How to change Boxster 986 ignition coils & spark plugs

[@carlo_det157]

Ironically this is the only video that I’ve seen showing how to slide out the relay container in the trunk (boot) - I did this to swap out the O2/ignition relay to try to resolve an odd CEL pattern tied to cylinder misfires, and it worked!

[@MatthewMcClellan]

My next job for my Boxster. I appreciate you taking the time to do the video. Thank you.

[@mrradman2986]

Just noticed a healthy misfire on my 27 000 mile 2004 S getting it out after winter hibernation. Some of the coil packs were replaced at the last service so it looks like the rest are giving up. Seems a pretty straightforward job given the tools. Glad I had the IMS bearing replaced during lockdown.

[@paulsalter3223]

Love your videos . Always used to do my own work on cars but was a bit nervous to try anything on the boxster. Your videos / how to guides are great . Breaks everything down in easy stages and has given me my confidence back . Look forward to more guides .thanlks afaim

[@RoadandRacetv]

Many thanks Paul, your comment has made my day. It's so rewarding to know that I've been able to help in some way. Keep me posted on how things go!

[@micahstory]

Fantastical simple step by step guide...thank you!

[@MotorScotti]

Very usefull how to guides! excellent job. It's nice to see you're taking good care of your 986!

[@RoadandRacetv]

Many thanks MotorScotti. I try my best to keep her in good shape! Do you have a Boxster?

[@MotorScotti]

+Road and Race No I drive great handling but more modestly powered Peugeot RCZ. My brother in law has a 2003 Boxster S 986 and we have been working on it a bit lately. :)

[@collinthomas6288]

You're my go to when working on my spec boxster

[@Sailor_Zeb]

Superb! Quick n easy instructions!

[@RoadandRacetv]

Glad it helped!

[@desmondsequerah9760]

Cheers. I totally forgot that I do have the durametric scanner. The program is on my old lap top. I only used it a couple of times when I got it over a year ago to learn how to use it. Got to plug it in and figure it out again. lol

[@RoadandRacetv]

well done! let me know how it goes!

[@ovenorway]

Looking forward to see the results on the dyno. Would expect a few horsepower just by giving it fresh spark plugs. I would also clean the throttle body before putting it on the dyno again . And you should really clean that engine up a bit on the outside too.

[@RoadandRacetv]

Dyno episode should be up mid July. Thanks for the advice on the throttle body and engine!

[@cameronlaurent]

Nice tutorial. I don't understand pulling the relay though as that is an extra step with no point.

[@desmondsequerah9760]

Thanks for your reply. No, I have not done anything as yet. Would an OBD 2 diagnostic scanner do? No engine check icon on though. It is due for a plug change so will do that and check coils. I have purchased an underdrive pulley which I will fit at the same time. Cheers

[@RoadandRacetv]

I use the Durametric scanner but it's quite expensive. I'm not sure but I believe a generic OBD 2 scanner might not give you all the codes. Worth a try if it's cheap though? Android and iOS apps are available too nowadays that work with a bluetooth or wifi OBD adaptor. Might be worth investigating? Will probably do a show and test a few of these options when time allows in July or August.

[@jakemoffat50]

Seems like a lot of old oil around the plug area might be worth checking the spark plug tube seals?

[@RoadandRacetv]

Guide to stopping the leaks by replacing the tube seals is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGHcZJuqj6d6rsU

[@hello_edu]

This is top top content! 👏👏👏

[@Chitown388]

Thanks for the video! Did you notice any change in performance after replacing plugs and coils?

[@RoadandRacetv]

No. No difference. They were probably fine to begin with.

[@RollingShutter]

I heard there are some sort of “tubes” that need to be changed if the engine is leaking from this area of the motor. Have you heard about this issue?

[@seidshot]

Your videos are the best!! How do you remove the brake filter from the reservoir? I tried to pull it out with pliers, but couldn't get it to do anything but spin! I damaged the plastic slightly in my effort. Thanks for all your great videos.

[@RoadandRacetv]

Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, it's tricky. I used a combination of a flat head screwdriver and needle nose pliers. You have to be firm with it. Lever the filter with the screwdriver then pull straight up with the pliers. If you break it don't worry as a replacement is cheap.

[@desmondsequerah9760]

will do. Cheers

[@TheWolvesCurse]

love your videos. very helpful. but why did you go through the fuss with those relais instead of just disconnecting the battery?

[@RoadandRacetv]

+TheWolvesCurse Thanks mate. Glad you like them. That's the process the Bentley manual recommends and you always do what the Bentley manual recommends! To be fair though the relays are pretty easy to get to and you then don't have to worry about setting your car stereo again.

[@gbirving]

More maintenance for boosters 96-2000 ? Please

[@ramabamaboomboom]

You are so kind to reply to all these messages! Do you have a patreon or PayPal account for donations?

