Storage without battery tender?
Instructor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 102
Likes: 33
From: Kemah, Texas
Several weeks will not make one bity of difference to your battery, assuming it is good, and not old and weak. The most important thing is to lock the car (with the remote key fob) when you put it away, as that makes it "go to sleep" - all systems essentially shut down after a period (a few days), and battery is preserved. When you go to get it, you will need to manually unlock the car with the key, but that wakes it right up, and then drive away and all is fine. It is not good to leave the frunk open, as that keeps the light on there (as others have said). I don't like pulling the light either - good way to break plastic clips and things. Again, storing a car for a few weeks is a non-issue, so long as you lock it first.
The most important thing is temperature swings. In the winter, I keep mine stored with a battery tender, since the cold kills batteries pretty quickly. In the summer, with consistent warm temps, no worries.
The most important thing is temperature swings. In the winter, I keep mine stored with a battery tender, since the cold kills batteries pretty quickly. In the summer, with consistent warm temps, no worries.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,879
Likes: 2,800
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,870
Likes: 367
From: San Diego <->Knoxville
Mine has been sitting for 2 weeks and not plugged into the tender. For those who use the key into the door lock to wake up the car, mine will wake up just from pulling on the door handle alone. When I pull the door handle, I can then use the key fob to unlock it. Is this similar to what you guys are doing or are you manually unlocking the car with key?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 197
Likes: 14
From: Los Gatos, California
I have used a solar panel in a similar situation and never had a problem with my battery. I have been told that even if your car starts after several weeks of sitting without a trickle charger, it will
shorten your battery life. Perhaps some EE out there can comment.
The panel I used sat in the back window, propped up by a foam wedge and connected to the cigarette lighter, as it is always hot. The brand was (I have no connection) Deltran Battery 10 w. Tender (25"x13") and the website is: https://www.batterymart.com/p-021-11...lar-panel.html You will need the cord extender that they sent to reach the lighter. I believe I bought it via Amazon for at less than what is quoted, but that was several years ago.
shorten your battery life. Perhaps some EE out there can comment.
The panel I used sat in the back window, propped up by a foam wedge and connected to the cigarette lighter, as it is always hot. The brand was (I have no connection) Deltran Battery 10 w. Tender (25"x13") and the website is: https://www.batterymart.com/p-021-11...lar-panel.html You will need the cord extender that they sent to reach the lighter. I believe I bought it via Amazon for at less than what is quoted, but that was several years ago.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,963
Likes: 113
From: Vancouver, BC
I need to leave the 997.2 Targa in the condo garage for several weeks. No access to power. So the battery tender is not usable. Minimum access to people who could start / run the car.
Any real-world experience with options here?
Long-term (several weeks) disconnect of the Primary battery?? Seems risky to the settings and possibly the ECU.
Auxiliary battery set up?
Solar? Though it’s covered it’s not underground. Some sunlight passes through. The open sides are what you’d experience in a modern parking garage.
Thanks in advance everyone.
Any real-world experience with options here?
Long-term (several weeks) disconnect of the Primary battery?? Seems risky to the settings and possibly the ECU.
Auxiliary battery set up?
Solar? Though it’s covered it’s not underground. Some sunlight passes through. The open sides are what you’d experience in a modern parking garage.
Thanks in advance everyone.
Now, you're talking about Solar panel, etc... wouldn't you just buy a long extension cord and use a battery tender instead? Cheaper than solar panel, otherwise, just know how to access the frunk if the car is fully dead in case you can't open it, and have a jumper cable with another car nearby.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 221
Likes: 25
last year I took a 3 week vacation to Europe... Parked the 911 at the sister in-laws house for peace of mind and by the time I parked it and picked it up, it was roughy about 25 days sitting. Left the frunk open and locked the doors and off on my way to Portugal. I did not have a tender at the time and when I showed up for pick up with a battery charger, thinking I was going to need a boost. Doors unlocked, power came on and she started right away on first crank! I was surprised... do not know the history of the battery, which I purchased the 911 last spring. Did take a quick look and did not find any information of date of battery (strange) but obviously the battery is in good condition.
so I’m assuming a good battery will keep things safe 3-4 weeks plus.
so I’m assuming a good battery will keep things safe 3-4 weeks plus.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,100
Likes: 363
From: Upstate NY
Mine has been sitting for 2 weeks and not plugged into the tender. For those who use the key into the door lock to wake up the car, mine will wake up just from pulling on the door handle alone. When I pull the door handle, I can then use the key fob to unlock it. Is this similar to what you guys are doing or are you manually unlocking the car with key?
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 170
Likes: 79
From: Bay Area, CA