phatz

Just replaced the Interstate battery that the dealer had installed
Lifespan ~36 months (replacement warranty 30 months)

Thanks to my many friends here I went with the
Autocraft Platinum AGM H8 900 CCA ...made in Germany its gotta be good
$136 after 30% off code (codes are an easy google search)

Within the battery box, I soaked the negative connector in baking soda bath to remove the sulphates?

deilenberger

If he battery is correctly vented - there should be nothing on either terminal to remove... check that it IS vented. It's supposed to be. Perhaps the dealer neglected that (I'm amazed they used an Interstate actually..)

phatz

The Interstate had its vent connected

Funk build on negative is an undercharge condition?

AGMs, that I know of do not vent

I left the vent in place, with the battery end hanging in space


ps
Deilenberger ...are you ready for the Memorial Day onslaught?

deilenberger

The AGM has a vent. Look for the holes - at either end of the battery at the top. They may have a plastic plug in them.

And I'm leaving for your area (and beyond but a bit further north) on 2 wheels next week. I'll manage to avoid Memorial Day at the shore entirely if I do it right.

Wisconsin Joe

Ok, honest question:

Why are you amazed that the dealer installed an Interstate?

PO of my car had one installed about 3 years ago. Interstate, installed at the dealer. 6 year battery (found that out when I had my 'wet corroded wires' issue).

deilenberger

Simply because it doesn't say Porsche on it. Porsche does sell a replacement "OE" battery. This would be like a dealer selling MANN oil filters in MANN boxes instead of the "OE" Porsche (made by MANN probably) filters in a Porsche box for 3x the cost.

Interstate used to make very good batteries. According to a mechanic friend who sells them - not so much now - he's doing more and more warranty claims on the Interstates - at fairly low miles/age. I believe they were bought by some large battery conglomerate (I have heard there are really only about 3 battery manufacturers in the US - EPA regs made the sloppy polluting ones go out of business - and the names got sold.)

Wisconsin Joe

Fair enough. Thanks.

Perhaps the dealer offered the guy a choice. I have no idea. Dealer invoice details the Interstate battery (size & model & stuff). Over $200 too.

And you are correct, AFAIK. Two or three places make all the batteries in the US. All the different "choices" are a matter of brand name on the outside, and build specs on the inside. To a certain degree, 'better' batteries are actually better.
I've had good luck with Interstate over the years. A friend owns a shop and carries them. On the plus side, they do a good job with the warranty claims.

phatz

When I inquired with our local Interstate dealer, they had no problem honoring the warranty on this indirect purchase.
And were willing to apply the prorated amount to their AGM battery as well.

mykidzm3

Do you have to program the a/c max after replacing the battery?

phatz

I am not aware of this

phatz

Replaced the one from 5/17 today

hatchetf15

That’s pretty decent. My Interstate is now 30 months old and has almost no cold crank anymore. Any OAT less than 40f and the poor Pepper wheezes and causes a suspension fault latch. Time to be like phatz and get the AGM with more CCA.

957austin

My original Cayenne battery was still starting fine after 10 years, it just started more slowly (but still only 1 key bump though). I live in a warm climate so that probably helps a lot. I have an AGM now, hoping to get at least 10 years out of it.

jeff spahn

I wanted an Optima battery but it appears they don't make one for the Cayenne according to their website.