987.1 flat battery - can't find earth for hood boost

[FluffyOwl]

Hey all,

I have a flat battery and need to open the front using the fuse box. I bought a NOCO boost plus to do the fuse box trick, but every time I try to connect the black clamp to anything it gives a red ! error suggesting the polarity is wrong or there's no earth detected. I have tried the door pillar loop and parts of the hinge mechanism that is not covered in plastic paint, but nothing seems to spark.

Any thoughts?

 

[Chappelle]

A while since I've had to do it, but I've had limited success with the fuse box. You are connecting the positive to the pull out connector, and negative to door frame etc?

Other option just to give you enough juice to open the bonnet is to use the cigarette lighter socket as it is on all the time. I've had more success with this approach using the one by the ashtray. Allows the bonnet to be opened then connect heavy duty charger directly to the battery.

FYI I trickle charge my Boxster using the ashtray connector

 

[Terry]

Some of those power packs require there to be current left in the battery before they will work. Not sure if that applies to your NOCO model but if so you will need to apply power from a different source to the fuse panel.

 

[malarcy]

Some boost packs have smarts that require certain conditions before switching into the “boost” mode.

Couple of suggestions (one I did on a mates 997 recently ). If the noco has an override / just do it button then press that BEFORE connecting it to the car. Give it a few seconds then try the key fob frunk release button. If that doesn’t work then try the floor button.

if that doesn’t work then - if at all possible use a battery rather then the boost pack

 

[FluffyOwl]

Quick update. The Noco does have a 'power out' USB port, which I connected to the cigar lighter in the middle of the car (not the one under the armrest). I left it overnight as nothing happened before bed, however this morning the Noco battery has depleted and I'm getting nothing from the car.

My next plan is to charge the Noco again this morning and reconnect it to the car during the day and monitor more closely. I may also try the other cigar lighter. I have also put the word out to local friends for a battery charger to try the fuse box hack again.

Frustrating as I have two new tyres waiting to be fitted!!

Thanks all for the replies. Have a great day.

 

[DaveIrwin]

Just a reminder that the bonnet release responds better to the key than the sill buttons.

Good luck.

 

[AndrewCS]

Crocodile clips can be awkward to attach / provide sufficient contact ... consider how to improve the contact

 

[FluffyOwl]

I charged the Noco again this morning and it's currently attached to the cigar lighter. I'll go out and fiddle during lunch break.

I am beginning to think the Noco is not the right appliance to jump the fuse box. I am still getting the red ! warning, even though I am certain the connection is good. Shame it doesn't have an override. I'll obtain a proper battery charger methinks.

 

[richardm]

echoing what others hv said re another battery. Last this happened on my 987 I connected my industrial-size jump leads (from when I used to own a Chrysler!) to my daily driver battery, then earth to the 987 door hinge, then tap the positive on the exposed fuse. Then the ignition key servo shld click and you shld be able to pop open the frunk with the side switch. ️

Quick update. The Noco does have a 'power out' USB port, which I connected to the cigar lighter in the middle of the car (not the one under the armrest). I left it overnight as nothing happened before bed, however this morning the Noco battery has depleted and I'm getting nothing from the car.

My next plan is to charge the Noco again this morning and reconnect it to the car during the day and monitor more closely. I may also try the other cigar lighter. I have also put the word out to local friends for a battery charger to try the fuse box hack again.

Frustrating as I have two new tyres waiting to be fitted!!

Thanks all for the replies. Have a great day.

 

[FluffyOwl]

No luck at lunchtime. Given up with the Noco and will return it. A friend has a spare battery that I can borrow, but it needs charging. Hopefully get it going tomorrow.

Shame about the Noco. It seemed like a good all-in-one device, but doesn't want to play with my car.

 

[malarcy]

I have noco boost pack(s). I bought them specifically because the model I went for had the override.

it worked on my mates 997 recently.

that said. The frunk opening circuit doesn’t play nicely with boost packs. They depend on large current draw to switch to the boost setting and generally they don’t supply enough in non boost mode to fire The circuit (1a phone charging) and the car doesn’t draw enough to switch the pack into boost.

I have had success in the past with a 12v house alarm backup battery, otherwise it’s been a donor battery or the noco with override.

hope the battery works out for you.

 

[FluffyOwl]

Morning all,

I managed to get hold of a 12v battery from a caravan. Last night I connected it to my battery charger and set it to 'repair' mode as the battery had not been used for a while. All charged and showing voltage ok this morning.

Connected it to my car and nothing. I checked all the fuses in the fuse box.

I know from watching TY videos that you usually hear a 'click' or a relay being activated. I get nothing back form the car. I have tried a couple of negative clamp points and it just won't budge!

 

[FluffyOwl]

When I say connected it to my car, I mean the fuse box hack to open the bonnet. It won't open with key fob or door switch.

 

[tscaptain]

Looks like you'll have to find the emergency release cable which is hidden in one of the front wheel arches behind the liner. Can't remember which side but I'm sure someone on here will know. There are YouTube vids on the subject

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ykdwAiBEFfM

[link]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy6OJpG_cP8[/url]

See this thread also

https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1018608

 

[FluffyOwl]

Ok happy to find that cable, but would prefer to know if it's on the near-side or off-side before I go getting all dirty under my car. I'll do some digging.

 

[Motorhead]

Hi Nicholas,

I think that the emergency release cable on your 987.1 is accessed from the L/H front wheel arch. You may need to jack-up the car slightly and remove the front half of the liner to gain access. It’s quite possible that it will be very stiff owing non-usage, so be a bit careful.

Good luck!

Jeff

 

[Motorhead]

Here’s what you’re looking for … item 22.

Jeff

 

[FluffyOwl]

I may need to get some help on this. My steering wheel lock is on and I can't unlock it to turn the wheels to get access to the lining.

Side question - will I need my locking wheel nut bolt to get the wheel off? Where is this located?

 

[FluffyOwl]

Update - I sheepishly called my local Porsche specialist, having previously had a bad experience with them (they left oil stains on my tan carpets after a previous repair). The guy brought along his industrial booster and managed to get some life into it, got the bonnet open and managed to start the car.

Sooo relieved.

Thank you to everyone who gave up their time to reply to this *thumbs up*

 

[Motorhead]

Unfortunately the locking wheel nut key is in front boot Nicholas!

If you just jack-up the L/H front of the car hopefully you should have sufficient room to unscrew and pull back the front section of the wheel arch to get a hand in and feel around for the loop.

Jeff

Edit: Sorry, missed your last post! Good to hear that you’re all sorted. Lesson learned … keep the car on a battery conditioner if you can.