Battery Dead - No access via bonnet

[JuliusF]

Classic 996 newbie error - battery went flat, now locked out of the luggage compartment.

1998 C2, so i think it doesn't have an electric latch, but does have an interlock that stops the lever moving.

Seen a Porsche TSB electric fix for a Boxster, jury rigging an electric jumper through fuse C3 - anyone know if this should work for a 996 please?

Also understand you can take out the whole lever assembly, but electric seats are in the way of the allen key holes.

Also understand you can manually operate the pull cable if you take the wheel arch liner out - not sure which arch though? Also complicates that car is parked on a slope, has 18" wheels and the jack and wheel nut lock are in the locked compartment.

Any help appreciated.

J

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Go for jumping fuse C3 first. It would save you a LOT of hassle. Works exactly the same on a 996 as 986.

Failing that, on your car the cable is on the passenger side, somewhere around the headlight tray, but you'll have to grovel and fish.

 

[SteveAndrews]

If you still have a problem I found this article on another website http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=56267&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 with excellent pics of all the alternatives. If you have some jump leads and someone to give you a boost from their battery the easiest way may be to pop open the engine cover accessed by hooking the wire under the rear left hand light cluster and jump start the car. I checked this method of opening the engine cover myself "just in case" and it was easy.

 

[davey j]

I've used a battery charger and a metal nail in the past, put the nail in the positive clamp of the charger and touch the nail in the centre of the cig lighter. Switch on the charger and pop open the bonnet, easy []

 

[JuliusF]

Gents - brilliant replies - some excellent tips there - gong to be an interesting weekend!

One other question, I've bought a new Bosch battery from Europarts, 70Ah, which I understand is the 'right one' (!) based on original part spec, but I was also given an option for another £10 or so to get an uprated 72Ah version.

I can always trade up as I haven't used it yet, but I wondered if there was any general knowledge on whether the difference is worth it, and also curious as to why an uprated battery should even be available?

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

With Bosch batteries, the difference is usually in the guarantee period. S3=3 years, S5= 5 years. Not sure exactly what models you have been quoted for but 70/72Ah won't make any noticeable difference.

 

[JuliusF]

Resolved!

I am indebted to all of you for your help, but as a newbie who breaks into anxious sweats whenever I go near my pride and joy with anything other than the key, I think Steve's answer was the easiest.

I eased up the light unit using a couple of small plastic wedges (like you use for hardwood floor fitting)shone a torch in - could easily see the cable and fished it out with a bent coat hanger hook (plastic coated to protect the bodywork).

As soon as I had auxiliary power on the engine compartment battery terminals, although there wasn't enough juice to crank the engine, I could work the central locking by using the key in the doorlock - I've never been so happy to see a bonnet pop open in my life!

New battery in - what a difference - fired first crank!

Thanks again.

J

 

[tscaptain]

ORIGINAL: davey j

I've used a battery charger and a metal nail in the past, put the nail in the positive clamp of the charger and touch the nail in the centre of the cig lighter. Switch on the charger and pop open the bonnet, easy []

Straight from the owners manual................[]

 

[davey j]

ORIGINAL: tscaptain

ORIGINAL: davey j

I've used a battery charger and a metal nail in the past, put the nail in the positive clamp of the charger and touch the nail in the centre of the cig lighter. Switch on the charger and pop open the bonnet, easy []

Straight from the owners manual................[]

Well it worked for me! [8|]

 

[turbo jonny]

Came across this on research into 996

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/996-forum/766512-emergency-engine-cover-release-cable-a-simple-preventative-measure.html