Trouible starting 00 996 -- suggestions?

[CarreraScott]

2000 996 C2 Cab, 6 speed.

My poor car has been sitting idle for well over a month now (crappy weather, and in between houses), without the trickle charger in. As expected my battery was completely dead. I hooked up my truck to jump it, and it gets power but doesnt even try to start. All that happens when I turn the key is dashboard lights light up and the passenger window cycles up and down about 1/2". No engine clicking, no turning over, etc.

Question is, with a jump attached does this mean its something other than the battery? I'd hate to have my car towed to the dealer to find out its the battery. Any other ideas?

Like I said all that happens when I turn the key (em brake on, clutch engaged) is dash lights, beeping sounds, and passenger window going up and down!!

Thanks for any ideas...

Edited February 5, 2004 by CarreraScott

[Loren]

Scott,

If you have not been having any electrical problems it is likely just the battery. When these "new technology" batteries go... they pretty much die all the way. That is, it is not uncommon to have a cell failure with a very low state of charge. I would get a new battery (you would need one within a year anyway) as that will likely take care of it.

[CarreraScott]

Thanks Loren. Do you know who makes batteries that would fit the 996? Does Sears make a good DieHard for it? Any others you'd recommend?

Thanks!

Scott

[Loren]

There is a thread on the Optima battery here.

Any group 48 or 47 battery should work. Just make sure it has the connection for the vent hose (remember our batteries are inside) and the terminals are on the right side, ;)

[Tool Pants]

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/index.htm

12 volts is 12 volts and amps is amps as far as I'm concerned. I have seen just about every brand battery in Boxsters over 5 years and no brand batteries.

A few years ago I replaced mine with a $60 battery sold by AutoZone and another local Boxster owner bought his from Sears for $30 more. I looked at his battery and he looked at mine - identical group size 48 except for the sticker on the side.

There are battery message boards. :o Sears in California may buy from company X due to various factors, such as shipping costs. Sears in New York may buy from Company Y. Sears is a retailer and does not make anything. Most independent shops I see carry Interstate. But it could be for various reasons - such as profit for the shop.

I also have a picture or 2 of an aftermarket battery without a vent hose and the owners are still alive. Jeff

[alter_schwede]

hi Scott,

had this problem on my old Boxster too!

but then instead of bying a new battery, I just un-plugg it and re-charge it for approx. 36 hours and re-installed it, after that the Boxster starts like a clock.

cheers,

Tony

[CarreraScott]

New battery solved everything, thanks guys.