996 unused for one month

[Lumply]

Advice needed about battery care during period Sept/Oct whilst I am overseas.

The car is expected to be garaged at home with power supply, or at the worst, parked up outside adjacent to the garage in my drive way. What are detailed options for battery maintenance to ensure a first time start on my return. I would prefer to leave the battery in situ.

[p4cks]

My two toys have a CTEK battery conditioner on each of them and I've never had any issues.

[InitialDave]

I'd just put a CTEK on it and leave it at that.

[Paynewright]

Mine just been stood (garaged) for 23 day whilst we’ve been away. I have a Banner trickle charger and it was plugged into that. Started first time when I was back.

After a week (ish) it will go into hibernation mode and the key remote wont work. Key in door lock, quarter turn then press the remote to unlock. If you unlock the door and simply open it the alarm will go off!

[snotrag]

Just put a CTEK on it and don't worry about it.

When you come backthe key remote will be diabled, just need to unlock it via the door lock.


My CTEK charger is screwed to the wall inside the garage, with an extension lead that tuns under the door. Attache the battery connector to the terminals and the plug just tucks under the plastics jsut berlow where your windscreen washer filler is.

Cost about £70 for the lot.

[Yourmumsmum]

My car sits for long periods unused and I tried various top up chargers to no effect. In the end I replaced the battery about 5 years ago and it still holds full charge for months without the car running and starts first time. The trickle charger hasn't been needed. Might be worth starting with a new battery if there are any signs it's struggling after a week or two unused.

Also worth taking a look under the battery as the compartment can collect leaves and can corrode. Best to catch early.

[AlasdairB10]

If the battery is a new one and the right size then you can leave it a month occasionally and it will start just fine. I always had Bosch Silvers in mine and had no problems. The remote door locking will disengage after a week but the alarm and immobiliser remain active.

[Scrump]

Trickle charger if you want to be sure it will start on your return.
CTEK are very good, but last time I left my 996 for a couple of months my CTEK was needed for my other car so I used one of the cheap ones from Lidl or Aldi and that worked fine.

[Lumply]

Thanks for that one more thing
Is it necessary to disconnect the negative cable on the batt or simply connect up as is

[RDMcG]

I charge through the cigarette lighter. Never at the battery.

[LordHaveMurci]

RDMcG said:

I charge through the cigarette lighter. Never at the battery.

Same here.

[skinny]

Some 996s can't be trickle charged through the lighter. Mine ('99) is not a constant live so I've put a comfort lead direct on the battery

[LunarOne]

If you'd like I can drive it for you whilst you're away. I'm 15 minutes from Heathrow airport and I'll even pick you up when you arrive back!

[Paynewright]

Dont disconnect the -ve cable - you wont be able to lock the car nor get the frunk open (easily).

I have a fly lead onto the battery, plug the charger on and route the cable out near the wipers then shut the frunk, lock the car.