Battery question
08-30-2016, 03:55 PM
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Battery question
The battery on my 2008 GTS has recently started giving issues. We got the car 3 years ago -- we've never changed the battery and I don't know if the prior owner did.
Anyway, we've been using a hard-wired Blackvue dashcam, with a PowerMagicPro to prevent battery discharge, and recently the car has had difficulty starting up. Once we even had to call AAA for a jump. Right after the guy jumped it, he measured 62 CCA (550 rated). Since then (about 1.5 weeks), we've been driving the car with the dashcam completely disconnected.
My question is, what's the next best course of action from here on out? I understand batteries typically last 4 years so it might very well be time to just replace it. But should I just go about blindly doing that, or should I attempt to run some tests on the current battery to see if its salvageable (and if so, how do I do that)? I understand that simply driving it around, even if I go over 2000rpm would not be enough to re-charge it fully, and that I may have to buy a separate booster/charger?
And if I do replace the battery, does anyone have any recommendations on which one to get?
I also understand that the battery is under the driver-side seat. I'm not a real hands-on kind guy (though I did manage to hardwire the dashcam), but I'm up for a challenge if it's realistic, especially if it will save a few hundred vs. going to the 'stealership'.
Anyway, we've been using a hard-wired Blackvue dashcam, with a PowerMagicPro to prevent battery discharge, and recently the car has had difficulty starting up. Once we even had to call AAA for a jump. Right after the guy jumped it, he measured 62 CCA (550 rated). Since then (about 1.5 weeks), we've been driving the car with the dashcam completely disconnected.
My question is, what's the next best course of action from here on out? I understand batteries typically last 4 years so it might very well be time to just replace it. But should I just go about blindly doing that, or should I attempt to run some tests on the current battery to see if its salvageable (and if so, how do I do that)? I understand that simply driving it around, even if I go over 2000rpm would not be enough to re-charge it fully, and that I may have to buy a separate booster/charger?
And if I do replace the battery, does anyone have any recommendations on which one to get?
I also understand that the battery is under the driver-side seat. I'm not a real hands-on kind guy (though I did manage to hardwire the dashcam), but I'm up for a challenge if it's realistic, especially if it will save a few hundred vs. going to the 'stealership'.
08-30-2016, 04:57 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
Pull the battery and see what the date code is on it. It's actually pretty easy to do and the procedure is in your owner's manual. A quick google search will also provide you with many how to instructions including youtube videos. You will need a triple square bit for the bolts and a set can be bought at your local Advance Auto.
I'm betting you have the original factory battery which is probably ready to retire. I just replaced mine for peace of mind and it was dated '07. I typically expect 10 years out of a battery and have had them go as long as 17 years. I'd consider 4 years unacceptable even for my motorcycle batteries.
If you have an Advance Auto in your area, they are a good place to pick up a battery. Order the battery through their website to put on will call at your local store. Before completing your online order, enter a coupon code (quick Google search will turn up a ton of codes). Typically you'll find one for $50 off any order over $150.00. Drive to the store and they'll have it waiting for you. I bought their best AGM battery and the total cost was around $138.00.
I'm betting you have the original factory battery which is probably ready to retire. I just replaced mine for peace of mind and it was dated '07. I typically expect 10 years out of a battery and have had them go as long as 17 years. I'd consider 4 years unacceptable even for my motorcycle batteries.
If you have an Advance Auto in your area, they are a good place to pick up a battery. Order the battery through their website to put on will call at your local store. Before completing your online order, enter a coupon code (quick Google search will turn up a ton of codes). Typically you'll find one for $50 off any order over $150.00. Drive to the store and they'll have it waiting for you. I bought their best AGM battery and the total cost was around $138.00.
09-03-2016, 01:06 AM
#4
I just did this, and also went with the autocraft platinum agm battery, group H8, at advance auto. $185, and code TRT30 gives you 30% off your order, up to $50. I was making a video of the process and it probably took me an hour (first time doing the job, and taking my time). Doing it again, it could take as little as 15-20 minutes after you know the tricks. These trucks can throw odd codes and generally do weird things when the batteries get low. Does your starter seem to crank more slowly than it used to? My 2008 CTT definitely cranked weakly, and there was no question the battery was on its last amp.
