front hood

[Greg M]

I have a 2001 boxster that the front hood will not open The battery is okay. Replaced the switch - still no luck. As many of you know this was the first year that porsche went from a mechanical cable to an electrical switch to release the front and rear hood. The rear hood works. Is there any way to open the hood so I can check the locking mechanism. From reading many different articles there appears to be an emergency release cable under the driver's side front wheel well. Is this the case with the 2oo1 model? And does anyone have any thoughts as to why the switch is not activating the latch?

[Loren]

(moved to proper forum)

:welcome:

Yes, the emergency cable is there on all 986's regardless of model year.

You should use it and then inspect the latch (for jamming) and the solenoid for activation.

[Greg M]

(moved to proper forum)

:welcome:

Yes, the emergency cable is there on all 986's regardless of model year.

You should use it and then inspect the latch (for jamming) and the solenoid for activation.

Thank -you. I'll look for the cable and let you know how I made out

Okay, I was able to locate the cable and open the hood. Now what? Nothing appears to be jamming the lock. Where do I find the solenoid?

Edited April 11, 2009 by Greg M

[RFM]

I would take a look behind the trim under the trunk latch to start with.

[Greg M]

I would take a look behind the trim under the trunk latch to start with.

There is no solenoid behind the trim. However I was able to locate the actuator, located behind the driver's side head light.. I tested the actuator with two wires coming off the battery and appears to be working okay. I am now stumped. I traced the wire back to toward the master cylinder and it appears to enter the driver"s side wheel well. Should I still be looking for a SOLENOID?

[RFM]

No, the actuator is the solenoid. I was not sure what you meant, different names for the same part. Check fuses, wiring's and connections first in this case.

[Greg M]

No, the actuator is the solenoid. I was not sure what you meant, different names for the same part. Check fuses, wiring's and connections first in this case.

okay, I checked fuses all okay. I checked the power source at the switch with mutimeter and receiving 12 volts. I checked the connector at the actuator and only receiving .5 volts a significant drop. I'm guessiing the problem lies somewhere between the switch harness and the actuator connector. Would there be any relays or fuses between the two or should I suspect a short somewhere and If I had a short, wouldn't the fuse be blown?

[Ruf987]

You checked the power source at the switch but did you verify that the switch feeds the power (Power out from the switch when activated), also try disconnecting the actuator and recheck for power.

[jboyle]

I think i have this same issue - my symptoms are:

- weak trunk latch actuation (i.e. "front trunk won't open")

- the rest of the car works flawlessly (i.e. not a battery issue..)

- if i wait a few minutes, it seems to work, but subsequent trunk openings do not work - each attempt is weaker, and weaker until the solenoid doesn't even 'click' or move.

- voltage at the solenoid is always 12v every single time i attempt to activate the trunk opening (either by keyfob, internal trunk switch, or emergency yellow handle within front trunk..)

The part # is 996-624-117-01 and costs between $80-$100 for the "Porsche" part.

anybody got a cross-referenced Audi/VW equivalent that might be less expensive?

[Loren]

:welcome:

996.624.117.01 Actuator (rear) -- US MSRP $89.71

If someone quoted you over $89 then they a gouging you with a price over MSRP.

Did you email or call Sunset Imports (Porsche Parts at Dealer Cost)?

Sunset Imports sells at dealer cost plus 15%.

Link at the top center of page...

[rzucchet]

Hello, I have a 2003 Boxster. The "frunk" opens/unlatches fine when I use the key fob, but NOTHING happens when I try to use the switch to the left of the driver's seat.

Therefore I assume it is not an issue with the 1) fuse 2) solenoid/actuator 3) latch mechanism. I suppose it is a problem with the switch on the interior. Any advice how to proceed? It's not obvious to me how to get access and what I may need to fix or replace.

Many thanks,

-Roger

[rzucchet]

Disregard last post and sorry for the intrusion... I just played around with the switch more as the hood was open and after a few minutes it started working again. weird.