Electrical problems / car won't start after rain downpour - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

kcpstudio · 10-02-2010, 08:12 PM

I forgot to mention.... the key remote doesn't work as well to unlock the doors or the rear trunk lid.

Pinarelloman · 10-02-2010, 08:50 PM

You need to check all the drain holes for the vehicle. As you already found one blocked front hole you need to check the other front one also. In the rear there are two drain holes located underneath where the convertible top folds down. These drain down just in front of the rear wheels. You need to follow the procedure to place the top in the service position and the drains are located one in each corner. Also check the rubber tub has no tears in it which also allow water entry to the cabin.
The module under the left seat is the main computer controlling most of the vehicle. The water will have shorted out the electrics, thereby causing the erratic widow operation.

Bruce Wayne · 10-03-2010, 02:49 AM

kenny first off can you get the car inside a garage and give it the chance to dry out. disconnect the battery (turn to 1st click before disconnecting to stop the alarm going off) and dry it out with the doors and lids open

some moisture in the module may be the cause of the windows having a fit. was there any issue with any electrics prior ?

as you know, when you release the hood handle the windows drop, moisure seems to be getting in somewhere

was the roof tested for leaks after being fitted ?

you also may want to look at leather creme for the seats re: watermarks on the leather. maybe beg/steal/borrow a de-humidifier ?

good luck and let us know your progress/thoughts/findings...

kcpstudio · 10-03-2010, 08:49 AM

The roof was tested after install and the dealer said I was good to which brings up a question.....

Why didn't they check the drain holes... especially if I paid them to replace my top to keep my interior dry. Lol I mean, I'm getting way better information about my car from a great (and I mean way valuable great) website right here. I would think they would check that.

As for electronics? No issues prior... at least while I owned the car. I've been reading all kinds of info here since I joined and have purchased the Bentley manual and dealer service manual and parts manual on disc. The Top was the first thing to replace. The only thing besides that that needed to be fixed was my "Boxster" emblem on the back trunk was cracked. That's it and I got a great car. Now.... lol....

So, we've been having some good sun these last couple days so I've been leaving the windows open. I was going to pull the seats and carpet out and go from there. I don't have a garage and don't know anyone that does.

Here's an important question.... how can I get the windows up before I get the damage fixed? We have some more rain coming.

Thanks to all you guys for the help. Especially while I get up to speed with the car.

Spinnaker · 10-03-2010, 03:46 PM

I park outside too. Only have a one car garage and it is filled with a project car. The best advice I can give you is to get a "good" car cover if you park outside. You can get one online for around $150-160, maybe cheaper it you search more. I got a Covercraft one and it is great.

jcb986 · 10-03-2010, 04:23 PM

If the interior got a substantial amount of water on the drivers side and got the module wet it may just be malfunctioning and once dried out it may or may not work. I have the same problem and all of my drains are clear. What I found is that the drain under the rubber bladder has a plastic like funnel connect to a rubber drain hose. I believe mine has a leak at the point where the two meet and thus water gets into the air void and will drain down behind the seat. I am thinking about drilling a hole so the water will drain out. What I find a little strange is that most Boxsters leak on that side the most. I have a California Pop Top and it is great and easy to use..check it out.

kcpstudio · 10-03-2010, 06:29 PM

I think my first step is to get through another couple days of rain. I covered the car for now and once I get another clear day, I'm going to remove the box under the seat and see if it's dry. If not, completely dry it and hook it back up and see. If that doesn't correct the issues, I'll just have to do a little at a time. I did try to lock the doors using the 3 quick turns to the right. That only locks the drivers door (obviously cause the key is in it) but it also trips the solenoid on the rear trunk lock. I just disconnected the battery completely for now just in case.

If anyone had the same issue and got it fixed, please tell me what was replaced so I can follow that route until I have to have Porsche reprogram if needed.

Thanks again guys.

I'll do the same. If I can help anyone else by posting my progress, I think it's worth it.

yelojkt · 10-29-2010, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcpstudio

The roof was tested after install and the dealer said I was good to which brings up a question.....Why didn't they check the drain holes... especially if I paid them to replace my top to keep my interior dry.

They most likely just ran a hose over it for a few minutes or ran through a car wash, no visible water inside. Lets call it good.

Your frienly neighborhood Porsche tech is only as good as the man is. Some techs go that extra mile some do not. It looks like you got the latter. Remember alot of people these days don't do the best work they can but instesd just skate along and collect the paycheck. The one time that I had a dealership work on my car I told them that I only wanted one tech to touch my car. I did not care how long it took him to fix it but I wanted only one person responsable for my car. When I talked with that tech a couple days after he had been working on my car I found out that he was a rat rod V-8 guy who hated VW's. I asked him why he worked on them and he said "Because the pay is good."

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcpstudio

Lol I mean, I'm getting way better information about my car from a great (and I mean way valuable great) website right here. I would think they would check that.

Thats because we are all sick...with porsche fever, one of the symptons being permagrin.

Glad to hear it got paid for by insurance. Way to go GEICO.

bdelapla · 11-20-2010, 11:46 AM

Hi KCP, I have been reading your story and it is very helpful.. and scarying.

I have the exact same problem with my Boxster S right now (alarm unit was 3/4 underwater) and I have a full coverage with Geico as well. The only difference with your story is that I didn't have the top replaced recently.

I would like to know if you had any problem with Geico. I am thinking they could say: These damages were not caused by severe weather but because of a technical issue with the car (that does not drain water correctly...)

Is there any way I can contact you ?

Thank you.

Ben