Poly-rib Belt Replacement

[Kochman]

Just a note to all those interested in replacing their own Poly-rib belt in their Boxster. Just getting to the thing is the most time consuming operation, but beware. In the Porsche Boxster Service Manual (Bentley Publishers) it states:

Install ribbed belt over pulleys in following order.....................etc.
Use 24 mm wrench............etc
Slowly release tensioner
Visually check the belt is correctly positioned on all drive pulleys.
RUN Engine! OOPS!
This is the part that will cost you about $80 at your dealership to fix. The problem is, if you run the engine, or even turn the key you will activate the onboard computer and it will begin looking for the drivers seat sensor. Not finding it, because you have removed the seat to get to the front of the engine compartment, the computer will sense a malfunction of the Airbag System and disable it. You will need to visit the dealership and have it reset, unless you own the $4500 computer to do it yourself. The OBD2 computers available will not do the job.

Happy Driving

[Tool Pants]

I have replaced the belt on about 5 cars. Just slide the seats all the way forward so you can get into the service cover area.

I bought the Bently Manual when it first came out but really never looked at it. Guess Bently tells you to remove a seat.

[Boxtaboy]

I changed my belt not long ago. You don't need to remove the seats as ToolPants says. You just need to move the seats forward. Took very little time to change it out.