Is it the battery?

[holedigger]

2004 CS 84K. Bought the car 6 weeks ago. On thanksgiving day, prior to a long trip, the Battery light came on at start up and then went off. Each time I start the car, I have to bump the key twice to start. Battery light goes off and all is good. Volt gauge reads 14ish volts while running. Interior lights seem to cut off (when car isn't running) way too soon, and the blower motor is making weird noises and sometimes takes a minute or so after start up to begin working. Is it the battery, and if so which one? Under the seat or in the trunk?

[Dennis C]

It sounds like the primary battery (under the seat) is going bad. If your Cayenne has the optional second battery, it may be the one that is starting the vehicle once the primary battery is unable to do the job. I'm not sure what you mean by interior lights cutting off soon... you mean after you remove the key? The blower motor issue probably isn't related. Blower motors have been known to fail on these vehicles. I haven't replaced mine, but I understand that it's a fairly easy DIY procedure.

[holedigger]

Thanks for the reply. I will look into replacing it soon. As far as the blower, and other replacement parts, do you know of a good source? I am new to Porsche. I own a Volvo as well and usually get parts from IPD.com. And yes the interior lights seem to cut off too soon after the key is removed.

[odix]

If you become a contributing member you can see the deal at Sunset Porsche. I use them and have nothing but praises -- knowledgeable staff, excellent prices, fast shipping, etc.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/spoffers/sunset/

[Dennis C]

I'm not sure about your local dealer, but mine carries Porsche OEM batteries and aftermarket batteries that are much less expensive. You might call your dealer and at least see what they have...

[mudman2]

The blower fan is pretty easy to change, its located in the passenger footwell. A little awkward but DIY doable

I think the cost is about $130

[holedigger]

Thank you all for the quick responses. This has encouraged me to become a contributing member. Stealership wanted $99 to test the battery. They said that it could be the alternator or the battery, but after driving nearly 1200 miles after the light started to come on, I am banking on the battery. Thanks again,

[odix]

Go for it -- become a contributing member. It's the best money I spent on my Cayenne ('04 S). I actually sent Loren another $25 a year later based on how much he, the site, and other members helped me.

[holedigger]

So after buying a battery from our local foreign auto parts distributor and getting home, it turns out that it was the wrong one. Thanks to my commercial sales friend at Advanced Auto for the correct one. It tested at 3 cranking amps.

On a side note, the blower seems to be working fine now, with no quirks!

[odix]

Cool --- excellent news. Enjoy your Cayenne -- and welcome to Renntech.org!