Can I charge the battery while it's connected?

[Andrew]

After hardly being driven for a couple months the car did not cooperate in starting yesterday. I was able to jump start it, but today it starts very weakly and I do not have time to go drive it to recharge it naturally. I have a battery charger here and I could connect it, but I am worried that upon reconnection I will need codes for the radio and PCM that I may not locate easily. I am tempted to just attach the charger to the battery in the car, but I am not sure of that could be damaging to any systems or components?

I do not understand the need for the trunk wire inside the fender well. I know there must be something to it because many people prepare it and sometimes people have problems. However, I opened the door with the key in the lock and I pulled the trunk latch which mechanically unlocked the trunk. I did not find any need for electric power.

[Loren]

If it is a trickle charger you are likely ok. Just remember that charging causes the battery to give off gases so it would be best to open the trunk. Also, charge very slowly to avoid bubbling the acid out the vents.

If you need to do a rapid change then it is safest to remove the battery before charging.

[Tool Pants]

What year is your car? Jeff

[Andrew]

Year is 2000

[Tool Pants]

Time to replace the battery.

There is nothing special about a Moll battery, or a Porsche branded battery.

Might be the lowest bidder for all I know. Porsche does not make a battery. Jeff

[Andrew]

Can I just go to Costco? Do I need to exactly match the amps and physical size?

[Loren]

Group size is 48. Try to get at least a 700 CCA or better yet 850 CCA.

[Tool Pants]

It is a standard size group 48 battery. My local Costco does not have this size. I bought mine from Pep Boys for $60.

Call any parts place or battery shop and see if they have in stock a group size 48 battery. Some of our local owners have bought them from Sears or Interstate. The one sold by my local Sears is identical to the one sold by Pep Boys, except the one at Sears is $30 more.

The replacement battery sold at my local dealer is made by Douglas in the US.

You were able to open the front trunk without the emergency release because the battery did not die with the alarm on. If it dies with the alarm on then the trunk levers are locked. Jeff

[Andrew]

Pep Boys have a 48/700CCA for $80. Interstate has same for $96 and Sears has it for $95. Costco has no size 48. Is it time to buy the 700CCA or could I really find the 850 somewhere?

[Loren]

The Sears Diehard is available in an 850 CCA.

[Tool Pants]

Is that you Andrew 'Cat Guy?'

Pep Boys is 700 CCA and 875 above 32 degrees. Remember, there are 2 ratings for amps. The old black oem Moll is about 650 if I remember from when i got rid of it 2 years ago. Jeff