993 Battery issues

[PorkerHam]

My 1996 C4S doesn't get a huge amount of use (yes....I know), and it seems to kill batteries, even when it spends time on a CTEK conditioner. I installed a Banner battery a year ago, and the battery is now dead. Aside from claiming on the Banner 4 year warranty and perhaps checking whether my conditioner is faulty, does anyone have a suggestion for a better battery for the car?

Many thanks
ph

[n12maser]

Don't have a battery suggestion, but would suggest a kill-switch. I have one next to the battery. Then it's not being drained when not using the car. You can still central-lock the doors before killing the battery, it just won't have an alarm.

Particularly useful if not using the car over winter

[Fnumber1user]

What age is the conditioner, and whenever you go in the garage is the conditioner still on - or do you experience tripped RCD's often? Batteries are pretty much foolproof/failsafe, so it's pointing towards the conditioner initially.

[Burrow01]

If the conditioner is working, then the battery should stay charged for long periods without any issues.

I have a CTEK charger on mine, and it will go over the winter no problem without being started.

I did have a problem with a failing alternator meaning that the battery charge would run down very quickly, but even then the CTEK would keep it charged whilst I was not driving it

[Orangecurry]

Having owned the 993 since 2008 - I first had a Calcium from Halfords, which was excellent, but I couldn't find any replacement when it did finally fail, so I switched to a Varta E38 Silver, which has also been very very good. It does fit into two other of my old cars, so over the years I have swopped it around, but it's been low usage regardless.

I usually buy from Tayna.

[996Type]

I’ve taken to using a CTek on mine but also now disconnect the negative connection from the battery top after a good run. Not measured the drain but reckon the car will empty the battery in a fortnight otherwise and it’s killed a couple of otherwise decent batteries in 10 years.

I need to get round to checking for any big historic parasitic draws, maybe an old mobiliser or even the factory one just being a bit greedy.

Had a 924 once and the window switch was just slightly shorting which killed the battery inside a week, the auto electrician that attended also pulled out a lot of spare wire at the same time, might be worth a look at your car?

Would recommend a discarnet or similar but I just keep a small spanner to hand and remove the lead from the terminal tbh.

[Ocho]

Burrow01 said:

If the conditioner is working, then the battery should stay charged for long periods without any issues.

I have a CTEK charger on mine, and it will go over the winter no problem without being started.

I did have a problem with a failing alternator meaning that the battery charge would run down very quickly, but even then the CTEK would keep it charged whilst I was not driving it

I was going to suggest checking the performance of your alternator too. I got through 2 or 3 batteries before I realised it was this that was at fault. Basic problem but still easily overlooked, especially if it's just working but not working enough...

[C4ME]

A lead acid battery is capable of being maintained by a conditioner for years. The same lead acid battery can be ruined by a single really deep discharge. It is not make specific. From observations a parked up 993 can discharge a battery in about 3 weeks.

[PorkerHam]

Thanks all, much appreciated.

After a few efforts, I managed to get the battery up and running again and it's back in the car. I'll see how it goes over the winter, but I've popped a lithium jump pack in the bonnet just in case......

Took it out yesterday and got home to find smoke coming out of both rear wheel arches! Time for new rocker cover gaskets I think.

Cheers again,
ph