Porsche Boxster S - SHITE! UPDATED, NOW WITH PHOTO!

[Peter C]

My next door neighbour has been away for a month and this evening he asked me for a set of jump leads as his 2006 Porsche Boxster S wouldn't start.He spun his 5-series around and we hooked up the jump leads. Nothing.I offered my battery charger to him, which unfortunately cannot be hooked up with the battery left in place because the battery terminals are located close to the underside of the front bonnet and hooking the charger clamps on would not allow the bonnet to close properly.We tried removing the battery. As soon as I disconnected one of the battery terminals the alarm sounder went off - obviously it has a separate back up battery as the f'ing thing was louder than a beer fart in a bath. Bugger.So, we couldn't jump start it, the battery can't be charged either on or off the car and my neighbour didn't slam the bonnet down in case the battery went totally dead and the solenoid operated bonnet release wouldn't work in the morning.I think I'll stick with my 25 year old W123 230E, thank you very much.

[ashmicro]

Assuming it's manual, you have to REALLY push the clutch to the floor, or it won't start. Like an old Hyundai Lantra!

[meggersdog]

You can get the jumpleads on without issue ? Hook the charger up to the other end of the 'leads.If there is a jumpstart terminal in the engine bay (like BMW's) did he get a good earth ?

[Albert Ross]

Bloke at work has one of these. In the last 6 months, it has had a clutch and flywheel, belts and rollers, front discs and pads, and 2 tyres. Over £2500, for parts alone, (he fits them himself) and that's trade price! I will stick to my Land Rover thanks.

[Skizzer]

I used to have a Cayman and that jump started fine after I left the lights on for a week - odd

In the last 6 months, it has had a clutch and flywheel, belts and rollers, front discs and pads, and 2 tyres

Took mine to Porsche West London for a service and its first MOT, failed the test on 'rusty brake discs'. Driving round the effin' block would probably have fixed it but I ponied up for a new set anyway. Few months later it went in for something else and they tried to tell me they were rusted through again - bastards. They climbed swiftly down when I pointed out they might be mistaken...Chopped it in for a Skoda now. Much better.

[ashmicro]

I had two: an early 2.5 and a much later 3.2S. No issues, I gotta say with either. Having got my hand in with the first one, I ragged the second one mercilessly and it never complained. It did however eat tyres like mad.

 

Peter, If you like I can ask a mate who works

 

http://www.agnewcars.com/porsche/

 

For advice if you're stuck.

[Peter C]

Job done.A Porsche recovery mechanic got the car going this morning.

[Cavcraft]

No danger of blowing electrics when trying to jump these I take it? Seem to recall some modern Mercs can't be jump started.

[ashmicro]

My S Type's manual says not to jump start it too.

[dollywobbler]

Even stuff like the Audi quattro shouldn't be jump started. You can blow the dashboard equipment! Personally, I prefer a car you can start with a handle.

[Peter C]

Whilst the mechanic got the car going last night, my neighbour did not have time to drive too far and switched the engine off within a couple of minutes of getting it started. This morning the car wouldn't start.

 

I made space (got the MR2 out of the way) and we pushed the Boxster onto my drive. I've got the battery on trickle charge, which should hopefully revive it by the morning.

 

The Boxster does look quite good parked alongside the Merc:

 

[trigger]

Hey mister, your driveway looks well posh!

[Richard]

I think if my car let me down twice in such a short space of time I'd be weighing it in and making the scrapman crush it in my presence.

[Peter C]

Hey mister, your driveway looks well posh!

View from my front window:

 

[garethj]

Whilst the mechanic got the car going last night, my neighbour did not have time to drive too far and switched the engine off within a couple of minutes of getting it started. This morning the car wouldn't start.

When I had a flat battery and called the AA, he told me to let the engine run for at least 10 minutes. Doesn't really matter about running it fast (for those with a newfangled alternator) but 10 minutes at least.Sure you didn't want to offer your neighbour a lift in your decades-old Merc?

[Station]

Can't you try one of those cigarette lighter things that jumps from there? Neevr tried one tbh, but I -think- they're safe.

[AXrescuer]

Has he no breakdown cover?