A few days ago, I noticed that the car had started to struggle a bit when cranking. Over the course of about two days, it got just slightly worse with each start and then wouldn't start at all yesterday morning. This is a DD for me. It typically doesn't go more than 8 hours without being driven.

Had all dash lights and electronics were solid, but just clicking when cranking. Put the battery on a CTEK 7002 for 4 hours, car started beautifully. Voltage on the dash typically reads just over 12 and did so even when the car wouldn't start. It's reading around 13 now after charging the battery with the CTEK. I charged it with Normal mode and then I did Recondition mode. Don't know how old this battery is.

My question is...should I just go ahead and grab a new battery or should I get a meter and check it first? I have my charger and jumper cables in the car but I still don't want to be somewhere with the car not able to start.

I've been reading a bunch of other threads on battery upgrades and all that, but it seems like most people still use battery tenders and grab a new one approx. every couple of years. Interesting because I've never had to do that with any other German cars (no Porsches though). These cars just suck that much power?

Thanks for any input.

Travis

 

This is what's in there now. Anybody have any input to whether it's reliable or not?

 

What I do know is that Porsches are very sensitive to CCA...a battery can have enough juice to run all of the electronics and yet still not have enough to start the car. I would get a new one and put it on a maintainer. There are quite a few sources for parasitic drain of the battery.

 

If the battery is 2 years or more you should change it. Porsches EAT batteries for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, when you buy a new one DON'T buy an OEM Porsche battery and do a search on this forum. There are some really good suggestions on what to buy.

 

Thanks for the info.

Just got it tested at Interstate. Battery is checking out well and it's been starting well all day today. It was reading 12.3V.

I'll probably give it a few days to see if it acts up.

 

Did they test each cell?

 

Don't count on it. If the battery is 2 years or more it will let you down soon. Ask how I know that...
BTW. The battery you have seems to be the wrong one for your car. Based on their website . Your battery should have a number starting with 48 ( if you have a 911 - C2 2001). The battery you have is for a Boxter S. ( 94R..) I am thinking you have a dud... Google is ALWAYS your best friend. This took me ohh about ..... 35 seconds to figure this out ... You may want to double check me. Cheers

 

I don't think so..

What's the difference between Option 1 and Option 2 on the website? Because with 1, it gives me the 94R and with 2 it gives me the MTP-91 or the 48. I have a '01 3.6L Turbo.

 

I got one of these when my battery started doing the exact same thing:
http://www.pepboys.com/product/detai...es/?quantity=1

I had the battery checked out twice at two different stores and they both said it was fine.
Finally decided to replace it, and i haven't had any problems for a year or so now.

 

Agree with Nizzki, those "tests" seem not to be decisive.. I would - if I were you - bite the bullet and get a new battery.. Note: You do NOT want to have your battery fail on you. It's not a pleasant experience.

 

Yeah, I've been in that situation before with an old Mercedes 260E.

I'll probably grab an Interstate or Bosch battery soon.

 

total correct...this cars need around 2years a new battery dont think about to test it or reload it ...renew it

 

...and once new, to preserve its life, always use a battery tender once a week or leave it hooked up if you leave it garaged. it will save you. i run at nearly 14 with a fully charged battery. never under 13 even with a full electrical load. before i knew this stuff i always struggled to maintain a full charge even if i drove it daily. voltage hogs, these cars.

 

Has anyone tried a Kinetic battery or something similar? When I had my GTR I swapped the stock battery out because those cars are extremely sensitive to voltage issues. Once I put the kinetic in I had no other problems.

 

Just wanted to add my 2 cents: I totally agree, battery was draining because of the anti theft, bought a battery tender from eBay for $80 and no more issues.