The first step in changing your car battery is choosing the best battery for your Porsche Boxster. Your Porsche Boxster Battery is the heart of your electrical system.
Changing your Porsche Boxster battery is not difficult and it is easy to perform.
The Best Battery for your Porsche Boxster is an AGM Battery
Replace the Boxster 986/987 OEM Standard Lead Acid Moll/Douglas (Porsche Label) batteries after 4-5 years of use at the first sign of losing their charge. You need to upgrade your car battery to an AGM Battery.
Why Use an AGM Battery?
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) is a newer battery technology than the original lead-acid batteries that were used in the 986 and 987 models.
NOTE: Current OEM Porsche Batteries for the 986 and 987 are AGM.
AGM batteries differ from standard lead-acid batteries in that the electrolyte is contained in glass mats. Originally designed in the US for Aircraft, AGM batteries are just better.
- can be mounted in any position
- superior handling of vibration
- designed to prevent the emission of hydrogen gas on overcharge
- electrolyte levels are a non-issue
- shorter recharge time (up to 5x faster)
- AGM batteries cannot tolerate overcharging, and overcharging will shorten the battery life. You need a charger with an AGM mode.
- safer for the environment
- excellent cold temperature performance
Save Money And Buy a Standard Battery
On all Boxster forums, users have reported excellent performance and cost savings using standard AGM batteries (Optima, ACDelco, Delphi, Exide, etc.) that fit your model of Boxster. The properly sized model of battery for your Boxster is critical, please double-check before ordering.
A Standard Lead Acid battery or AGM battery will do the job and save you 30% – 70% of the cost of an OEM battery replacement.
Porsche Boxster Battery Sizes
| Boxster Model | Boxster Year | BCI Group Number | EN Size | DIN Battery Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 986 | 1997 to 2004 | 48 | 66L3 | H6 |
| 987 | 2005 to 2014 | 94R | 77L4 | H7 |
| 981 | 2015 to 2016 | 49 | 88L5 | H8 |
H6 – Boxster 986 Battery – Group Size 48
H7 – Boxster 987 Battery – Group 94R
NOTE: Newly released (2021) Antigravity H7/Group-94R Car Battery using full BMS and Lifepo4 Lithium chemistry. MRSP $829.99 to $1,199.99 and saves 40lbs over conventional lead-acid batteries.
H8 – Boxster 981 Battery – Group 49
What would a Porsche Mechanic Say?
If you see a sign of the (lead-acid) battery losing charge, I would have a load test done on it to determine its condition. Occasionally running a desulfating charge program (some of the chargers do this) will extend its life, especially for cars that are not daily drivers.
Stefan @ FB Boxster Outlaws
How long does a Porsche battery last?
Porsche Car batteries will last between 3 to 7 years. This is dependent on several factors that impact the lifespan of the Porsche Boxster battery.
Factors impacting the battery lifespan include:
- hot and cold temperature extremes
- high electrical use
- drive time.
Where is the Battery on a Porsche Boxster?
Your Porsche Boxster battery is located in the front trunk compartment of the car, under a black plastic lid. see the photo below:
HowTo: Porsche Boxster Battery Replacement
Open the Front Trunk compartment and remove the battery lid as shown above.
If you have an OEM Porsche radio you will need to reprogram the security codes when you finish installing the new one. Try to have the codes ready before you start. The programming codes can be found in your owner’s manual. Until then you will see the word code with a flashing “C”.
1. Turn the Engine Off
Wear gloves and eye protection. Be careful using any metal objects (wrenches, ratchets, etc.) anywhere near the battery.
2. Open the Front Hood and Battery Compartment
Open your front hood.
To gain access to the battery compartment, you need to turn 2 plastic locking tabs to open the lid covering the compartment.
3 Remove Battery Venting Hose
4. Always Remove the Negative Battery Post Cable First
When preparing to remove the battery, you need to always remove the negative (-) battery post cable first.
Never remove battery cables if the engine is running.
