Interestingly, I use the older charger on my Cayman (lighter port) and the light goes out after some time and only seems to come on if I open a door.

 

I use an after-market on my 3.2 and it just seems to work (direct to battery).

 

Snowflake Mode has been verified directly with CTEC engineer

QUOTE=mathfuzzy;14680361]Good information about snowflake mode, I've using normal for the last couple of years.

OP - I have the same problem. Seems to be the socket. It works most of the time, but sometimes it is solid initially and then flashes. I find that if I mess with the plug in the socket, it then works as designed.[/QUOTE]

 

[/QUOTE]

I thought the same thing as far as messing with the plug. But then when it didn't work, and all I did was open the door and it restarted and work with out touching anything I'm beginning to wonder...

 

Just buy a Porsche branded CTEK maintainer. I vaguely read somewhere (at least my Cayenne) that the electric plugs (including the cigarette lighter) will shut off after 30 minutes because Porsche does not want them being used in case an owner leave an electric device plugged in. Maybe that is why there are comments about leaving the doors unlocked. Somehow the Porsche branded CTEK sends such a low charge that is able to continuously maintain and charge.

Of course that is my terrible memory recalling something I read. But so far, it seems to be correct with at least the 2014 Cayenne. The older 991 is ok with the generic 3300 CTEK.

Oh, I leave the cable through the window slightly open. No particular reason why.

 

I remember reading in another topic that the issue could be caused by the car itself and Porsche solved it with a software update.

 

That's interesting. I wonder how we find that out? I can ask my service advisor and see what he says.

 

I was not able to find the specific topic. Seems these cars can behave somewhat differently depending on the model/production. Had something to do with the way the 12V ports were coded.

 

I believe that was Macan specific

 

Unlikely, as i only read and search on the 993TT and 991 sub forum. And it definitely wasn’t on the 993TT.

 

From the Suncoast page, see the notes: https://www.suncoastparts.com/product/95504490054.html

 

I did not debate your Macan comment. I just was not referring to it. I also don’t know suncoast for that matter.
The topic I was referring to was posted in the 991 section.

 

Neither was I, but judging from the note in suncoast, it looks to me that newer Porsche models have specific software that allows the Porsche branded CTEK to work through the cigarette lighter plug. Maybe Porsche got wise that we were buying the cheaper generic CTEK 3300 before instead of the expensive one that Porsche sells. Knowing how Porsche likes to charge for each individual option, I am sure they will try to squeeze all the pennies from our pants.

 

 

I'm a little late to the party here, but I might have some useful insight.

Every late model European car has different stages of electrical "sleep" modes. Essentially, they keep certain circuits active and shut them down in stages as the car sits idle or stays locked. The first stage is typically data systems like the PCM and it's peripherals at about 15-20min. Second stage can be 1-2hr and usually includes body control modules which can shut down power to certain 12v outlets. This could be a good reason why you have problems with one port and not the other. I haven't done any specific testing, nor do I have any supporting technical info, but this is something we've seen in certain BMW and Mercedes platforms in the past, so it makes sense in this situation.

My personal recommendation is always to install a charging port at the battery itself – you'll get the best charging performance that was as well. Keep in mind though that you cannot connect chargers directly to the negative battery terminal and must use a grounding plane that does not bypass the current monitor on the ground strap.