2004 Boxster S Dead Battery Advice? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Breezer · 02-23-2007, 04:32 PM

I have a 2004 Boxster S that I may drive once a week fairly short distances. The last few times I drove the car I noticed the battery sounded a bit week. I drove the car about 50 miles today and I went to start the car and there was not enough juice to turn it over. The existing battery looks original and the low battery light did not come on. I have the hood open.

Would you recommend replacing the battery or trying to charge it?

Thanks.

wanna986 · 02-23-2007, 06:12 PM

You can try to charge it; it certainly won't hurt, but after a 50 mile trip, getting the results you did?

I think it's time for a new one- it was in my case.

Adam · 02-23-2007, 06:47 PM

The battery is pretty new and should be good if it was properly maintained. I would try charging it and see if the problem reaccurs. It could be a bad alternator but more than likely it's the battery if the problem persists.

90red · 02-23-2007, 06:57 PM

The 04 I just bought already has a replacement battery. It only has 7400 miles, so I'm sure it sat alot. I read some old posts, and someone last year ran into the same problem. The warranty didn't cover it, $280 for a factory replacement, or about a $100 for an interstate MTP-91. Have the battery and alternator tested to see what the culprit is.

Brucelee · 02-24-2007, 05:27 AM

The battery COULD very easily by shot. The OEM batteries from Porsche are JUNK and the Boxster draws quite a bit when just sitting. These batteries do not do well without a lot of driving.

You can buy a fine battery at Coscto for $52. plus tax and install yourself, it is easy.

Since a charge is likely free (if you have a charger, highly recommended) give it 24 hour charge and see what happends.

Odds are it is a goner.

Bosch batteries are the pits.

Breezer · 02-24-2007, 09:53 AM

Costco was still closed when I went by so I ended up at AutoZone. The battery came back as bad on their tester. In turn, bought a Duralast for $69. It appears to be charging fine now and good to go. Thanks for the assitance.

By the way, this 2004S is for sale in So Cal. I will post a link to autotrader in the classified section. Thanks again.

aren040 · 02-26-2007, 09:28 AM

Yes, I would agree with the stock battery being bad. I barely have 1500 miles on my 07 987 and I let it sit for about 5 or 6 days and the battery was completely gone. This is in So. Cal. too so it is not like it gets super cold here.

911-996 · 02-26-2007, 10:35 PM

I can vouch for that, the stock batteries aren't very good and still overpriced, I did get 6 years out of it, in a lot of cases it was always only just turning the car over.

Just replaced it, the new battery seems to be holding up, though the boxster draws a lot of juice for some reason..

NickCats · 02-27-2007, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911-996

I can vouch for that, the stock batteries aren't very good and still overpriced, I did get 6 years out of it, in a lot of cases it was always only just turning the car over.

Just replaced it, the new battery seems to be holding up, though the boxster draws a lot of juice for some reason..

I would assume that opening / closing the top without the car running would put a huge strain on the battery.

Just a guess...

Nick

Brucelee · 02-27-2007, 06:45 PM

Not really a top issue, as the 911 coupes are deadly on the batteries also.

It seems to be a combo of electrical draw issues when the Box is sitting.

Plus, the OEM battery is junk.

Dohertycm · 02-27-2007, 06:54 PM

I dont understand this "cant get the hood open if the battery is dead?

I have a 2000S and it seems like it is a cable operated latch...
And even if that isnt true, I just pulled out my right headlight to change a bulb and saw there was a pull cable behind the front bumper, so if i reached my hand through the vent and up I could grab the cable, pull and the hood would open..

Dont you all have that? I didnt put it there and it looks like a factory item.