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2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

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20 captured repliesPartial discussion capture · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW

Discussion summary

YOUR RESEARCH2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Reported or suspected cause

alternator

Reported cause

No successful repair reported for this finding.

1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that report identifying a cause
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Reported cause

It was the alternator.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Frequently discussed work

Check alternator

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion · Original poster

Will check the alternator.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Read full discussion summary

Leading evidence: 'alternator' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'alternator' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check alternator' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.

Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.

Read captured replies

1 matching discussions · 20 captured posts examined · 1 partial discussions

Compare 4 other evidence results

Check fuses, including distributor box 80 amp fuse

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

I tried new battery, checked the kill switch, replaced the ignition switch, checked fuses, including distributor box 80 amp fuse, checked immobilizer fuse, opened the box (immobilizer) and looked for any corrosion-all good.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Check immobilizer fuse, opened the box (immobilizer) and looked

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

I tried new battery, checked the kill switch, replaced the ignition switch, checked fuses, including distributor box 80 amp fuse, checked immobilizer fuse, opened the box (immobilizer) and looked for any corrosion-all good.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Check kill switch

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

I tried new battery, checked the kill switch, replaced the ignition switch, checked fuses, including distributor box 80 amp fuse, checked immobilizer fuse, opened the box (immobilizer) and looked for any corrosion-all good.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Check looks normal

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

Checked, looks normal.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Frequently discussed actions (10)

These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.

Check alternator

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion · Original poster

Will check the alternator.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Check connector at the front/top of the engine compartment

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

Especially check the connector at the front/top of the engine compartment.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Check fuses, including distributor box 80 amp fuse

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

I tried new battery, checked the kill switch, replaced the ignition switch, checked fuses, including distributor box 80 amp fuse, checked immobilizer fuse, opened the box (immobilizer) and looked for any corrosion-all good.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Check immobilizer fuse, opened the box (immobilizer) and looked

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

I tried new battery, checked the kill switch, replaced the ignition switch, checked fuses, including distributor box 80 amp fuse, checked immobilizer fuse, opened the box (immobilizer) and looked for any corrosion-all good.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Check kill switch

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

I tried new battery, checked the kill switch, replaced the ignition switch, checked fuses, including distributor box 80 amp fuse, checked immobilizer fuse, opened the box (immobilizer) and looked for any corrosion-all good.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Check looks normal

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

Checked, looks normal.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Check negative terminal and negative connection

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

Also check the negative terminal and negative connection from the battery to the chassis.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Check where the battery positive cable connects at the firewall

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

If battery turns out to be ok, check where the battery positive cable connects at the firewall.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Clean spring type connector at the end of the cable

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

On my car I pulled the cable from the rod, use a fine emery paper (2000 wet sand paper) to polish the rod, and cleaned the spring type connector at the end of the cable with a toothbrush using a solution of water and baking soda, to remove the greenish 'acid'..?

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Disconnect battery

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

Disconnect your battery from the car terminals and measure the voltage.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Reported and suspected causes (1)

These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.

alternator

No successful repair reported for this finding.

1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Reported cause

It was the alternator.

2002 Boxster S No electrical Power at all - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners
Coverage and how to read this overview

Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.

20 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.

  • 986Forum: 1 discussions

0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.

0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.

Generation: 20261027T003124Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources

POST 1 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Hello everyone, new member here. After trying to figure out my no power issue on 2002 Boxster S race car I gave up and don't really know what else to do. Before hauling the car to a Porsche mechanic, wanted to see if someone here had similar issue and may be able to help. My Boxster suddenly lost all electrical power to it. I tried new battery, checked the kill switch, replaced the ignition switch, checked fuses, including distributor box 80 amp fuse, checked immobilizer fuse, opened the box (immobilizer) and looked for any corrosion-all good. It is no longer under the seat but somewhere between door bar and door, so no getting really soaked issue here. Any suggestions?

