Boxster folks, need help.

[DWBOX2000]

My front trunk won’t open. I can hear it trying (electric) but nothing. It’s a 02 S. Has anyone seen the release cable under the left front fender liner? I partially removed right liner and looked around. I also fished my hand around to find nothing. Has anyone seen on the left side. Thanks.

[911boost]

I had this issue with my 2003 996TT. I was at the airport and couldn't get my suitcase out.

Have you tried waiting and using the electronic opening again? I learned if I did it a few time it would open eventually as I was experimenting with it after getting it open with the cable. The servo in the frunk just wore out.

Mine was on the passenger side and I had to completely remove the wheel and liner. Once I did that I was able to find it with a flashlight and get the frunk open.

After you replace the servo and fix it, lengthen the wire and tuck it behind the turn signal/reflector on the wheel well since they just pop out. Of course after I replaced the servo I never needed the cable again.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Had it happen once, ended up having to pull the wheel and fender liner and it was a huge PITA to find the stupid cable. They seem to be all over the place per other forum posts, not a great answer I know.

Have you tried having someone push down on the hood when pushing the release? Sometimes that can pop it loose.

[Baz]

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(Part II!)

[Baz]

PS - I got a brand new battery for mine and a disconnect to avoid this happening to mine.

[911boost]

Its not the battery, the little servo that "pops" it up can fail.

[DWBOX2000]

Thanks all. My guess is that wire is somewhere on the right side. The car was only serviced at the dealership and never had bumper off based on receipts. Not sure if they are in a spot where it would bounce out of position or not.
Anyhow, I have tried several times over a few days to open. I have also tried pulling up and pushing down with the fob button. No luck. Next I am going to try and charge the battery though the lighter and see what happens. I guess if all else fails, I will totally remove liner.
Regarding the fuse box trick, I used that on my old 996 c4s. I took the battery out and for some reason I closed the hood. Worked like a charm.
Thanks all. I post back when I figure out.

[DWBOX2000]

Funny thing, it’s either the latch unit which happens or when I took the bumper off last week, I dropped one of those black plastic tabs that hold the trim under the hood in place. I said to my friend that I was shocked there were no left over anything. Then I went to put those tabs in and I dropped one. I did open a couple times after the drop so who knows.

[rfuerst911sc]

Once a year you should pull the front bumper to clean the AC condensers and radiators . During that time always make sure you have the emergency cable for the hood routed in a way that is accessible . Sometimes that means you have to extend the cable . Whatever works for you .

My Boxster S is parked in a garage , because of that after a drive I always pop the hood . Been doing that for years . I know that doesn't help you at the moment but food for thought in the future . Good luck

[onewhippedpuppy]

I had the latch unit fail on one of my 986/996 cars. That stupid cable is a real PITA to find, it’s just sort of laying there and easy to miss. At least it was for me.

[DWBOX2000]

Pull off once a year? Mine were not bad. Porsche claimed to clean radiators every year up until two years ago but I imagine they just vacuumed out in front of the condensers. Going forward, I plan on buying screens which should have come from factory. This job is certainly a case of upsetting stuff that shouldn’t need to be upset.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

snip
My Boxster S is parked in a garage , because of that after a drive I always pop the hood.

Mine too but in a storage unit. This is my mechanic, Ivan. He has a Boxster too so thought I'd show him mine.

If you look closely - you can see my battery disconnect (the green knob atop the battery).

[rfuerst911sc]

My engine builder absolutely will not use aftermarket radiator inlet screens . Too restrictive as tested on a chassis dyno . He's built well over a thousand Porsche engines so I trust him . Also Porsche didn't add them for a reason .

It takes less than 15 minutes to remove the front bumper . While cleaning the rads/condensers you can also do a visual inspection of everything hidden by the bumper cover . Like the emergency hood release cable .

[DWBOX2000]

I asked the screen question on another forum. The top dog on that site said he had no problems with and recommended a particular brand. If I add a the temp goes up, I’ll let ya know.
15 minutes, that’s dam fast. I’m about an hour with getting car jacks in place for me.

[rfuerst911sc]

The Porsche water coolant temp gauge is notoriously inaccurate. And oil temp is the one you want to keep an eye on . My 2 post lift really speeds up the bumper removal . Good luck with yours .

[rfuerst911sc]

Any luck getting the trunk open ?