Odd problem with my 2001 986 base

[woody3260]

My Boxster wouldn't start this morning. Been about 10 days since I drove it last. front hood opens electronically no problem. When the ignition key is turned, there is clicking, and lights on dash and radio working, but engine won't start. Windows going up and down a small amount (as if I was going to lower the roof). I try to jump it, and same result, but now airbag light is on, high beam indicator is on and seat belt interior beeping is chirping constantly. Even with the key removed from ignition. Help please! Any ideas on what to do??

[JFP in PA]

Your battery has gone bad.

[woody3260]

@JFP in PA - thanks. Would you have any experience with using AAA service to come and replace the battery? The car is dead in my garage, so I was thinking of calling them.

[JFP in PA]

Yes, but with one major caveat: I would highly recommend replacing your battery with a new AGM type battery. AAA may not do that. As taking out and replacing the battery is very simple, you might consider doing it yourself.

[woody3260]

@JFP in PA - AAA was just here and said the same exact thing as you - so thanks. He got the car to start, but the battery is bad he said. Needs replacing. He offered to replace it, but recommended I use an AGM battery and he didn't have one. So I let the car run for a bit, and shut it off, and it starts back up again. But so weird, when I turn it off, the seat belt beeping starts again, and I have lost the clock the digital speedometer readouts, and the high beam indicator light on the dash stays on no matter what.

[JFP in PA]

That happens when the battery is toast and needs replacing.

Pull yours out, go to your local AutoZone or whatever, and get an AGM replacement. Your car will thank you.

[clickman]

So why AGM? Is that a Boxster-specific recommendation or just a good idea for all cars?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by clickman

So why AGM? Is that a Boxster-specific recommendation or just a good idea for all cars?

AGM batteries are sealed, so no corrosion, longer lived, and much more vibration resistant than common flooded cell batteries.

[woody3260]

@JFP in PA - Just installed it. Took me literally less than 10 mins. The car is completely back to normal. In fact, it started up much quicker and stronger than before. I guess the old battery was slowly dying without me realizing it.

Thank you very much for the advice. You saved me a trip to a mechanic which would have cost hundreds more. I love this forum. Have a fantastic night everyone.

:dance::dance::dance::dance:

[woody3260]

One more question - would a brand new AGM battery require a trickle charger this winter for longer periods of time when the car isn't driven?

[Burg Boxster]

And usually w/ a number of the national chain parts stores... if you register your email address online you'll immediately receive a coupon good for 10-25% off on your first BOPIS (buy online pick-up in store) purchase.

Otherwise, you can buy quality AGM batteries at local Costco & Sam Clubs w/ equal or better warranty for less.

Good luck

[Rob175]

I've found that many of the new "charged" batteries at the big box stores, still need a charge.

If you are planning on keeping your car then spend the money to buy a good battery from your local auto shop. Chances are they'll install it for free, make sure it's fully charged and stand behind it.

Then I'd buy a good battery maintainer (not just a trickle charger) for about $30, and keep it plugged into the battery when you're not using the car.....typically they help extend the life of your battery.

At least you know what's wrong and in the "big picture" of Porsche ownership got off "easy".

[woody3260]

@clickman - An AGM battery, as I learned today, is just basically a more sophisticated, upgraded battery than standard car batteries. From Google: "AGM or Absorbent Glass Mat is an advanced lead-acid battery that provides superior power to support the higher electrical demands of today's vehicles and start-stop applications. AGM batteries are extremely resistant to vibration, are totally sealed, nonspillable and maintenance-free. I guess the thought is, these are Porsches, so why not put in a better, more advanced battery."

I got one at Napa this afternoon, and I plan to install it tonight. Fingers crossed the car returns to normal afterwards.

[JFP in PA]

You will have to reenter your radio's code, and probably reset your windows, but otherwise it should be fine.

[JFP in PA]

These cars were designed to use a maintainer plugged into the cig lighter socket, which remains hot at all times, even when the car is locked up. The driver's door area at the bottom below the outside rear view mirror has a recess in it to allow the cord from the lighter socket to pass thru when the door is closed and locked. A lot of owners use their garage door opener plug to power the maintainer, and if an extension cord is needed between the lighter plug adaptor and the maintainer, Ctek/Amazon sells them as well. This keeps the cords and the maintainer out of the way when walking around the parked vehicle, and allows a car cover to be used as well.

[woody3260]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

These cars were designed to use a maintainer plugged into the cig lighter socket, which remains hot at all times, even when the car is locked up. The driver's door area at the bottom below the outside rear view mirror has a recess in it to allow the cord from the lighter socket to pass thru when the door is closed and locked. A lot of owners use their garage door opener plug to power the maintainer, and if an extension cord is needed between the lighter plug adaptor and the maintainer, Ctek/Amazon sells them as well. This keeps the cords and the maintainer out of the way when walking around the parked vehicle, and allows a car cover to be used as well.

Brilliant. I didn't know that either. Thank you.

[JFP in PA]

[DrRobin]

My 2001 2.7L eat batteries, about once every 18 months, after a few years I had a warning light and when the garage checked the output from the alternator was low.

After changing the alternator, even an old battery that appeared to be on the way out lasted another 2.5 years. Basically the current draw when standing still is quite high and unless you use your Boxster frequently the battery discharges.

If I leave it and go on holiday the battery will last about 4 to 5 weeks, so bought a solar panel which helps, keep a bit of charge in the battery. My car sits on the drive and so not really practical to leave plugged in to a Ctek charger.

During lockdown last year I did buy a Ctek Battery Sense monitor, these just connect to the battery and use Bluetooth to your phone, it gives graphs of voltage, battery charge state and temperature, so you can see when it is getting down.

I got a second one for my other car when that failed to start one morning.

Finally, I bought a jump start battery, it will go in a glove box, but mine is higher capacity than most, you just clip it on the battery or terminals inside the cabin and it will open the front and jump start the car.