Dead battery

[Scott in Houston]

In turbo forum too, so sorry for repost, but looking for quick answer, and I figure there's more traffic on this forum:

Hey, for the first time ever, my battery is dead on my 996TT.

It's been sitting for weeks, and before parking, I washing and listening to radio.

Well, it has enough juice to turn on interior lights, etc. It just can't turn it over enough to start.

I've heard and read that using cables can be bad on an elec system even when used properly.

What is the best way to charge it back again or start it?

Does Sears have a charger? Something that goes through the cig lighter maybe?

2nd part... How do I know if I need a new battery after it's started? (I'm guessing I can figure it out, but looking for rule of thumb)

3rd and last part...

What's the best replacement battery if I need one? I was told a gel battery if you track your car at all. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[wwest]

Just recharge it, it will be fine.

Costco for a new when the time comes.

[ar38070]

1) Jump instructions are in the manual. If you want to charge the battery then you need a 5-10 amp charger that you hook to the battery after first disconnecting the cables that the car uses. Charge for 8-12 hours. The cig lighter chargers will not charge a dead battery as they are only 100-500 ma.

2) You either need an electrolyte gauge or you let the car sit for a day or two and see if it will start or if it cranks slowly.

3) Costco size 47 for $48, 3 yr replacement warranty, 100 mo prorated warranty.

[ADias]

Scott: Get a new battery. Loren and Toolpants'recommendation is:

Autozone - Group size 48 (DURALAST - 48-DL - includes venting kit) - $65

[Scott in Houston]

Thanks guys.

So I'll just use the cables. I had heard that using cables can cause an issue when you disconnect the 2 cars... even if you do it right, it can send a jolt into one of the cars elec system. Somewhat like a power surge.

I saw this on one of the speed channel tech shows and read it in a mag somewhere.

[ar38070]

Yes I also heard that. The solution supposedly is to turn off the donor car first before disconnecting the cables. I am not aware of any warnings with regard to Porsches. I would do what the manual says to do.

Alternatively an easier solution is to buy a battery jumper. You can get a cheap one for $30-$50. The better ones (bigger battery) run $70-$100.

[Scott in Houston]

I bought a Sears Die Hard battery charger and maintainer. It was on sale for $69 (normally $95).

I also just jumped the car first before buying this.

Thanks all.