The battery cable clamps use a 10mm socket. Use the 10mm wrench or ratchet to loosen and remove the (-) cable clamp from the battery.
The negative battery cable uses an inflexible heavy cable (AWG 2-4.) The cable has a propensity to return to its original position (when moved.) Because of this, when you disconnect the negative battery cable and move it aside, be careful that the cable does not slip and return to its original position making contact with the negative battery terminal post. If this happens, it could result in serious harm to you and your vehicle as you proceed.
Because of this you must isolate the negative ground battery cable with a plastic bag or wrap it in a microfiber towel. Do not take the chance of the loose negative cable accidentally regaining contact with the (-) battery post.
5. Remove the Positive (+) Battery Post Cable Second
With the negative cable safely secured and isolated, you can proceed to remove the (+) positive cable connection clamp using a 10mm wrench (or ratchet) on the battery.
If your (-) cable is not correctly isolated and regains contact with the (-) terminal post of your battery, any wrench or ratchet on the battery (+) terminal that comes in contact with the frame will cause sparks. You risk instantly welding your tool to the point of contact and personal harm. If you weld your tool to your frame and do not break the electrical circuit, the battery will proceed to overheat and can result in an explosion of hydrogen gas.
5.1 Warnings from the Internet
If you are unsure of any of the dangers outlined above please take the time to research the steps required to do this repair safely and easily.
Matt @ Stangnet.com
6. Remove the Porsche Battery Hold Down Clamp
Remove the battery hold-down clamp located on the same side as the battery venting hose.
7. Lift the Boxster Battery Out
Lift the Porsche Boxster Battery out of the car using the handles on the battery.
8. Remove Any Corrosion
Remove any/all corrosion found on the cable clamps. Wearing gloves and eye protection wipe the cable clamps free or use a brush (old toothbrush) baking soda and water mixture to scrub the cable clamps clean.
9. Install New Boxster Battery
Put the new battery into the Boxster facing in the same direction as the original battery.
Attach the venting hose to the side of the battery.
Replace the metal hold-down clamp that holds the battery in place.
Hook up the positive terminal first.
Do not touch any other metal part of the car with your wrench (or ratchet) as you tighten the connection.
Once the positive terminal is connected you can proceed to connect the negative terminal.
10. Reset Your Clock
11. If you own an Original OEM Porsche Radio
When you finish installing the new battery, you will need to reprogram your OEM Porsche Radio. The programming codes can be found in your owner’s manual.
If you do not have your original Porsche OEM radio security codes, your dealer can look them up for you.
Porsche Boxster Battery Drain Location
The Porsche Battery drain hole location is important to learn, as you will need to ensure that it does not become plugged. Porsche Boxster drain hold cleaning is a vital aspect of your yearly maintenance on your Boxster to ensure the lifespan of your car.
The battery drain hole is on the same side of the battery that has the battery hold-down clamp. You can see the clamp just on the right of the drain hole in the photo above.
Best Porsche Boxster Charger
Maintaining proper voltage in the Porsche Boxster battery is the best thing you can do to maximize battery performance and lifespan. We know many Boxsters sit for long periods of time between use. Because of this, you need the Best Battery Charger for Your Boxster.
Porsche Boxster Lead Acid Battery
Lead Acid batteries (standard flooded batteries) are very cost-efficient. We do recommend upgrading to an AGM battery, but Costco has both excellent lead-acid battery pricing (and AGM battery pricing) and warranty. You cannot go wrong with purchasing from Costco and it is highly recommended,
Keep in mind that the AGM battery charges quicker and has a greater range of operating temperatures.
Porsche Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery
Suncoastparts.com sells the Porsche Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. This battery is super lightweight at 4 pounds. The lower half of the battery in the photo is a carbon graphite “spacer” case. The battery is in the top 1/4 of the photo (only.) The dimensions of the battery are 12″ long x 6.75″ Wide and only 4.5″ tall.
SuncoastParts.com is easily one of the best online OEM Porsche Parts in Service, Delivery and availability.
