Help required please

[smegman]

I have a W reg Boxster 2.7. When I disconnect the battery the alarm sounds and it takes me ages with the remote to stop it. How is this? Also I want to fit a battery isolating switch as the battery is discharged after 2 days of not driving, but if I cannot sort this alarm out I am stuffed.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

You need to put the key in the ignition, turn it to the first step, then remove the battery lead.
As you have found, if you don't do this, the alarm system thinks the car is being stolen, and you are just disconnecting the battery as part of the process of stealing it!

I'm afraid the battery isolator won't help, you are just avoiding the issue. You need to find out why the battery is draining. It should last a few weeks before it gets drained.
Typical drain points can be:
Tracker systems.
Faulty ignition switch (keeping systems running - such as interior fans etc).
Or maybe the battery is at end-of-life?

If you disconnect the battery (whether by the battery, or an isolator) make sure you have any radio code you might need (depends on the model). You might need to reset other systems such as the "top" of electric window positions as well if you disconnect.

This should be in the Boxster section by the way - if an admin can move it....? (this forum is for help with the forum itself, not cars)

 

[tscaptain]

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett
This should be in the Boxster section by the way - if an admin can move it....? (this forum is for help with the forum itself, not cars)

An Admin has moved it......[]

 

[smegman]

Mark, Thank you very much.

 

[Motorhead]

Phillip,

It would also be worth checking that the bonnet and boot lights are extinguished when you close those items. It's not unknown for the microswitches to fail, usually accompanied by a short "beep" from the alarm when locking the car using the remote control.

Jeff

 

[Glyn]

As per Marks comments, plus, Very common fault with alternator, the diode pack fails and the alternator draws current like its an electric motor - so it drains a good battery quite quickly.
Diodes only allow current one way and a failure of a diode allows current in the wrong direction, the failed diode also reduces the output amperage of the alternator when the engine is running.
Car should only draw just under 25milliamps when locked up (after 15 minutes to take this reading) so a good battey should last weeks and weeks.
Isolator is the wrong way to go to correct the battery drain issue - an isolator will cause all memories to be erased - so no radio stations, window close one touch and more importantly the idle speed learning - so you would have throttle adaption issues each time you reconnect power.

In my view you either have a duffy old battery (or a not so old rubbish Porsche moll battery), aftermarket electrical items running or a defective alternator - tracking the drain down is not difficult and if you cant do yourself wouldn't be expensive with an Indy - don't even consider an OPC

 

[smegman]

Had the same issue with my 200 Boxster. Bought a new battery from eurocar parts£ 72.00 no trouble since. You might want to try a solar charger to keep the batt topped up when not in use £ 14.00 on eBay.

 

[BartyB]

Phillip, this is a useful video that can help you identify the cause of any parasitic current draw. I'd do this as a first step before you buy another battery or start pulling out the alternator.