My '09 Boxster Base will not start!

[sudheendrar]

Tried to start the car this morning and absolutely nothing happens when I crank the key to the right.

1. Airbag warning comes on the console
2. Failure spoiler control - And the spoiler has now come up!
3. System Fault - Visit Workshop
4. Dynamic Cornering Light Failure
5. Headlight Beam Adjustment Faulty

Not sure if the batter is drained but I noted that the horn works and so do the indicators and brake light and the daylight leds.

Any clues? Is there any "Reset" of the entire system?

[sudheendrar]

Here are some pictures of the issues. Also, noted that the windows wound down slowly in equi-distant spurts of 1 inch all the way down.


Pls. advise what I need to do.

[Timco]

Look into battery first. Then, OBII reader to read trouble code. You gotta start somewhere.

I would read codes first. You can try disconnecting battery and have it checked first.

Or, the reactor may be into full meltdown and only solution is cement encasement.

[sudheendrar]

Originally Posted by Timco

Look into battery first. Then, OBII reader to read trouble code. You gotta start somewhere.

I would read codes first. You can try disconnecting battery and have it checked first.

Or, the reactor may be into full meltdown and only solution is cement encasement.

Thanks Timco. I am unable to open the Frunk to access the battery as well.

[Timco]

I was pleasantly surprised to find a pull cable mounted on the rear. Hope yours has one for front. Everyone should look today!

[sudheendrar]

So I finally was able to open the Frunk - Keyfob worked better than the switch.

connected the Jumper Cables as prescribed in the manual.

No funny notifications as before now. Porsche logo comes on the display/Navi screen and radio comes on. Was able to close the windows back up.

Used the jump-start procedure as described. Nothing happens (well looks like some solenoid activates - click sound - and the screens go blank.

Maybe my VW Jetta IV battery not too strong to jump - Will try my XC90 ones - but bummer - the battery of that machine is in the back !

Will keep a lookout for more advise...before biting the bullet and calling someone to help!

Any Plano TX owners here who can help? I don't have an OBII

[sudheendrar]

OK - Finally my XC-90 battery was able to jump start the car and I was able to jump start the car - idled for a few minutes and drove the car around for about 3-4 miles. Back in Garage, switched off the car and tried to start again - same problems!

Maybe need to take it to Autozone to have battery checked and alternator evaluated.

[BruceH]

Well, at least it started! Yep, take the battery out and have it tested. I wonder if it is the original battery? If so, then you would be due for a new one anyway.

[Timco]

If original batt, just swap it. It's time and good insurance. Very good for the car to keep the batt fresh and charged.

[sudheendrar]

Thanks Timco and BruceH

It looks original - given the name on the battery.

Off I go to change it - quick one, I used to buy a battery which has a higher CCA than recommended on all my cars - Texas weather is so brutal on batteries and tires.

Any recommendations? I put in Autozone branded ones on my Volvo XC90 and had absolutely no issues. Should I buy OEM only for the boxster?

[TeamOxford]

Didn't you purchase your Boxster from a dealer? If so, you may want to contact them and see if they will replace the battery with a new OEM one. After all, you've only had the car 5 weeks.

Also, there are procedures to be followed after installing a new battery:

Replaced battery for my 2005 Porsche Boxster - 987-1 Series (Boxster, Boxster S) - RennTech.org Forums

Just sayin'............

TO

[TeamOxford]

Originally Posted by sudheendrar

Off I go to change it - quick one, I used to buy a battery which has a higher CCA than recommended on all my cars - Texas weather is so brutal on batteries and tires.

Any recommendations? I put in Autozone branded ones on my Volvo XC90 and had absolutely no issues. Should I buy OEM only for the boxster?

I think forum member particlewave is an expert on battery technology. Maybe you could PM him, if he doesn't chime in on your issue.

TO

[sudheendrar]

Thanks TeamOxford - But this is an '09 boxster that is new to me So the dealer would be of not much help - bought from an independent dealer.

Thanks for the tip to PM particlewave and I shall do so.

[BruceH]

I would not worry about getting OEM.

[rp17]

Glad you got it started. Few people have bought the Walmart battery and had no problems. I like the idea of buying from them because they are always open. Unfortunately thats the only reason.

[sudheendrar]

Pep Boys says they have Bosch Batteries for $174.98

Bosch Premium Performance Battery Group Size 94R
Part # 94R730B SKU:9456178


Are they any better than the Autozone/Costco/Interstate ones?

[dghii]

Your battery is 4 years old...some last longer, some dont't. Go to the store of your choice, purchase a battery and your problem is over.

Your car (and mine) use the same battery technology as a 1952 Ford. Everybody sells them.

[TeamOxford]

Originally Posted by sudheendrar

Pep Boys says they have Bosch Batteries for $174.98

Are they any better than the Autozone/Costco/Interstate ones?

I believe the Autozone/Costco/Interstate ones are all manufactured by Johnson Controls. The Autozone Platinum has 800 CCA, the Bosch has 730 CCA.

IMO, the lower CCA of the Bosch shouldn't be a problem in Dallas.

I've purchased several batteries from Pep Boys; always kept the receipt in a "Packing List" pouch glued to the battery. If and when the battery went down, I'd bring the battery plus receipt back to Pep Boys for a prorated new battery.

They also offer free installation and 10% off coupon listed on their website for the Bosch unit.

Just sayin'............

TO

[sudheendrar]

Got the new battery from Pepboys - thanks everyone for your advise.

Now here is the sad part:

OK - Let me preface by saying I am an Idiot.

I put in the battery wrong - positive to negative and thus shorted the circuit.

How do I know?

The negative terminal of the battery simply sheared off and there was acrid smoke coming from the burn.

The Horn button started honking constantly (like an alarm) and lights came on and I noted that the door could not be closed (meaning the window would not wind down a bit to accomodate closure of the door).

Quickly disconnected everything, went back to Pepboys with the broken battery and they were gracious enough to give me a replacement (Shoutout to the kind folks at pepboys for their customer care attitude).

Before putting on the new battery (this time in correct polarity) I had a few questions.....

1. If I am standing facing the Front trunk, am I right the +ve is on Left hand Side and -ve on the RHS? Now that I have removed the old battery, I can't really tell.
2. What fuses may have blown ?
3. Is the fuse compartment near the driver side footwell the only fuse box? are there others there?

Hoping that it's only the fuses and no permanent damage to parts like Alternators and other sensitive electronics/electricals.

Lesson Learnt ! I suppose.

Regards

[Steve Tinker]

Looking at the 101 Projects manual, the USA cars have the postive (+) on the LHS and the nagative (-) is on the RHS.

I think you will have some pain after reversing the polarity - usually from the alternator diodes, but lots of electronics in the alarm system cannot tolerate reversed voltages - and even worse if the ignition key was in and activated.
The fusebox is in the footwell, the alarm fuse is under the passenger seat and some engine related relays are mounted in the rear trunk. All of the fuses will have to be removed and tested with a DMM for continuity.