Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

I was out for a drive in the sun yesterday and got a battery warning the dash. 60 seconds later PSM, PCM, ABS and airbags all failed. So, what to do? I've been told it is any easy DIY. I need to get the alternator off, as I've been told it might actually be the voltage regulator and not the actual alternator. So, anyway, as it's a bank holiday I'll get all the info together and decide what to do tomorrow when I can get prices.

Current alternator part number, 996.603.012.02 Bosch number 0 124 515 073. Now that is a 120 amp unit and apparently Porsche recommend the new 150 amp unit part number 997.603.012.07. I'll get cost tomorrow.

The voltage regulator part number is F 00M 145 350 and is available from Bosch distributors. I'll get costs tomorrow.

I know this doesn't help anyone just now, but it helps me collate all I need to help get prices tomorrow.

Lee check the battery first, put it on charge and see if the condition is ok, I had a problem like this last year and it turned out to be the battery

It's a brand new Bosch battery and full charged. It's got a 5 year warranty so if it's got a problem I'll be straight back to Halfauds.

Stick it on a multi meter, to see what the output is and it stays a constant level,

then turn on all the electric stuff, headlights on main beam, heated seats etc. See what the drop in voltage is, turn it all off to see is the voltage returns. If the level stays dropped then the voltage regulator is toast.

Either item are quite rare to fail.

Battery appears good, dash warning says "generator fault" which is keeping me pointing at the alternator. I think I'm going to buy another and then get my old one re-furbished? There are other tales on various forums of the cable from the starter to the alternator which can corrode, so that'll be next.

Voltage regulator replaced, part number F 00M 144 136 - 395. Car is now running well. After a day in the sunshine, I'll be having a beer and watching the F1.