boxster987

I use a CTEK MXS 5.0 Polar caus I live in the Alps. Plugged in the lighter
Never use the special polar feature yet
Works for my Massey Ferguson too

TriGator

Sorry to resurrect an old thread.
On the 981s that disable the cigarette lighters (footwell and armrest) after 20 minutes, is there a setting in the PCM or that the dealer can update which disables the auto off function?

fhp911

I went away for 2 weeks in the summer and my '11 BS was DOA when I returned. I assumed the battery was old/tired even though it was less than 3 years since purchase, so I got it checked out. 100% clean. I have a CTEK which brought it back to life.
Moral: If you're going away put it on a charger!

Interesting 2ndary observation. After I got the battery checked out (and it was ok) I got a CEL after driving about a mile from the shop [don't remember the exact code]. I cleared the code with my Durametric -- I'm sure glad I have one. The code never re-appeared. I am ABSOLUTELY convinced that getting the battery's vitals taken is what kicked off the code.

Phil G.

Which I would do if I had PCM.

User 52121

Hmm - are we certain that it disables charging as well?

Why the hell would Porsche sell an official tender, to be used on cars that can only be charged for 20 mins?

From what I recall last year, the light stayed lit all winter on my wife's car (981 Boxster). I had deliberately positioned the charger so I could check on it. The car sat for a few months without being touched and the battery was still solid and fully charged in the spring.

PorscheAddict

I just leave the frunk slightly open and put the tender direct to the terminals, with a car cover over the car still. No issues.

Phil G.

True. The very late 981 cars had a disable switch which made zero sense. I used to trickle charge my 996 4S using the cigarette lighter adapter without problem. Interestingly, my 2013 BMW x3, when connected to the lighter cuts out after 20 minutes also. Dumb design.

Phil G.

If you do that don't forget to remove the bulb from the frunk light as it will remain on. I just run my cables up under the cowl under the windshield and then down the side of the vehicle. There's no tension on it, and no scratches.

PorscheAddict

Hmm, are you sure about that? Some people here on RL said it should time out after 30 min or so. I will check tonight to be sure.

Dom991.1

Lights do NOT stay on on my 2014 981, and i sometimes leave all doors open while i am working on projects - 30 min shutoff sounds about right ...and i leave the CTEK unit plugged in for longer periods of time (for example, was plugged over last two weeks) and still shows as charging.

storii

I plug my CTEK MUS 4.3 into the 12V outlet in the passenger foot well of my 2015 BS. The CTEK stays on until I plug it out. There is no auto shut-off there.

Big Swole

Just purchase the CTEK 4.3, lighter plug, and cord extension for my Cayman. Just arrived yesterday late, so not out of the box yet.

The other thread about chargers also seemed to show CTEK in a positive light, so I decided to buy one.

Phil G.

As your Cayman is not a late build 2016 or later, you should have no issue charging for extended periods using the lighter plug. The CTEK MUS 4.3 is a terrific, safe and dependable charger. Let us know how it works out.

Phil G.

Should work with the cigarette lighter input as well without shutoff, as your Boxster is a '15. Outlets die after 20 minutes in the late build '16s. I don't know about the '17 cars.

Big Swole

Everything arrived and I just hooked it up today using the cig. lighter plug. Seems Very well made and I like the 8 Step and options modes on the 4.3.
Very happy I made the purchase! Thanks!!