03 Boxster Starting issue

[Jamesp]

03 no longer has the radio code. I would not worry too much about losing the data or bridging the battery. The car may run rough for a few minutes but it cleans up. And yes, you need a battery, you may need an alternator as well,but perhaps not. Me? I'd go to Wal Mart (they carry the battery, but it is over $100 - Porsche tax) and just put in a new battery. If you have not done this before pay close attention to the positive and negative sides - don't put it in backwards. Also when removing, take the ground off first then the positive. That way if the wrench touches metal on the car your not welding. When installing, install the positive first, then the ground, same reason. You will know soon enough if the alternator is bad - the battery will run down fairly quickly, or if its a bad diode, the alternator may drain the battery. Plan accordingly. Pay attention so if the battery does begin to run down you can disconnect it. Allowing the battery to fully discharge is a sure way to kill the new battery.