09-03-2016, 01:08 AM
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I just did this, and also went with the autocraft platinum agm battery (H8) at advance auto. $185, and code TRT30 gives you 30% off your order, up to $50. I was making a video of the process and it probably took me an hour (first time doing the job, and taking my time). Doing it again, it could take as little as 15-20 minutes after you know the tricks.
These trucks can throw odd codes and generally do weird things when the batteries get low. Does your starter seem to crank more slowly than it used to? My 2008 CTT definitely cranked weakly, and there was no question the battery was on its last amp.
These trucks can throw odd codes and generally do weird things when the batteries get low. Does your starter seem to crank more slowly than it used to? My 2008 CTT definitely cranked weakly, and there was no question the battery was on its last amp.
09-03-2016, 01:17 AM
#6
It sounds like it's time for a new battery. I believe the battery I pulled from my '08 was the original, so perhaps yours is, as well. As for the triple square sockets, I had trouble finding them locally, and ended up buying a set on Amazon for $21. The quality is acceptable, and there seem to be a few other spots (like the brakes) on this truck that use this socket type, so it's nice to have a variety of sizes.
XZN triple square socket link, in case it's helpful
http://amzn.to/2bKpzVP
XZN triple square socket link, in case it's helpful
http://amzn.to/2bKpzVP
09-05-2016, 04:22 AM
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It sounds like it's time for a new battery. I believe the battery I pulled from my '08 was the original, so perhaps yours is, as well. As for the triple square sockets, I had trouble finding them locally, and ended up buying a set on Amazon for $21. The quality is acceptable, and there seem to be a few other spots (like the brakes) on this truck that use this socket type, so it's nice to have a variety of sizes.
XZN triple square socket link, in case it's helpful
http://amzn.to/2bKpzVP
XZN triple square socket link, in case it's helpful
http://amzn.to/2bKpzVP
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09-05-2016, 02:56 PM
#8
When you tilt the seat back, there is a battery cover fastened down. Attached to the battery cover is a plastic vent that directs the HVAC under the front seat and to the rear passenger footwell. That HVAC piece is attached to the battery cover with a T25 torx bit.
That being said, I did the job twice (don't ask), and the first time I didn't realize I needed to detach the HVAC vent. I was able to remove the battery cover and HVAC vent attached, with no real issues. The second time, I realized that was the spot of the referenced T25 torx bolt screw, and I unscrewed it to remove only the battery cover. Honestly, I think it's 6 of one and half a dozen of another in regard to detaching it. I'll get off my butt sometime this week and piece together a video, but I can take a quick picture if you need it in the meantime.
That being said, I did the job twice (don't ask), and the first time I didn't realize I needed to detach the HVAC vent. I was able to remove the battery cover and HVAC vent attached, with no real issues. The second time, I realized that was the spot of the referenced T25 torx bolt screw, and I unscrewed it to remove only the battery cover. Honestly, I think it's 6 of one and half a dozen of another in regard to detaching it. I'll get off my butt sometime this week and piece together a video, but I can take a quick picture if you need it in the meantime.
09-05-2016, 03:12 PM
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When you tilt the seat back, there is a battery cover fastened down. Attached to the battery cover is a plastic vent that directs the HVAC under the front seat and to the rear passenger footwell. That HVAC piece is attached to the battery cover with a T25 torx bit.
That being said, I did the job twice (don't ask), and the first time I didn't realize I needed to detach the HVAC vent. I was able to remove the battery cover and HVAC vent attached, with no real issues. The second time, I realized that was the spot of the referenced T25 torx bolt screw, and I unscrewed it to remove only the battery cover. Honestly, I think it's 6 of one and half a dozen of another in regard to detaching it. I'll get off my butt sometime this week and piece together a video, but I can take a quick picture if you need it in the meantime.
