Alternator replacement
 

The alternator on my 03 Boxster seems to have died. I am getting a voltage drop when I turn the car on with the battery light lit on the dash. What is the best way to get to it for replacement?
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
DK

Access is through the firewall behind the seats. (just like changing the serp belt)
Some guys remove the passenger seat for more working room. I didn't but it was snug lol.

Thanks,
The car has been under warranty so honestly I have never even looked at the engine but now that is on my own dime I will have to get my hands dirty.
Just to clarify, do I need to undo the top and access the engine bay from the top as well and do I just start taking the covers behinds the seat apart?

Thanks again
DK

You do not have to access the engine from above but you will have to remove the storage compartment to remove the carpeting covering the front engine access panel.

After replacing my alternator, I ended up taking scissors and snipping open the holes in the carpet so in the future I can just pull the carpet out without having to remove the storage compartment first.

Check Mike Focke's web site for a DIY altenator write-up
 

I recently had to replace my altenator. His guide proved to be excellent. I went to my local parts store: O'reillys and got one for $150-ish. It is a very tight fit and takes some fiddling to get the fitting just right (be patient and try every angle). But it eventually comes out / goes back in. This is also a great time to replace the drive belt too.

http://mike.focke.googlepages.com/replacingyouralternator

These may help too:


http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19066

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19238


Good luck. (It's not terribly difficult, but can be mildly frustrating at times!)

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I ordered the parts and will be trying it this weekend and let you know how it goes.

thanks again,
DK