Given that it has been nice around here recently, I have been driving the p-car.

I have noticed that the car is always a bit hard to start, let's call it sluggish starter syndrome (that I have read about here). It is always easier to start cold. Today on the 4th start in about 90 mins, it would almost barely start the car.

Battery is a Porsche Battery replaced in 2006 by the PO, but I just checked it and it is showing 12.84V at the battery. Also it is usually on a battery maintainer.

By my estimate 50% of the post say a new battery is the fix, the other 50% say change the starter for this kind of symptom.

What's the consensus? Change the battery to an aftermarket equivalent?

Many thanks

 

it can be checked - its free at many parts outlets....

signs point to battery IMO, but all you have to do is check the draw on the starter and it should be obvious if it is the issue.....its been years since i have done that but IIRC a simple tool that looks like a pair of jumper cables connects to the battery, you crank the engine and read the amperage...

if its OK... (someone will give a number as to whats "good" or the guy checking will have it on the top of his head) then the battery is at fault...

the same type of tool can check the battery - the tool places a draw on the battery and looks for the voltage drop/recovery.

easy and free, except the part/labor

 

I have the same issue. Just replaced the battery two weeks ago with no real change. Still slow to start.

 

My WAG is battery going bad probably due to infrequent use and losing charge. Wet cell batteries do not like to be discharged much.

Before I had the battery replaced I'd have qualified shop check battery for any signs of trouble. If battery checks ok then alternator/charging circuit suspect.

Used to "check" this out with volt meter and measuring voltage across battery post with engine running at idle. Voltage wants to read above 13V to around 14V tops with IIRC 13.4V to 13.8V being the sweet spot.

If voltage reads low -- and battery good -- then alternator/charging circuit suspect. A bad or going bad battery though can make the voltage read low so you want to be sure you verify battery good before you check and possibly condemn the alternator/charging circuit.

If battery bad I've no experience with any battery in my Porsches but OEM and Porsche replacement batteries. Check that. My 03 Turbo came with an Interstate battery of unknown vintage and size/capacity.

Aftermarket batteries -- as many owners will attest to -- will work but you want to be sure you buy a battery with the right AH and CCA ratings and it must physically fit the battery box so the battery box holddown properly secures the battery in the box. Of course the battery posts must be in the right location and do not forget the battery vent tube.

Sincerely,

Macster.

 

his post states slow to start after 4 starts in 90 minutes... is that the SAME for you??

 

Yeah, same deal exactly. And on my trip to get the hardtop yesterday, which was about 90 minutes and required 4 stop/starts it was slow every time.

Basically, if I stop the engine, it's slow to start every time. Even if it's been running for a while.

 

Battery is the most likely problem. But also check the gound strap from the engine to the body, make sure the contacts are clean and good. I was having issues with my starter. First I replaced the battery, no real effect. Then I replaced the starter, still had problems. Then on the advice of another owner I checked the ground strap, took it off, cleaned everything up and reinstalled it, problem was gone.

 

Thanks, I will start there. Where is this particular strap located and how does one access same?

 

Likewise, I'll check the strap and report back!

This forum is awesome! I appreciate the info.

 

I bet you it's the starter because of the OK cold start not so good warmed up start symptom.

Replace it along with the battery just to make sure everything is complete.

 

LOL - while you are at it replace some other things that are working fine and help support the economy by emptying your pockets

 

?

I'm not saying anything out of line with what others have already mentioned? I apologize if I offended anyone.

 

no-no I was being bad ... you said replace the started AND battery to be sure... I was just being mean... my appologies

 

However, as it is a Porsche, "the while you are in there" factor always applies (or is that only for 944 owners?)

 

Come on Ed...you're going to scare some of these guys.