2009 PORSCHE BOXSTER service

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
245
Electrical System In order to avoid damage and faults in electrical or
electronic systems, electrical accessories should
be installed at your authorized Porsche dealer.
fOnly use accessories authorized by Porsche.
Warning!
Risk of short circuit and fire, resulting in
serious personal injury or death.
Replacing fuses or relays with the engine
running or the ignition on could cause elec-
trical shock.
f Disconnect the negative terminal on the
battery during all work on the electrical
system.
Please see the chapter “BATTERY” on Page 249.
RelaysDefective relays should be changed only by an
authorized workshop.
In storage tray between the front seats
(not on vehicles with iPod, USB, AUX interfaces)SocketsElectrical accessories should preferably be
connected to the 12 V sockets.
f Please observe the maximum power
consumption.
Note on operation
The tire filling compressor must be connected to
the cigarette lighter.
In the passenger’s footwellNote on operation
The sockets and thus the connected electrical
accessories function even if the ignition is
switched off or the igni tion key is withdrawn.
If the engine is not running and the accessories
are switched on, the vehicle battery will be dis-
charged.
Do not operate additional accessories for more
than 5 minutes when engine is off. Continuing to
do so may drain the batte ry such that it may go
completely dead.
Maximum power consumpti on for both sock-
ets together: 70 W.

246
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Alarm system, central lockingThe status of the central locking and alarm system
is not changed by disconnecting the battery.
When the battery is di sconnected, the alarm
system ceases to function.Central locking overload protectionIf the central locking sy stem is operated more
than ten times within a minut e, further operation is
blocked for 30 seconds.
Load switch-off after 2 hours or 7 daysIf the ignition key is removed, loads which are
switched on or are in standby mode (such as the
luggage compartment light and interior light) are
automatically switched off after approx. 2hours.
The Radio/PCM is automatically switched off after
approx. 10 minutes.
If the vehicle is not started or unlocked with the
remote control within 7days , the remote control
standby function is switched off (to save the
vehicle battery).
1. In this case, unlock the driver’s door with the key at the door lock.
Leave the door closed in order to prevent the
alarm system from being triggered.
2. Press button 1 on the remote control.
The remote control is now activated again.

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
247
Replacing fuses In order to prevent damage to the electrical sys-
tem due to short circuits and overloads, the indi-
vidual circuits are protected by fuses.
The fuse box is located in the driver’s footwell.
A - Plastic gripper
B - Spare fuses 1. Switch off the load with the defective fuse.
2. Pull off plastic cover at the finger hole (arrow ).
The fuse plan and instructions for
emergency unlocking of the luggage
compartment lid can be found on the inner
side of the cover.
3. Remove the corresponding fuse from its slot using the plastic gripper A in order to check it.
A blown fuse can be ide ntified by the melted
metal strip. 4. Replace only with fuses of the same rating.
We recommend using genuine Porsche fuses
for replacement.
Note
f If a fuse blows repeatedly consult an author-
ized Porsche dealer.
f Never try to “repair” fuses: you may cause se-
rious damage to other pa rts of the electrical
system.

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Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Emergency unlocking of the front luggage
compartment lidIf the battery is discharged, the front luggage
compartment lid can be opened only with the aid
of a donor battery.
Note
The engine cannot be started with this method.
f Please see the chapter “EMERGENCY
STARTING WITH JUMPER CABLES” on
Page 255.
Unlocking lid
1. Use the key to unlock the vehicle at the door lock.
2. Remove the plastic cover from the fuse box.
3. Pull out positive terminal C (red) in the fuse box
using the plastic gripper A (yellow).
A - Plastic gripper (yellow)
C - Positive terminal (red)4. Use a jumper cable to connect the positive
terminal of the donor battery to the positive
terminal C in the fuse box.
Note
If the vehicle was locked, the alarm horn will sound
when the negative cable is connected.
5. Use the black jumper cable to connect the negative terminal of the donor battery to the
door arrester D.
6. Press button 2 on the remote control for
approx. 2 seconds to unlock the luggage
compartment lid.
The alarm system is switched off.
7. Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive cable.
8. Push positive terminal C into the fuse box and
push on the plastic fuse box cover.

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
249
Battery The battery is located in the front luggage
compartment under a black plastic cover.
f Please see the chapter “EMERGENCY OPERA-
TION – PULLING OUT THE IGNITION KEY” on
Page 74.
f Please see the chapter “EMERGENCY UNLO-
CKING OF THE FRONT LUGGAGE COMPART-
MENT LID” on Page 248.
Warning!
Risk of short circuit, fire and damage to alternera-
tor and electronic control units, resulting in seri-
ous personal injury or death.
f Observe all warning notes on the battery.
f Disconnect the negative terminal on the bat-
tery during all work on the electrical system.
f Do not lay tools or other metal objects on the
battery as they could cause a short circuit
across the battery terminal.
Hydrogen gas generated by the battery
could cause an explosion, resulting in
serious personal injury or death.
f Do not expose the battery to an open flame,
electrical spark or a lit cigarette.
f Do not wipe battery with a dry cloth.
Risk of serious personal injury or death and
damage to the fabric, metal or paint. f
Wear eye protection.
f Do not allow battery acid to come in contact
with your skin, eyes, fabric or painted
surfaces.
f If you get electrolyte, which is an acid, in your
eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with
cold water for several minutes and call a doc-
tor.
f Spilled electrolyte must be rinsed off at once
with a solution of baki ng soda and water to
neutralize the acid.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive harm.
f Always protect your skin by washing thorough-
ly with soap and water.
Risk of explosion as a result of static charge,
resulting in serious personal injury or death.
f Do not wipe the battery with a dry cloth.
f Eliminate potential electrostatic charge by
touching the vehicle before touching the bat-
tery.
Charge state A well-charged battery prevents starting problems
and has a longer service life.
Traffic density, requirements regarding noise, ex-
haust gas and fuel consumption reduce the engine
speed and, hence, the alternator output.
However, the large number of electrical loads has
markedly increased the demand for electrical po-
wer.
In order to avoid discharging the battery
unintentionally:
f Switch off unnecessary electrical loads in city
traffic, on short trips or in a line or traffic.
f Always remove the ignition key from the igni-
tion switch when leaving the car.
f Avoid frequent operation of the convertible top
and operation of the Porsche Communication
Management system and audio system when
the engine is not running.
f In the cold season in particular or if the vehicle
is used primarily for short journeys, it may be
necessary to recharge the battery from time to
time.

