Flashing hazards when parked

[DeadPanX]

Hi all,

981 Cayman owner here. Just before bed last night I saw the hazards flash on and off every few minutes (no alarm).
Went out and closed all the doors again and still it continued. Eventually I took it for a drive to see if there was any issue. Got back, parked and locked the Porsche and now it seems ok.

Any thoughts on this?

Many thanks

 

[Motorhead]

Hi DP,

Maybe it was just an alarm glitch? When you lock the car do you get the correct double flash from the indicators without the alarm horn sounding? If not there may be a problem with the alarm module or system.

Unfortunately the only way to find out if something is amiss is to run a diagnostic check which any Porsche dealer or reputable independent will be able to perform.

Jeff

 

[GrahamW]

Have you checked the battery?

 

[DeadPanX]

Hi DP,

Maybe it was just an alarm glitch? When you lock the car do you get the correct double flash from the indicators without the alarm horn sounding? If not there may be a problem with the alarm module or system.

Unfortunately the only way to find out if something is amiss is to run a diagnostic check which any Porsche dealer or reputable independent will be able to perform.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Maybe - it seems OK now. I'm actually going to the OPC on Friday so i'll mention it then. Do they charge for a diagnostic check do you know?

DPX

 

[DeadPanX]

Have you checked the battery?

How does one check the battery? Is there any option on the dash where it tells you? I do have a multimeter but not sure what i should be looking for?

 

[AndrewCS]

Dash indicator available from the `menu` that includes oil temp / oil pressure / water temperature ... 12 - 12.5v static to 14.5 - 14.9v charging

Multi meter across terminals looking for same values

Assume that it cranks over - starts OK and terminal clamps are tight ?

 

[Motorhead]

Hi DPX,

Yes, unfortunately the dealer will want to charge you for a diagnostic check. Just be prepared for their extortionate labour charges of around £150/hour!

With the ignition off the battery voltage should be about 12.6V or above and with the engine running it should be about 13.7V to 14.7V, but that doesn’t always tell the whole story. Any battery supplier will be able to check the battery and advise you on its condition. A lot of electrical problems like yours very often are due to a flaky battery so it’s worth getting it checked-out. The extensive lockdown periods with cars not being used hasn’t promoted battery health.

Jeff

 

[DeadPanX]

I don't see battery health on the dash - is it one of the options as i can't find it?

Dash indicator available from the `menu` that includes oil temp / oil pressure / water temperature ... 12 - 12.5v static to 14.5 - 14.9v charging

Multi meter across terminals looking for same values

Assume that it cranks over - starts OK and terminal clamps are tight ?

 

[AndrewCS]

I had it on my 981 Cayman S PDK and it is on the GT4. My friend`s 981 `base` Boxster also has it

Refer to your Owners Manual ...

EDIT : look under - Vehicle Settings on the Multi-Function Display ... in .... Instrument Panel and Multi-Function Display

 

[DeadPanX]

Looking in the manual, would it be 'Veh. Voltage' I'm guessing?

I had it on my 981 Cayman S PDK and it is on the GT4. My friend`s 981 `base` Boxster also has it

Refer to your Owners Manual ...

EDIT : look under - Vehicle Settings on the Multi-Function Display ... in .... Instrument Panel and Multi-Function Display

 

[AndrewCS]

Aye ...

 

[DeadPanX]

So finally figured out of getting the voltage up and it showed 12.2V. I did this without starting the car.

Aye ...

 

[DeadPanX]

So with the ignition off the battery voltage settled on 12.2V and with the engine running it started at 14.4V then settled on 13.6V.

I looked on the battery to see if there were any date markings but I couldn't see any, so no clue to the age of the battery.

I'm guessing this is looking a little low? Any advice on next steps would be greatly appreciated?

Hi DPX,

Yes, unfortunately the dealer will want to charge you for a diagnostic check. Just be prepared for their extortionate labour charges of around £150/hour!

With the ignition off the battery voltage should be about 12.6V or above and with the engine running it should be about 13.7V to 14.7V, but that doesn’t always tell the whole story. Any battery supplier will be able to check the battery and advise you on its condition. A lot of electrical problems like yours very often are due to a flaky battery so it’s worth getting it checked-out. The extensive lockdown periods with cars not being used hasn’t promoted battery health.

Jeff

 

[Motorhead]

Maybe a bit on the low side DPX, but probably OK. Are you using the in-car display or your multimeter to measure the voltage? Best to double-check with the latter.

I don’t think the battery will have a date marking, but the original battery on the 981 would have been a Banner. As I said in an earlier post, a battery supplier will be able to give your battery a health check which may throw up any issues like a dodgy cell.

Jeff

 

[AndrewCS]

So with the ignition off the battery voltage settled on 12.2V and with the engine running it started at 14.4V then settled on 13.6V

I assume that is at idle, what does it read when driving ?

 

[DeadPanX]

So I got round replacing the batteries in my multimeter and measuring the voltage:

From cold: Multimeter = 12.37V, on dash = 12.4V

When idle: Multimeter = 14.39V, on dash = 14.7V

I've attached a photo of the battery. This issue has not happened since. Will ask for the battery to be checked in the next MOT.

Maybe a bit on the low side DPX, but probably OK. Are you using the in-car display or your multimeter to measure the voltage? Best to double-check with the latter.

I don’t think the battery will have a date marking, but the original battery on the 981 would have been a Banner. As I said in an earlier post, a battery supplier will be able to give your battery a health check which may throw up any issues like a dodgy cell.

Jeff