POST 2Original post

Quotes source post: 652923

I had the same problem. It was the alternator. I replaced it and everything worked fine. It helps if you have the Bentley Service manual to do the replacement.

POST 3 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

So complete electrical failure due to alternator? I thought the good battery at least will light up display for sure. Will check the alternator. Thanks

POST 4Original post

Quotes source post: 652934

My battery lasted about 3 minutes after the alternator went out.

POST 5Original post

If battery turns out to be ok, check where the battery positive cable connects at the firewall.

POST 6Original post

Take the battery out -- connect a charger to the car -- do you get things to wake up? Sometimes a battery will fail internally and short things out -- even to the extent you can't jump it. Also check the negative terminal and negative connection from the battery to the chassis. I would also look for voltage at various points around the car.

POST 8 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Quotes source post: 652976

Will check. Thanks Tried but without success. I ordered voltage regulator from FCP ($40 with shipping) will try it.

POST 9 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Quotes source post: 652969

Looks normal. The one next to power steering, right?

POST 10Original post

Quotes source post: 652981

No, the connector I am talking about is in the front luggage compartment (close to the battery) and it goes through the firewall. At least on the 987 (this connector that goes through the firewall) is part of a "power module" that is located behind the glove compartment, it connects to the positive battery cable and powers the 'power module' that includes high amp fuses. On the 987, the battery cable plugs into this connector with a strange "spring" type friction plug that you have to pull hard to disconnect, no clips, no nuts.. it just attaches the cable to the plug with tension. On my car I pulled the cable from the rod, use a fine emery paper (2000 wet sand paper) to polish the rod, and cleaned the spring type connector at the end of the cable with a toothbrush using a solution of water and baking soda, to remove the greenish 'acid'..? then used electric contact cleaner and once it dried, I used dielectric grease on both, the rod and the spring connector, a common practice when you have Italian cars ..lol Afterwards I never had that issue again. Hopefully this helps

POST 11Original post

Disconnect your battery from the car terminals and measure the voltage. What do you measure?

POST 12 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Quotes source post: 653010

I have 12.9V on my battery

POST 13 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Quotes source posts: 652997, 653010

Seems like mine has cable going from the positive battery terminal to a kill switch. Can not find anything that resembles connector you described. May be it is 987 only. Thanks

POST 14Original post

Watch this vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=306zXxRypF8 I had my AC module go dark this week and this trick worked to get it back. Cheap, quick, and worth a try before trowing parts at it.

POST 15Original post

Quotes source post: 653021

Sounds like a good battery. Next step is to proceed with the advice given. Good luck.

POST 16Original post

Re-reading your original post, what’s this “kill switch” you refer to?

POST 17Original post

Sounds like you have a multimeter. Start tracing voltage from the battery and move down the circuit path until you no longer have voltage. Do you have 12.9v to ground at the line side of the kill switch? If so, do you have 12.9v to ground at the load side of the switch once you’ve turned it to the on position? I’ve never been around a Boxster race car, but used to race a Formula Ford. Much simpler wiring scheme on a race car. This shouldn’t be too hard to figure out.

POST 18Original post

Quotes source post: 653108

Racer thing -- not on a street car. Since you have a voltmeter -- start measuring voltages at different places around the car -- find an online wiring diagram to find the locations you should have 12v. Especially check the connector at the front/top of the engine compartment. It sort of a jumped box from the engine area to the front of the car (and your battery). It's a simple post with a 10 or 13mm nut that could have worked its way loose. There is also the fuse box behind/under the dash/glovebox (if you have one) that connects to the battery and has some master fuses there. Mike

POST 19Original post

Quotes source post: 653114

This fuse box has a rod that goes through the firewall and plugs with the + battery cable (with a funky connector), this is where the failure occurred on my 987.. just giggle the cable (at this connector) with the ignition on, to see if you regain power. .

POST 20 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

Quotes source post: 653108

Kill switch is the switch to kill all the power to the car in case of accident.

This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.