996 GT3 - OK to disconnect the battery for two months?

[Jack911]

I have a 2005 MY GT3 and I'm going overseas for about two months.

The battery usually goes flat after about three weeks of non-use so I thought I'd just disconnect it while I'm gone. That way, when I get back, I can reconnect it and there should be enough charge to start the engine.

My only concern is that this may have some permanent effect on some of the electrically-dependent systems, such as the memory which holds the mileage etc.

Anyone know of any issues with this?

[2stis]

No real issues. I 'borrowed' the battery out of my GT3 to use in something else last winter. You'll lose the trip meter and the computer memory (mpg, etc.) but the main mileometer will keep the total vehicle mileage okay. Make sure that you leave the front trunk open if you disconnect the battery to make connecting it back up again later easier - if not then you will have to go through the 'alternative' procedure to power up the front hood release 'remotely' so you can get in there to connect the battery back up again when you come home to it!

Much better though I think to connect a CTEK or similar to just trickle charge/maintain the battery over the period that you are away. That way you can keep all your settings, lock the front up securely and still know you will have a full charge when you get back. That's what I have on mine now.

[monthefish]

Does the alarm not go off if the battery is disconnected without the key in the ignition?

Also, there is no guarantee that a disconnected battery will keep a charge.

[marky911]

Remember to turn your ignition to position 1 (1st click) while you disconnect the battery leads, otherwise your alarm will sound.

[2stis]

Alarm didn't sound on mine when I disconnected the battery. The car was unlocked though so I don't think the alarm is activated then.

[monthefish]

My 'disconnecting 996 battery thread which might be of use.

[ClarkPB]

How about hooking it up to a battery conditioner to save removing it? They can be had for next to nothing if you just want a basic one.

• edit, just saw this already mentioned above!*

[2stis]

It's still good advice

[David Hype]

If you remove/disconnect your battery you will have no alarm and what about your tracker device too?

Ask your insurance company what happens if the car dissapears whilst you are away without the above being activated, will they pay out?

Buy a battery conditioner, leave the car locked, alarmed and garaged. If it gets stolen you get paid without any hassle, as you met the terms of your side of the agreement.

[davek_964]

2stis said:

Alarm didn't sound on mine when I disconnected the battery. The car was unlocked though so I don't think the alarm is activated then.

It is on other 996s (including turbos) - even with the car unlocked, if you try to disconnect the battery without the ignition on the alarm will sound.

I'm surprised if the GT3 is different.

[andy102]

I disconnect mine all the time when I'm away, no problems at all.

Ignition needs to be on when disconnecting and reconnecting.
Remember the window drop, I usually leave my window slightly open.
Don't fully close the bonnet with the battery discounted and still in, unless you have another battery handy.

I think thats it, correct me if I'm wrong

[porschemanpat]

David Hype said:

Buy a battery conditioner, leave the car locked, alarmed and garaged.

+1

[puntograle]

porschemanpat said:

David Hype said:

Buy a battery conditioner, leave the car locked, alarmed and garaged.

+1

+1

[Jack911]

David Hype said:

Buy a battery conditioner, leave the car locked, alarmed and garaged. If it gets stolen you get paid without any hassle, as you met the terms of your side of the agreement.

Unfortunately, my garage has no power.

I have bought one of those solar-powered power supply thingies but I haven't hooked it up yet.

[Pugley]

As others have said, think of the insurance issues.
If the car is not locked and the alarm disabled you may have a red face when your insurance company says you are not covered.
A GT3 is VERY nickable so be very cautious

[2stis]

davek_964 said:

I'm surprised if the GT3 is different.

It's probably not then. Maybe I still had the CTEK plugged in when I took the battery out and perhaps that was just enough current to stop the alarm going off. For whatever reason I'm certain the alarm didn't sound as I jacked the car up the other week to take the wheels off to clean inside them (OCD winter cleaning regime) and the alarm went off in the garage and nearly deafened me, which I had not experienced before - had to run back to the house to get the keys too as hadn't taken them out there with me

[monthefish]

Jack911 said:

David Hype said:

Buy a battery conditioner, leave the car locked, alarmed and garaged. If it gets stolen you get paid without any hassle, as you met the terms of your side of the agreement.

Unfortunately, my garage has no power.

I have bought one of those solar-powered power supply thingies but I haven't hooked it up yet.

Can you run an extension cable to the garage?

I've heard these solar powered ones aren't much good (esepcially if the car is in the garage!!)

[reedman]

Haven't all GT3 got a kill switch under the bonnet ?

James

[marky911]

Nope only Clubsports but there is still power going to the alarm on a permanent live, so flicking the switch wouldn't necessarily stop the battery going flat.