2003 Boxster travails

[boxfix]

Newbie on this forum, but I have been on Pelican 911 forum for years....also have a 1973 2.7 MFI 911.

I recently bought a 2003 Boxster . I knew that car had some CEL issues, but it was a solid car with IMS replacement done and a fresh Tiptronic as well.

The car had been sitting for a year.

1. Battery was DOA so I replaced that.
2. started fine, but had a fuel leak ......cracked nipple on the vent valve on top of the fuel tank. New sender unit fixed that one...
3. Had a cell p0141. replaced 2 O2 sensors.
4. New air filter
5. New MAF
6 checked the vacuum lines on the engine. Check valve was not plugged into the inlet manifold
7. SAI solenoid line to SAI valve disconnected.

I studied a whole bunch about the Vacuum system and replaced a few of those questionable rubber connectors with good quality high temp 3mm silicon hose.

All check engine lights gone for now.....time for some driving cycles to reset the monitors so I can smog this thing.

Other things I tended to:

put 10 oz. of R134a in the A/C system and it went from cool to nice and cold.
Got the radio working by installed a 15 amp fuse in D8 slot.

replaced a top restraining cable that was broken
Hooked up the battery vent.


This site, Wayne's 101 BOXSTER TIPS and the Bentley manual have been very helpful, as have been Dave and Jeremy at TRE Motorsports.

The car is really nice. My wife is dying to get he hands on it.....I just want everything working.

Next project: Drive door window regulator R&R.

[rexcramer]

Welcome. Please post a pic of your car when you can.

[boxfix]

Will post a photos when I get on my other computer

Car cam from Arcadia...near you.

[boxfix]

Here is a shot of the 2003

[PaulE]

That's a great looking car. You're really digging in to bring it back! Welcome and keep us posted.

[Chuck W.]

Nice work BoxFix and welcome to the madness. '03 Boxster are a good year with the glove box and glass rear window. I stopped by TRE once with an IMS bearing question. I was extremely impressed. They were extremely honest and knowledgeable.

For used parts (if you need or use them) take a look at the first link from Woody. Great member and as honest and dependable as the day is long.

Parting out a whole lot of Boxsters

If Woody doesn't have it check out porschequalityparts on eBay. Good selection and fair prices. There descriptions are always very good and shipping is fast.

qualityporscheparts on eBay

[boxfix]

Thanks for the information.

I bought my 1973 911 from TRE 20 years ago and they have become good friends. Great people......Jeremy is great and Dave is a straight shooter and VERY VERY knowledgeable.

This 2003 was one of their customer cars......IMS is done by them back then.

We are neighbors. I am near Mulholland and Cold Canyon Rd......near Stunt.

I am still working on SAI codes.....came back ********************.

Originally Posted by Chuck W.

Nice work BoxFix and welcome to the madness. '03 Boxster are a good year with the glove box and glass rear window. I stopped by TRE once with an IMS bearing question. I was extremely impressed. They were extremely honest and knowledgeable.

For used parts (if you need or use them) take a look at the first link from Woody. Great member and as honest and dependable as the day is long.

Parting out a whole lot of Boxsters

If Woody doesn't have it check out porschequalityparts on eBay. Good selection and fair prices. There descriptions are always very good and shipping is fast.

qualityporscheparts on eBay

[jcslocum]

There is an SAI "fooler" being made by a member for testing purposes only!!

Particlewave. Do search.

[boxfix]

Originally Posted by jcslocum

There is an SAI "fooler" being made by a member for testing purposes only!!

Particlewave. Do search.

Thanks. I am looking into that!

[boxfix]

I was back in the engine compartment a couple of days ago and found the check valve that plugs into the rubber inlet manifold was not very tight, no barbs on it to hold things in place. I had found this one disconnected a week ago and it is the main vacuum source.

I bought some barbed 3/16 brass fittings and and inserted that into the hole and used high temp silicon tubing to connect it to the "Y" fitting. Also put in a barbed fitting going into the "Y". I plan to work my way through the vacuum lines and put in these better materials in place of the rubber that is deteriorating.

high quality silicon tubing is so much better than the rubber that Porsche used.

No SAI codes for a day or so, so I am going to run the route and try to get in for a smog test today or tomorrow.

[thom4782]

Vacuum leaks are hard. I chased one in my 01S for a year. Replaced lines and valves to no avail. It turned out that the reservoir itself had a small crack. CEL has been off ever since.