[@RoadandRacetv]

Thanks for saying so. Yes I do have a Patreon. It’s www.patreon.com/roadandracetv

[@FranklySpeaking73]

Great video as always! Seems to me that If we are going to the trouble to change coil packs we should also do the tubes and seals at the same time for good measure. Any idea what Porsche recommended? What I’m thinking is that I’d hate to hate to put in new plugs and coil packs and then come back a short time later and remove everything I just put in to change the plastic tubes.

[@RoadandRacetv]

Indeed. My next video was changing the tubes! Have you seen itv

[@carlstow2076]

Didn't see you set the gap on the spark plugs. Were these preset for the Boxster already?

[@RoadandRacetv]

Yes, set already.

[@juliansinclair2122]

Excellent!

[@paulsalter3223]

Hi do you think changing the transmission oil on a 986 tiptronic is a diy job or would you say leave that to a porshe garage.great videos by the way 😀

[@RoadandRacetv]

I've done this and it's not hard at all. Just follow the steps in the Bentley manual. You'll need a laser thermometer to check the fluid is at the right temperature for draining. You should really change the transmission filter too when you are at it and this was the hardest part for me because the heads of the screws on the transmission pan are exposed to the elements and the heads had rusted away! If you can wait my How To video on this will be up in August.

[@steffydog]

Boom, job done

[@RoadandRacetv]

Nice!

[@wildbillcarroll]

Are you going to have a video on OBD 11, for Boxster? I have one for Porsche I have read the manual but still confused when I went to use it.

[@RoadandRacetv]

Yes, a review and guide of the OBD diagnostic scanners I've used will be on the way in July. Any one in particular you'd like me to try to get my hands on?

[@dowoppido]

Hello. After changing the spark plugs and ignition coils the car will not start. Just turns over and sparks.

[@desmondsequerah9760]

Hi. Thanks for the video. Was there an improvement? I have a 1999 986. I have lost power 5k rpm and up. It struggles to rev after 5k rpm. I may need to replace plugs and coils? Any thoughts?

[@RoadandRacetv]

Hard to tell by just driving the car. Maybe. Will take it back to the dyno in a few weeks to see!

[@RoadandRacetv]

Not had that problem myself so wouldn't know for sure but it's so quick and easy to check the coils and plugs you should consider that. Have you done an engine diagnostic as that would pick up an electrical faults?

[@lucab.5944]

Do you recommend using spark plugs and ignition coils, made by the same brand? You bought them from Beru... The Spark Plugs I want to use are Bosch and the ignition coils are from Beru...

[@RoadandRacetv]

+Luca B. Sorry I've no idea. I think both mine were Beru. I'd guess as long as it's the correct part it should be ok but I'm not sure. Check with the supplier of the parts.

[@lucab.5944]

Thanks for the fast response! Appreciate it :) I just wanted to know if you actively thought about that, when buying the parts... I guess it should be ok then, both have the OEM numbers from Porsche. Thanks a lot for your guides, they will definitely safe me a good amount of labour costs and doing the maintenance myself is fun as well!!

[@RoadandRacetv]

+Luca B. Sorry I couldn't have been any more help. I guess if they both have OEM numbers you should be ok. Thanks for saying so! I hope you save some money! Let me know what other work you do.

[@lucab.5944]

Road and Race Its all good, dont mind at all :) I will replace them next week, just as the cabin and air filter, as I think thats the reason why mine might lack a bit of power (at least it feels so)... I bought a K&N made for the 986, so I hope I can reuse it a couple of times and get some power back I'll be doing most of the "little" things you show how to replace and maintain :)

[@AverageGuy513]

Need a video to replace sparkplug tubes. Mine are leaking badly

[@RoadandRacetv]

Guide to stopping the leaks by replacing the tube seals is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGHcZJuqj6d6rsU

[@gunshotnose]

how do you like those spark plugs? Are they E3 spark plugs?

[@RoadandRacetv]

I simply went with the Beru spark plugs that Porsche advise using (part no in the Description box). They seem fine. Have to admit not heard of E3 plugs. Do you use them?

[@gunshotnose]

I've never used them, but thank you for your input! Keep it up!

[@IsraelSocial]

986 like :D

[@Baerchenization]

Are you gonna dyno it again?

[@RoadandRacetv]

Yes, definitely. Got a few episodes already lined up for the next four weeks but will shoot the next dyno episode in early July ready for a mid July release.

[@digitalepisode]

How'd it feel after replacing the coils/plugs? Did you get seat of your pants increase?

[@taylamorris]

I love you

[@westsenkovec]

Did you buy a new plastic cowling?

[@RoadandRacetv]

+West Senkovec No, just took the one that was already on the car off. Why do you ask?

[@birdynumnum3473]

Nice video but it is WAY harder to do this than what the video implies unless you are a professional mechanic or really, really patient.

[@benhurburg]

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[@pauloneill8912]

hi ive heard that 2003 facelift boxster doesnt have removable tubes and seals can you confirm