I expect delivery of 996 Cab next month. It will sit idle in my garage for varying periods of time, from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
I was told by a fellow Porsche owner that the battery will go dead since the car continues to draw power from the even if the alarm system is not activated.
Any advice?

 

996's go thru 'sleeping mode' stages as time goes on.. the alarm will stay alert but many alert modes (like remote key sensor, windows switches, etc..) will be disabled. If you are talking of up to a couple of months, I'd look for more than just disconnecting the battery. You might end up for example with flat spot for your tyres, the engine also has to be considered..

That's as much as i Know, coz i dont think i'll ever leave mine for as long as that!

Waz

 

If security is not an issue, if you plan to keep the car in storage for months (rather than weeks) you might consider keeping the trunk unlocked in order to have easy access to the battery. On the older 996's people had problems getting the trunk open when the battery died becuase the security system became inoperable. On the models since '01 that problem's been solved you can connect a boost to the fuse box in the passenger compartment.

 

I had a major battery drain problem. The dealer traced it to my cell phone. Since then I've been able to leave the car sitting in the garage for 2 weeks with no problem. I upgraded the battery to an optima though. If your concerned, then upgrade teh battery. Supposedly, the OEM is weaker than a Hyundai's battery.

Bobby

 

Get a trickle charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter socket.

 

If you do not have a bettery charger or trickle charger be sure to get one.
If you plan to let it sit for any length of time you need to do one of two things for the tires.
1- roll them onto another spot
2- over inflate them to app.50psi so that you do not develop flat spots.
I have done both for my tires. For shorter delays I roll the car, if it is going to be months til you drive I would over-inflate them.

 

In regards to this, there is a trunk release cable behind the right headlight. I suggest you take some wire and lengthen it so that you can access it from the right signal light. Thank ToolPants for this idea. I did it earlier today. My battery died a couple weeks ago due to a battery drain and it took a week for them to figure out how to open the hood. In fact, they couldn't even tow it because the freaking tow hooks were looked in the hood!!! THis is by far the most important mod you can do.

Bob

 

My cars sometimes sit for 3-6 months at a time depending on my travel schedule. As others have said get a battery maintainer and either overinflate your tires or get a set of tirecradles (www.tirecradle.com) to prevent flat spots.

 

Make sure you fill your gas tank before you leave on your trips and put in a bottle of .... (can't remember the name) but it keeps the fuel and water from seperating. I roll up some mats, drive onto them and inflate my tires to 50psi.

 

I roll my tires over 3/4" plywood with carpet on top of the wood. Pump up to 55lbs. Roll car about 4" every month, and after 3 months storage have not experienced any flat spots. I suspect tire cradle does well too.

Lastly, if I have time and weather permits, I try driving the car once a month for 45 minutes (after deflating tires) and get cars mechanics going and than store again.

Been doing this with Porsche's for last 20 years with no problems.