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Flat battery surprises

Brian Halling

Brian Halling

New member
[FONT=verdana,geneva"]Last Friday night I was surprised to find my 987 had a flat battery - not what you expect of a car barely a year old and after only a couple of weeks without use. The RAC were with me in under half an hour and jump started the car, but after 45 minutes with the engine running there was still insufficient charge to restart it. After driving around for another hour the battery could just about manage it.

Then the surprises began: a 'PSM failure' message was displayed, cruise control would not engage and another warning light came on but disappeared before I could identify it. Porsche Assist said take it to an OPC, but it was midnight. The next day the car started properly and everything worked as it should. My OPC was very supportive, but could offer no real explanation.

I never had this problem in five years with my 986. I guess I need a trickle charger. The Porsche 'conditioner' is the usual high priced gizmo with the expensive logo.[FONT=verdana,geneva"][FONT=verdana,geneva"] Advice on what sort to buy would be much appreciated.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
 
Hi Brian
There is a gadget on the market which is a small solar panel (approx 12" x 6") which sits on the dashboard of the vehicle and is plugged into the cigarette lighter to help keep the battery topped up. They are designed for motorhomes which are left unattended for a while and to help keep battery charged. £17.99. Not sure how they would work with Porsches though, and of couse, not much good in a garage!
Rob
 
Sounds like a duff battery to me. As I understand it the standard Porsche item isn't much cop.... At 1 year old though, surely OPC should replace it for you?
 
ORIGINAL: daliancer

Sounds like a duff battery to me. As I understand it the standard Porsche item isn't much cop.... At 1 year old though, surely OPC should replace it for you?
Click to expand...

Mine is being replaced at exactly one year mark under warranty ..... leaking goo from the base [:eek:][&o][:eek:]
 



Mine is being replaced at exactly one year mark under warranty ..... leaking goo from the base [:eek:][&o][:eek:]
[/quote]

Sounds like my first wife....
 
ORIGINAL: Alex Postan




Mine is being replaced at exactly one year mark under warranty ..... leaking goo from the base [:eek:][&o][:eek:]
Click to expand...

Sounds like my first wife....
[/quote]

Replaced under the warranty that was a lucky break for you [:D]
 
Brian,
Alternators cannot overcome the resistence of a flat battery wereas a generator can do.
Solar panel good idea if you can place it somewhere it can get some sun. Other alternative is a battery conditioner (Halfords etc), these will keep your battery topped up even with the alarm / immobiliser on.
Cheers,
 
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