Just bought my first Porsche! a 1997 Boxster.(photo) A few questions for the experts-

[connecticutporsche]

Hi Guys!

Just wanted to introduce myself and see if you could help me out with a few things.
I just picked up a 1997 Boxster, w/ approximately 75k miles. The car has a clean car fax and it was very well cared for. A few of the modifications include: L.E.D. tail lights, spoiler, gt3 style body kit, carbon fiber hood, and upgraded 18" Porsche wheels with P Zero tires.

I bought the car knowing it has a few minor (hopefully) issues, and I would greatly appreciate your help!

1) On a cold start, the car puffs white smoke for about 15-30 seconds out of the exhaust. I drove the car about 100 miles home yesterday and the gas may have been sitting for 6 months or so. In my brief research, it sounds like this is normal- should I worry about this?

2) The passenger door will not lock. Is this also a common issue? I've tried the remote, manually inserting the key, and also made sure the battery was fully charged. Is this most likely a broken lock system? I have a replacement part, however it's not from 1997 and the plug has 9 pins instead of 8 (which I know need)... Should I simply replace the lock mechanism?

3) An indicator for the trunk (or is it the spoiler) has turned on and off intermittently, (usually lasts until I begin driving) any way to resolve this easily?

Thanks, I look forward to contributing to a great forum!

[SeanZ4]

The spoiler indicator light is normal. That was the first thing I asked about when I bought my S a few years ago! It should, or at least mine does, come on for the first few minutes of driving. I wouldn't worry about it and I'm sure someone has a lot better explanation as to the "why" part..

The smoke could be normal due to the characteristics of the flat 6 but you say it lasts 30 seconds??? That would make me lean towards the possibility of an AOS failure. Do a search on this forum and there will lots of info. Not saying it is that, but it could be.

I'm not sure on the door lock problem, but once again, I 'm sure there's lots of info on this wonderful forum. I just haven't had that particular problem yet.

sean

[connecticutporsche]

Thanks Sean-
I drove the car earlier tonight and topped off the gas tank with fresh gas- premium octane of course- and I didn't notice the white smoke upon startup. As far as the spoiler, is there a manual control to raise/ lower it?

Thanks again.

[jbs986]

Originally Posted by SeanZ4

The spoiler indicator light is normal. That was the first thing I asked about when I bought my S a few years ago! It should, or at least mine does, come on for the first few minutes of driving. I wouldn't worry about it and I'm sure someone has a lot better explanation as to the "why" part..

The smoke could be normal due to the characteristics of the flat 6 but you say it lasts 30 seconds??? That would make me lean towards the possibility of an AOS failure. Do a search on this forum and there will lots of info. Not saying it is that, but it could be.

I'm not sure on the door lock problem, but once again, I 'm sure there's lots of info on this wonderful forum. I just haven't had that particular problem yet.

sean

+1, And manual control for spoiler is loc. on drivers side of the car it is loc. on the fuse box it is a small black switch.

[SeanZ4]

I just noticed you have an aftermarket spoiler. Is your original one still there? Is that one mounted to the trunk or down into the area of the original?? I saw one at a car show awhile back and the whole trunk and spoiler area had been changed. I guess if you take jbs986's advice on how to raise and lower the spoiler you'll know soon enough.

sean

[connecticutporsche]

Yes I have the original spoiler and the aftermarket installed. The light goes off after a minute, so I've decided I'm not going to worry about it.
I've seen some great cars here on the forum and I've been inspired by some of the mods. Can any one point me in the right direction to remove the amber from my front lights?

Thanks again.

[henryphotos333]

looks great! i have the same year , same color. but stock

[JTP]

Originally Posted by connecticutporsche

Can any one point me in the right direction to remove the amber from my front lights?

The only way to eliminate the amber on your headlights is to replace them with post 2002 units. I've seen some apply tint film over them but I don't think that is legal in most states nor do they look good.