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Hi folks...I have a 2017 991.2 C2 with 28.5K miles that just crossed the four year in-service threshold. What’s the typical life of a battery? And is replacement a straightforward DIY task or are there significant do’s and don’ts along the way? TIA and appreciate your insights.
On cars that I bought new, I have had 15 and 16 years out of the factory installed batteries. Not the norm, but then I know something about batteries, their care and vehicle charging systems.
Do some simple tests. For example, a load test and using a load tester and not a conductance tester.
Originally Posted by SFernando
And is replacement a straight forward DIY task.
I think it is but then I have worked on aircraft and then flew them the next day. Tip: remove the negative terminal first and install it last, unless you want to take up welding. LOL
I find 6+/- years. It also helps to extend its life if you use a battery maintainer (Battery Tender). Replacement can be a DIY if you're so inclined. Porsche says that new batteries require that it be registered with the car (visit to dealer). Some folks say they've successfully swapped without doing the registration. Your call.
On cars that I bought new, I have had 15 and 16 years out of the factory installed batteries. Not the norm, but then I know something about batteries, their care and vehicle charging systems.
Do some simple tests. For example, a load test and using a load tester and not a conductance tester.
I think it is but then I have worked on aircraft and then flew them the next day. Tip: remove the negative terminal first and install it last, unless you want to take up welding. LOL
15 years--wow. Want to share some of your secrets?
I changed the 8 year old OEM battery 6 weeks ago. It wasn't bad but I just purchased the car in August and wanted to start fresh. Easy swap, no issues and no registration. I have typically got up to 10+ years out of OEM's when tendered.....CTEK tender is the key.
15 years--wow. Want to share some of your secrets?
Actually it would have lasted much longer. I sold the car to a Porsche friend when it was 14 years old. He wanted it as a daily driver. He replaced the battery unnecessarily only to find out the starter terminal had corrosion on it.
And the 16 year old battery (when I sold the car) lasted another 2 more years with the new owner. I lost track and interest after that.
Both batteries were factory fitted in Japan and made by Panasonic (I use their NiMH and Eneloop AA and AAA batteries for well over a decade). Unfortunately, their car batteries are not available aftermarket. I now use East Penn batteries. Both factory batteries were FLA (Flooded Lead Acid) which means it has caps and they can be maintained. I might add a 1/4" of distilled water to each cell every two years. It is one of the reasons why I have no use for AGM or GEL cells. although the 991 and the BMW motorcycle I now have, have AGM batteries. And another thing, there is no such thing as a "sealed battery" as claimed by AGM and GEL advertising because if they were, we'd all be in trouble. They are VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) batteries. They have caps and each cap or the battery is Valve Regulated.
I make sure my battery terminals are clean and so are the ones at the alternator and starter...all high current carrying wires.
And then I keep an eye on the charging system periodically. All my vehicles have a voltmeter install. Comes from my flying days. I like to know what is going on.
I'm driving a 2012 991 with original battery, no issues so far. Mine hibernates over the winter while on a battery tender. I will probably replace it come spring as I know it's about time.
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Battery replacement
