appears that the fuse that runs this light runs all the interior lights, and nothing else is out, so the fuse is good. I tested the bulb and it's also good, so that leaves the switch and wiring.

I think I'll just call the dealer and get the radio code instead of doing the power supply trick when I replace the battery. I want the code anyway.

Jack

[Brucelee]

"I think I'll just call the dealer and get the radio code instead of doing the power supply trick when I replace the battery. I want the code anyway."

Good point!

[Ronzi]

There is a switch in the area of the luggage compartment latch. You can actually reach it by sticking your finger in the latch opening in the plastic trim, towards the left (driver) side of the latch. The switch is actuated by a little spring loaded plastic peg.
Push that a couple of times and the light may come on.
I had the same problem, no light, bulb good, no fuse problems, etc.
Fiddling with that switch solved it.

[wesbc]

Originally Posted by JackG

I think I'll just call the dealer and get the radio code instead of doing the power supply trick when I replace the battery. I want the code anyway.

Jack

Good idea as you don't want the wire to cross as you take the terminal off and cause a spark resulting in injury. Best to play it safe!

[RandallNeighbour]

Call the dealer and get the radio code?

I don't think so.

You have to bring in your car so they can pull your radio quickly (it's a whopping 10 second procedure), get the serial number off it, insure you are the owner of the car and if I'm not mistaken, hook up the PST2 tool to the car to secure it for you.

Now when you get it, you should write it real big on a letter sized piece of paper and put in in your manual... but you probably didn't get one of those either if you bought the car used.

So order one from the parts department while they're getting your code for you... it's invaluable and very, very handy to have!

[Brucelee]

You do have to bring the car in. I don't think they have to pull the radio but they do need to verify you own the car.

Once you get the code, don't lose it. You will likely need it again.

Best of luck.