10-16-2014, 12:24 PM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: SC
Posts: 151
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Alternators what's the difference ?
I have an 03 with a trip transmission and my alternator went out. I called up the local independent Porsche shop and was quoted 1600.00 for a alternator. Needless to say I laughed at the guy. So my question is I did some research and prices are all over the place from sub 200 at the parts store to 400 at pelican and beyond. This car is a weekend driver.
Any advice on what route to go?
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10-16-2014, 01:58 PM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 1,796
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Go with a reputable Porsche parts supplier like Pelican. They know these cars and stand behind what they sell. Stay away from the O'Reily's, Pep Boys, Napa's, etc. They don't have a clue in generally about Porsches.
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03 Carrera
02 Boxster S Guards Red, black interior with matching hardtop
89 Carrera 4
89 944 S2
78 911SC
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10-16-2014, 01:59 PM
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#3
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On the slippery slope
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Austin and Palm Springs
Posts: 3,794
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The factory Porsche part is far and away worth the 400% premium
NOT
Do a search, there are a bunch of recent threads on alternators
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2004 Boxster S 6 speed - DRL relay hack, Polaris AutoTop DIY
2004 996 Targa Tip
Instructor - San Diego region
2014 Porsche Performance Driving School
2020 BMW X3, 2013 Ram 1500, 2016 Cmax, 2004 F-150 "Big Red"
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10-16-2014, 03:31 PM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BC
Posts: 1,312
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Are you sure it's the alternator and not the voltage regulator? They are well known to fail. Unfortunately it's stuck on the back of the alternator. They are around $40 IIRC.
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2001 Boxster, 5 spd, Seal Grey
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10-16-2014, 03:37 PM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Chicago suburbs
Posts: 1,675
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Yep on the voltage regulator. Unless the alternator shaft has wobble, the usual suspect is the regulator. It's a common part used on VWs, Audi and Mercedes. Do a search and you'll find part numbers from Bosch; they are under $50 and fairly easy to install. I did mine several years back after the car came from winter storage...battery light went on and I got out the multimeter. Think the reading was only around 11 volts, when it should be at least 14.
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JGM
2002 Boxster S
1973 911 Green FrankenMeanie
PCA DE Instructor circa '95
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10-17-2014, 12:13 PM
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: SC
Posts: 151
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Went with one from pelican with regulator. After 11 years not replacing both seemed like a high chance for double the work.
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10-17-2014, 07:43 PM
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,492
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With all due respect to one of the earlier replies,
Porsche does not make alternators. Electrically, there is absolutely nothing special about the Boxster alternator and no need to pay stupid prices.
This isn't a hard job and double work is not necessary. I did this job for the first in May 2013 in my driveway. I ended up just replacing the VR with a new Bosch unit for $45 from a local starter and alternator shop.
Remove your alternator and have it tested at any auto parts store. You will know weather you have a bad regulator or bad alternator.
Replace the regulator or both and you are done.
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10-18-2014, 06:42 AM
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BC
Posts: 1,312
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Also check that the decoupling clutch is working. Mine wasn't.
(Not sure which model years have a decoupling clutch; I don't think they all do.)
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2001 Boxster, 5 spd, Seal Grey
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10-18-2014, 10:03 AM
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Frederick, MD
Posts: 1,396
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'01 tip...
my alternator went out 4 years ago on a road trip. i'm sure it was the regulator but since i was in a tough spot (1300 miles from home, 100 miles from a dealer / p-car shop) i decided to just replace the entire alternator with a rebuilt one from o'reilly.
did the work myself, part was $240. so far, zero issues from the alternator.
i had a rattle for a bit because i hadn't tightened one of the bolts enough, easy fix once i got home.
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