[boxfix]

Did 100miles today. No sai codes for first 40 and then they came back.

gotta cure this.

More work.....I have an idea.

[98Sixer]

Originally Posted by boxfix

Newbie on this forum, but I have been on Pelican 911 forum for years....also have a 1973 2.7 MFI 911.

I recently bought a 2003 Boxster . I knew that car had some CEL issues, but it was a solid car with IMS replacement done and a fresh Tiptronic as well.

The car had been sitting for a year.

1. Battery was DOA so I replaced that.
2. started fine, but had a fuel leak ......cracked nipple on the vent valve on top of the fuel tank. New sender unit fixed that one...
3. Had a cell p0141. replaced 2 O2 sensors.
4. New air filter
5. New MAF
6 checked the vacuum lines on the engine. Check valve was not plugged into the inlet manifold
7. SAI solenoid line to SAI valve disconnected.

I studied a whole bunch about the Vacuum system and replaced a few of those questionable rubber connectors with good quality high temp 3mm silicon hose.

All check engine lights gone for now.....time for some driving cycles to reset the monitors so I can smog this thing.

Other things I tended to:

put 10 oz. of R134a in the A/C system and it went from cool to nice and cold.
Got the radio working by installed a 15 amp fuse in D8 slot.

replaced a top restraining cable that was broken
Hooked up the battery vent.


This site, Wayne's 101 BOXSTER TIPS and the Bentley manual have been very helpful, as have been Dave and Jeremy at TRE Motorsports.

The car is really nice. My wife is dying to get he hands on it.....I just want everything working.

Next project: Drive door window regulator R&R.

Nice Car, Hope you enjoy it. I just acquired a 2002 2.7 down in Orange County last weekend. I am up in the SFV and Dave and Jeremy at TRE have worked on my other P-car as well.

Check my thread on Super Car Sunday this weekend and let me know if you would like to join.

[boxfix]

Originally Posted by 98Sixer

Nice Car, Hope you enjoy it. I just acquired a 2002 2.7 down in Orange County last weekend. I am up in the SFV and Dave and Jeremy at TRE have worked on my other P-car as well.

Check my thread on Super Car Sunday this weekend and let me know if you would like to join.

THANKS.
I will check it out. I do go once in a while to Supercar Sunday. It is close.

I may take the 1973.

[98Sixer]

Originally Posted by boxfix

THANKS.
I will check it out. I do go once in a while to Supercar Sunday. It is close.

I may take the 1973.

We meet up to caffeinate and stage the cars at 6:30am at the Starbucks located in Gateway Plaza:
5422 Topanga Canyon Blvd.,
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Starbucks...;4d-118.6053877

We'll roll out of Starbucks at 6:45am the few blocks north up Topanga to the event. Post Super Car event is the Tuna Canyon Drive and up the coast to Neptune's Net for lunch. All are welcome.

[grc0456]

Belated welcome, Boxfix! Nice looking car. I have an 03 Base (MT) as well. Wish I could drive it on your canyon roads, though!


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[boxfix]

Originally Posted by grc0456

Belated welcome, Boxfix! Nice looking car. I have an 03 Base (MT) as well. Wish I could drive it on your canyon roads, though!


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THANKS I am originally from RI. I was back there last month on vacation.....Boston, Providence, Newport etc..

Yes we have some nice roads here......and plenty of cops too.

[grc0456]

Originally Posted by boxfix

THANKS I am originally from RI. I was back there last month on vacation.....Boston, Providence, Newport etc..



Yes we have some nice roads here......and plenty of cops too.

Nice. I am just north of Boston. There's a great new Newport Auto Museum (actually in Portsmouth) you should check out next time back.

I have a son who just moved to LA (Valley Village), and did get a chance to take Topanga to Malibu when I moved him out there over the summer.

Just got back from taking my Box to the Vineyard for the weekend. Had a great time.



Enjoy the car and lets see the '73.


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[RandallNeighbour]

You should probably replace the other two 02 sensors sooner than later. With four brand new ones in the car you'll see a nice increase in performance, fuel economy, and idle.

When I replaced all four in my boxster a couple of years after owning it I was amazed at the increase in power.

[boxfix]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

You should probably replace the other two 02 sensors sooner than later. With four brand new ones in the car you'll see a nice increase in performance, fuel economy, and idle.

When I replaced all four in my boxster a couple of years after owning it I was amazed at the increase in power.

I have been monitoring the voltage on the rear O2 sensors and they are really in good shape. I don't want to spend money for nothing.