Car is dead. I left the key on the ignition, now nothing happens, neither fob works, no power anywhere in the car, can't open trunk, and can't remove the key. I don't know if I left anything on to run down the battery, which of course is in the trunk I can't open. I didn't leave any lights on.

Is this the result of some anti-theft feature since I left the key-fob in the car? Now I can't remove the key.

I'm hoping its something simple. Thanks

 

If you have to jump start the car, you will have to use the fuse box. For how long did you leave the key in the ignition?

 

I left the key in overnight, 12 hours. Is there a latch for the trunk somewhere? Is the fusebox in the trunk?

Do you think I must have left something on? Or does is just use power if the key is in? Thanks.

 

Is your manual in the trunk? You basically open the trunk through the fuse box. And then jump start the car as you normally would. But to open the trunk you need a battery and jumper cables.

 

Yes the manual is in the trunk. I guess that was not a good choice. Time to go to work so I'll have to take the old car.

Can anyone clarify if the key in the ignition draws power even when everything is off? Also, I thought there was an automatic power off feature for using accessories when the car is off.

 

Leaving the key in the ingnition will drain the battery. Something to do with the steering column lock? Happened to a friend who left his key in for a week while the car was in his garage.

 

Other alternative to the fuse box method is to get a battery maintainer that uses the cigarette lighter plug. That should allow you to open the trunk plus start charging the battery.

 

I think this will work too

 

That might be easier

 

Like others have said leaving the key in the ignition for a prolonged period of time will kill it as this probably overrides any of the time delay relays that are in place to protect against accidental battery drain. You can tap into any 12v source to get the juice going to the battery like others have said, the cigarette lighter works well. Once you do get to the battery, you should change it out. A complete run down on a battery isn’t good, so depending on age it will probably be time. Do not let the cars alternator charge up the dead battery, I’m sure you know this is not good for it, and it probably says something about it in the manual. Those maintainers work well for getting enough flow to get to the battery compartment. Do not use anything that is too powerful amperage wise because if you blow the fuse going to the 12volt outlet you’re going to have to get even more creative.

 

Gentleman, thank you for your help. I'm on my way to get the lighter thing, will get enough power to get in the trunk, them charge with a battery maintainer. I agree its better to get a battery now. I guess they don't put in an Optima. Thank you all. vincy

 

The "lighter thing" is a battery maintainer so don't buy something you don't need. Also, you can retrofit an Optima. Expensive - check out
http://www.gmgracing.com/porsche.shtml

GMG 996 GT Battery Tray
It's a well known fact that the original equipment battery supplied by Porsche is good for little more than 2 years of life. How many times have you parked your 996 for a few days only to return and find your battery dead? Our GT Battery tray is a great way to upgrade your battery. Optima batteries DO NOT fit into the standard Porsche tray and just throwing the battery into the existing tray is dangerous. Our GT Tray is made of aluminum for years or durability, CNC machined and powder coated satin black for an OE look. Available with or without the Optima battery.

LEGAL FOR ALL CLUB RACING AND TIME TRIALS- SCCA-PCA-POC-NASA Great for cars that have upgraded Audio system. Recommend with use of Optima Yellow Top Ideal for anyone who's battery has failed and needs replacement.

Fits all 996 cars from 99 and on, including 996TT, GT2, GT3 and Cup Cars.

GT Battery Tray and Mount - $275.00
Optima Red Top - $165.00
Optima Yellow Top - $189.00