How Can I tell my Battery’s Age?
The age of a car battery can be determined using the battery date code. The code is a two-digit code stamped into the cover as part of a longer code or on a battery’s top or side label.
The battery date code indicates when the battery was shipped from the manufacturing plant and is read as follows:
Letter – indicates in which month the battery was manufactured (Example: A is January, B is February, C is March, etc.)
Digit – indicates the year in which the battery was manufactured (Example: 9 for 2019, 0 for 2020, 1 for 2021, etc.)
For example, an automotive battery date code that starts with “B1” would be February 2021. In February 2027, this battery would be 72 months old.
What is Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)?
The battery’s Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) is an essential measure for good cranking ability in cars, trucks and boats. CCA is the amount of current or amps a battery can provide at 0 °F (−18 °C) for a 30-second duration until the battery voltage drops to unusable levels.
For example, a 12-volt battery with a 650 CCA rating means the battery will provide 650 amps for 30 seconds at 0 °F before the voltage falls to 7.20 volts for a 12v battery. So in freezing temperatures, a higher CCA level is required to crank your engine. Also, as more cranking power is used, the amount of battery power available decreases.
How does heat affect my battery?
Batteries are impacted by extreme weather, both hot and cold temperatures. Heat causes the acceleration of corrosion inside the battery. It can also cause water to evaporate out of the battery’s liquid electrolyte. This results in decreased battery capacity, a weakened ability to start an engine, and, a shorter battery lifespan.
How do I stay safe when working with a battery?
Use extreme caution when handling electrolytes, a sulfuric acid/water solution that can damage clothing and skin.
Keep an acid-neutralizing solution available, such as baking soda.
Lead-acid batteries contain hydrogen-oxygen gases that can be explosive and sulfuric acid that can cause severe burns. To help avoid the risk of danger and injury, observe these precautions when handling or working with a lead-acid battery:
- Wear the proper eye, face, and hand protection.
- Make sure the work area is well-ventilated.
- Never lean over the battery while jump-starting, testing, or charging.
- Cigarettes, flames, or sparks could cause a battery to explode. Keep all ignition sources away from the battery.
- Remove all hand and wrist jewelry. Jewelry could make electrical contact and cause severe burns by touching the terminals.
- Always shield eyes and face from battery.
- If the electrolyte is splashed into an eye, immediately force it open and flood it with clean, cold water for at least 15 minutes. Get prompt medical attention.
- If the electrolyte is taken internally, drink large quantities of water or milk. DO NOT induce vomiting. Call a physician.
- Neutralize any spilled electrolyte with a neutralizer like baking soda. After neutralizing, sweep the area and dispose of materials according to federal and state guidelines.
- Mixing acid can be hazardous. Do not attempt without proper training.
- Do not charge or use booster cables or adjust post connections without proper instructions and training.
- KEEP VENT CAPS TIGHT AND LEVEL.
- KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
- Neutralize any spilled electrolyte with a neutralizer like baking soda. After neutralizing, sweep the area and dispose of materials according to federal and state guidelines.
- Mixing acid can be hazardous. Do not attempt without proper training.
Join us on Facebook
Join Boxstertips.com on Facebook today and become a part of the most vibrant Porsche Boxster community on the web. Share your passion, gain valuable knowledge, and immerse yourself in the world of one of the most beloved sports cars ever created.
Other Articles of Interest
The location of the Porsche Boxster battery is in the Frunk (or front trunk compartment.)
Porsche Car batteries last between 3 to 5 years. This is dependent on several factors that will impact the life of the Boxster battery. These factors include; hot and cold temperature extremes, high electrical use, and drive time.
Batteries are impacted by extreme weather, both hot and cold temperatures. Heat causes the acceleration of corrosion inside the battery. It can also cause water to evaporate out of the battery’s liquid electrolyte. This results in decreased battery capacity, a weakened ability to start an engine, and, a shorter battery lifespan.
Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
