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Porsche 993: How to Jump Start Your Battery

A dead battery can be the pits and often comes at the most inopportune time. Luckily, the battery on the Porsche 993 is easily accessible, and a quick jump start will have your car up and running in no time.

By Joseph Coelho - May 14, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 993 (1993-1998).

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were looking forward to a drive in your Porsche 993, but the battery was dead and the car would not start? Many Porsches are only used as weekend cars and are not daily driven. This can allow the battery to drain to a point where it does not have sufficient power to crank the engine. Likewise, any time the car gets driven, there is an opportunity for an accessory to stay on and run down the battery. No matter the cause, most individuals will experience a dead battery in their 993 at some point in their ownership. Be prepared if that day comes with this helpful article on jump starting your car.

Materials Needed

  • Jumper cables, battery booster pack or battery charger

Step 1 – Open trunk and remove carpet

To gain access to the battery, open the front trunk using the lever located in the driver side foot well. With the trunk open, remove the carpeting to reveal the spare tire, tool kit, and battery. The battery is located on the driver's side in the very front of the trunk area.

Figure 1. Front trunk with carpeting removed.

Pro Tip

Before attempting to jump start the car, check the battery cables to make sure they are secure and making good contact with the battery terminals. A bad connection can give the same symptoms as a dead battery and not allow the car to start. Checking the connections is quick and easy, and may allow you to avoid having to jump start the car.

Step 2 – Connect jumper cable leads

The following describes the sequence of connecting a set of jumper cables using a donor vehicle. This method will not allow for any spark at the dead battery which could be outgassing hydrogen vapors.

Warning

Is is important that this sequence be followed to prevent the possibility of an exploding battery.

  • Connect one of the positive leads (+, red cable) to the positive terminal on the 993.
  • Next, connect the negative jumper lead (-, black cable) to the 993's negative battery terminal. Be sure the other ends of the jumper cables are separated to avoid them making contact with one another and shorting across.
  • Connect the positive jumper lead to the donor car's positive battery terminal.
  • Finally, connect the remaining negative lead to a chassis grounding point or negative battery lead on the donor vehicle.

If using a battery booster pack or charger, simply connect the postive (+, red cable) and negative (-, black cable) lead to the corresponding terminals on the battery.

Figure 2. 993 battery terminals.

Step 3 – Start car

  • With the donor car running, attempt to start your 993.
  • Do not crank the engine longer than 15 seconds.
  • Wait at least one minute in between attempts.
Figure 3. Starting the car.

Step 4 – Disconnect jumper cables

With the engine running, disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order of the procedure outlined in Step 3. Reinstall the trunk carpeting and close the hood. You are now ready to drive away.

Pro Tip

Once your 993 is back home, it is highly recommended that the battery be tested and replaced if necessary. Similarly, ensure that your charging system is operating correctly.


(Related Article - Why is My 993 Battery Not Charging? - Rennlist.com)

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