That being said, I did the job twice (don't ask), and the first time I didn't realize I needed to detach the HVAC vent. I was able to remove the battery cover and HVAC vent attached, with no real issues. The second time, I realized that was the spot of the referenced T25 torx bolt screw, and I unscrewed it to remove only the battery cover. Honestly, I think it's 6 of one and half a dozen of another in regard to detaching it. I'll get off my butt sometime this week and piece together a video, but I can take a quick picture if you need it in the meantime.
09-05-2016, 04:45 PM
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I just did this, and also went with the autocraft platinum agm battery, group H8, at advance auto. $185, and code TRT30 gives you 30% off your order, up to $50. I was making a video of the process and it probably took me an hour (first time doing the job, and taking my time). Doing it again, it could take as little as 15-20 minutes after you know the tricks. These trucks can throw odd codes and generally do weird things when the batteries get low. Does your starter seem to crank more slowly than it used to? My 2008 CTT definitely cranked weakly, and there was no question the battery was on its last amp.
Super Start Platinum ($184)
-CCA = 850, CA = 975
-3 yr warranty
-170 minutes reserve capacity
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...um+agm+battery
Super Start Extreme ($150)
-CCA = 900, CA = 1000
-3 yr warranty
-150 minutes reserve capacity
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...um+agm+battery
Super Start Premium ($143)
-CCA = 825, CA = 1000
-2 yr warranty
-135 minutes reserve capacity
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...um+agm+battery
No idea why it's that much more expensive than the other 2, but I can use a code to get $30 off the first battery (the threshold for the code is $175).
Anyone familiar with any of these batteries?
09-06-2016, 10:23 PM
#11
The Platinum is an AGM battery, thus the extra cost. The battery I pulled out of my CTT is a Moll, which I believe is factory, and it says 850CCA on the top. I definitely wouldn't drop below that, and anything above it is a bonus.
09-08-2016, 04:08 AM
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Dandelos, I put together a video of the process, and the link is below in case it eases the project.
DIY Porsche Cayenne Turbo (955 & 957) Battery Replacement - YouTube
DIY Porsche Cayenne Turbo (955 & 957) Battery Replacement - YouTube
I ended up ordering the battery you recommended from AAP. O'Reilly's would have been the most convenient for me, but I must not have been paying attention, because the discount code I had from O'Reilly's expired yesterday. I gave it one more shot with their live chat support guy but he couldn't help so I started looking elsewhere.
Autozone has a ton of locations, some near where I live and some near my work, but had no discounts whatsoever on batteries (about $200 for a similar battery).
So I reluctantly went back to AAP. For some inexplicable reason they don't have any stores centrally located in LA (relative to me, of course) that carry the battery. I'll be 11 miles away from one of their stores this weekends so I figured I would make the detour and pick the battery up from there. The tools I ordered will only arrive next week, though.
Thanks for the recommendation and the discount code, it is a great price at the end of the day.
09-08-2016, 11:01 AM
#14
Thank you for the compliment on the video, incorporating my son helps combine a few of my passions (cars, technology/cinematography, family), and he seems to have a good time doing it.
It sounds like you're all set, despite the inconvenient retail location. One thing to keep in mind is there is a $20 core charge for your old battery, so you may want to remove the old battery first and take it with you to pickup the new battery, avoiding a return trip. That isn't the ideal solution since it's nice just to finish it all in one go, but it might save you some travel time as long as there is an available second vehicle to make the battery run.
Shoot over any questions if you hit a snag in the process.
It sounds like you're all set, despite the inconvenient retail location. One thing to keep in mind is there is a $20 core charge for your old battery, so you may want to remove the old battery first and take it with you to pickup the new battery, avoiding a return trip. That isn't the ideal solution since it's nice just to finish it all in one go, but it might save you some travel time as long as there is an available second vehicle to make the battery run.
Shoot over any questions if you hit a snag in the process.
09-10-2016, 02:24 AM
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MuffinMan I am new to Cayenne and loved your video with step by step and detailed instructions. Also saw your tire change video. Do you plan to do a video of oil and filter change on your cayenne? That would be awesome.