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Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Battery care fEnsure that battery is securely mounted.
f Keep terminals and connections clean and
properly tightened.
Corrosion can be prevented by coating the ter-
minals and connections with petroleum jelly or
silicone spray.
f Ensure that vent caps ar e securely tightened to
prevent spillage.
Checking the electrolyte fluid level
The acid level should be checked more frequently
by a qualified specialist workshop during the sum-
mer months and in predominantly warm countries. Battery charging
Automotive batteries lose their efficiency when
not in use.
The charge available in your battery can be meas-
ured with a battery hydrometer.
We recommend that the battery voltage be tested
by your authorized Porsche dealer who has the ap-
propriate equipment.
If the car is not driven for prolonged periods, the
battery must be charged at least every 6 weeks.
A discharged battery allows
rapid formation of sul-
fates, leading to premature deterioration of the
plates.
Warning!
Hydrogen gas generated by the battery
could cause an explosion, resulting in
serious personal injury or death.
f Charge battery in a well ventilated area.
f Never charge a frozen battery. It may explode
because of gas trapped in the ice. Allow a fro-
zen battery to thaw out first.
f If you get electrolyte, wh ich is an acid, in your
eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse with
cold water for several minutes and call a doc-tor. Slow battery charging
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to
advise you about a suitable charger.
1. Always observe the instructions of the charger
manufacturer.
Depending on the type of charger, the battery
may have to be disconnected.
In this case, always disconnect the negative
lead first, and then the positive lead – risk of
short circuit!
Reconnect the leads in reverse order.
2. Before charging, cold batteries must be warmed up indoors.
3. Frozen batteries must be thawed out first before being charged.
4. When charging, ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
5. Connect the charger to the battery. Only plug into the mains and switch the
charger on when it is connected up correctly.
6. Switch on the charger.
7. After charging, switch off the charger first and then disconnect it.
f Please see the chapter “PUTTING VEHICLE
INTO OPERATION” on Page 251.

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
251
Winter operation The capacity and ability of the battery to store
power decreases at low outside temperatures.
Moreover, the battery is more heavily loaded in
winter months, e.g. by the heated rear window,
more frequent use of additional lights, the fans
and the windshield wipers, etc.
f Have the battery checked before the start
of winter.
Maintenance note
Keep the battery well charged to prevent it
from freezing.
A discharged battery can freeze at 23 °F (--5 °C),
but a fully charged battery only freezes at -- 40 °F
(--40 °C).
A frozen battery must always be thawed before
connecting jump leads.
Replacing battery The service life of the batt ery is subject to normal
wear; it depends greatly on care, climatic conditi-
ons, and driving conditions (distances, loads).
f Only use an original Porsche battery, with the
correct part number, as a replacement.
f Please observe the disposal instructions for
batteries.
Putting vehicle into operationAfter the battery is co nnected or after an exhaus-
tively discharged battery is charged, the multi-
functional PSM light lights up on the instrument
panel and a message appears on the on-board
computer to indicate a fault.
This fault can be remedied with a few simple
steps:
1. Start the engine.
2. With the vehicle stationary, perform a few steering movements to the left and right and
then drive a short distance in a straight line
until the multifunctinal PSM light goes out and
the message on the on-board computer
disappears.
3. If the warnings do not disappear, then:
Drive carefully to the nearest authorized
Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied.
4. After the warnings disappear: Stop the vehicle in a suitable place.
f Perform adaptation of the power windows:
Please see the chapter “STORING END
POSITION OF THE WINDOWS” on Page 28.

252
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Removing the battery The required tool is in the tool kit.
The battery is located in the front luggage com-
partment under a black plastic lid.
Warning!
Risk of damage to alternator and electronic
control units.
f Do not disconnect the battery while the engine
is running.
This also applies to cars equipped with a bat-
tery main switch.
f Never drive the car with a disconnected bat-
tery.
Risk of caustic burns from escaping acid.
f Keep vent caps on to avoid spillage.
f Do not tilt the battery when removing and in-stalling it. 1. Switch off engine and all electrical loads.
2. Open turn-locks
A.
Remove plastic lid.
3. Pull off central vent hose C.
Danger!
Risk of short circuit an d explosion, resulting
in serious personal injury or death.
f Important: disconnect the negative ( –) ground wire first, and then the positive ( +) cable. 4. Important: disconnect the negative (
–) ground
wire first, and then the positive ( +) cable -
danger of short circuit!
5. Unscrew fastening screw B.
6. Remove battery.