996 Battery

[plastic toad]

I have just picked up a 996,which is lovely
The battery is a little slow to turn engine over (I was aware of this when I bought it)
my question is with an electrically operated bonnet what happens if the battery goes flat ?
Is it a better option to leave bonnet ajar (in garage) until I can get a charger/conditioner ?

[RatBoy M3CSL]

You won't be the 1st to ask that... but if it does fail totally theres a pull out red plug in the fuse box, which you put your charger on, and earth it on the door catch, it will open the bonnet.

Get used to it cranking slowly tho' and the battery draining on the alarm/ immobiliser if you dont use it every day, they go from full to zero in 2 weeks..

Try leaving the bonnet half shut it won't hurt, I'm sure you can still lock the car on the button or key..

Mine spends a night on the charger pretty often if I dont use the car much..

[Porkupine]

Check which battery it is...if official Porsche change it for a Bosch and you will be fine. There is a way to get into the bonnet if battery dies, you jump start in the cabin which gives power to open the bonnet. ~If you know its about to die, leave open will be easier (but make sure any lighting isn't left on or will defo kill the battery).

[Magic919]

There's a terminal in the panel in driver's footwell. Apply live there and then pop frunk.

[plastic toad]

Many thanks chaps,I think I will get a conditioner asap !!

Any suggestions/recomendations of which one to get would be very much appreciated

Edited by plastic toad on Sunday 29th April 11:33

[Maersk]

The first thing to do is to make sure that hte earth strap from the battery has not developed a high resistance internally - a common problem - which reduces cranking amps and the car turns over slowly. Use a jumper to by pass it for testing.

[Magic919]

CTEK is the norm. I use Optimates and they are fine too. Get the cigarette lighter plug adapter.

[plastic toad]

Magic919 said:

CTEK is the norm. I use Optimates and they are fine too. Get the cigarette lighter plug adapter.

Thanks Magic,is there a particular model in the CTEK range ? as there appear to be half a dozen the MXS 3.6 and the MXS 5.0 are the ones that seem to pop up most on searches,The amp rating seems to be the difference and TBH I don't know which one is suitable for a 996 (not versed in electrical)

I do appreciate the help and comments from everyone

[rhkumar]

The 3.6 version appears to be the norm. I've bought the msx 5 and very happy with it. Either of them will be good enough though.

[sundayjumper]

Magic919 said:

Get the cigarette lighter plug adapter.

After reading lots of people recommending charging through the cigarette lighter, I chopped the croc clips off my charger and fitted a plug.

I then found that the socket on my car is only live when the key is in positions I/II so I can't charge it that way unless I leave the key in the ignition <rolleyes>

Is it meant to be a permanent live to the socket ? 1999 C2, FWIW.

[plastic toad]

rhkumar said:

The 3.6 version appears to be the norm. I've bought the msx 5 and very happy with it. Either of them will be good enough though.

Thankyou for that.

[plastic toad]

sundayjumper said:

After reading lots of people recommending charging through the cigarette lighter, I chopped the croc clips off my charger and fitted a plug.

I then found that the socket on my car is only live when the key is in positions I/II so I can't charge it that way unless I leave the key in the ignition <rolleyes>

Is it meant to be a permanent live to the socket ? 1999 C2, FWIW.

That is an interesting point ,hopefully someone will know ? mine is a 2002 C2 so not sure but would imagine that they are the same ?

I have just ordered the 3.6 version and the lighter adaptor ,again appreciated chaps

Edited by plastic toad on Monday 30th April 09:16

[Magic919]

All the 996 and 997 cars I've encountered have been permanent live. I guess there is a chance this began with the facelift 996 models.