It's not the battery
 

Kinda what I figured. Any chance I can find one that doesn't cost in the $500 range? Looking on ebay and this one makes me nervous. But maybe that's just me. What do you think?

New Porsche 911 966 Boxster 986 Alternator Turbo 97 04 | eBay

And while I'm at it, why didn't my CEL come on? It was complete luck that I stopped at AutoZone on the way home because it slow started once yesterday and once the day before. A warning would have been nice. Looks like upgrading my dash gauges is in my future.

Autozone shows a Duralast alternator for $154. When it comes to alternators, I don't find name brands to be any more or less dependable than store brands. I've owned a few german cars, and I've had the Bosch alternator fail in all of them. Most have been rebuilt locally, or replaced with locally available parts.

Bill

The CEL only comes on when emissions exceed the Federal test standards by 1.5.

You could easily buy a voltage gauge and hook it up to the battery -- many parts shops sell these.

Regards,
paul...

I'm so stupid. I was there and I didn't even bother to ask. I've asked for Porsche parts there before and I've always been shot down. So when I looked it up on Pelican and saw it cost $450ish, with only $200 in my pocket I didn't even bother to ask. So stupid. Well, I guess I saved $20 not driving in to work today. Thanks for the help though. I wouldn't have even bothered to look there without you.

How can I have serious brain cramps on a Tuesday? What will I be like on Friday?

my alternator crapped out 100 miles or so from civilization. pulled into a small town and found an o'reilly's. they only sold remanufactured alternators and had one available the next day.

so far so good (knock on wood) 3 years in. $240.

i did not get a CEL but the battery light came on.

your not stupid- you just feel that way:) your actions were based on previous experiences which is how we all operate.:cheers:

Any tips for alternator removal?

I got every thing off / loosened except the bushing I'm supposed to tap out.

Just keep wiggling and twisting....No magic and nothing hidden.

I did this on my 00 BoxS back in May. $45 for a voltage regulator. Pull alternator, R/R regulator on the back of the alternator and reinstall. Done deal.