996 left unattended since mid March
Discussion
My 996 has been sitting on a street in London since mid March. I'd quite like to go and rescue it now.
The battery will be totally flat and I doubt that even the bonnet (frunk) release will work. I know about the technique to provide a 12v feed to the positive pull out post in the front footwell fusebox. I guess that if I can get to the battery I can then either jump start it using jump leads or change the battery for a fully charged one.
My question is more about getting home 150 miles. The car is tiptronic so stalling is not likely to be an issue, but any advice about what to consider after this period of near zero charge?
The battery will be totally flat and I doubt that even the bonnet (frunk) release will work. I know about the technique to provide a 12v feed to the positive pull out post in the front footwell fusebox. I guess that if I can get to the battery I can then either jump start it using jump leads or change the battery for a fully charged one.
My question is more about getting home 150 miles. The car is tiptronic so stalling is not likely to be an issue, but any advice about what to consider after this period of near zero charge?
No problems I'd say - once it starts, you will be good to go. I wouldn't put a new battery in it if it doesn't need one ....
If me, I'd jump start it rather than risk buying a booster and it not working - get some heavy duty jump leads or it won't work though. I use the Halfords heavy duty ones and they worked fine on my old 996 3.4. Plug them into the donor car, rev the other car a little for 10-15 mins to get some juice in it, then try and start it.
If you do need to take a booster pack if you don't have anything to jump start it from, then it will need to be a decent sized booster pack, as it's a big engine to spin!
If me, I'd jump start it rather than risk buying a booster and it not working - get some heavy duty jump leads or it won't work though. I use the Halfords heavy duty ones and they worked fine on my old 996 3.4. Plug them into the donor car, rev the other car a little for 10-15 mins to get some juice in it, then try and start it.
If you do need to take a booster pack if you don't have anything to jump start it from, then it will need to be a decent sized booster pack, as it's a big engine to spin!
Edited by nebpor on Tuesday 23 June 16:50
I leave my 997 every year over winter for 3 months, no issues. Although it is stored properly - tyres inflated, full fuel, clean, battery off, covered, in garage,...etc.
On the street, under the elements, it will have had some brake disk corrosion for sure, so take it easy to start off with and test brakes - thankfully not too much rain over the past few months. Also suggest driving to nearest petrol station to fill up with fresh fuel and inflate tyres to correct pressures. Check coolant level in engine and under car for any big oil stains under where it was parked, just in case.
I'd just buy a new battery. At £100 they are cheap and one less hassle. Or do you want to jump start it every time you might have to stop (fuel, etc.)? Chances are that the existing battery is ruined anyways having been left to completely discharge.
Oh... and are you sure its still where you left it and in one piece?
On the street, under the elements, it will have had some brake disk corrosion for sure, so take it easy to start off with and test brakes - thankfully not too much rain over the past few months. Also suggest driving to nearest petrol station to fill up with fresh fuel and inflate tyres to correct pressures. Check coolant level in engine and under car for any big oil stains under where it was parked, just in case.
I'd just buy a new battery. At £100 they are cheap and one less hassle. Or do you want to jump start it every time you might have to stop (fuel, etc.)? Chances are that the existing battery is ruined anyways having been left to completely discharge.
Oh... and are you sure its still where you left it and in one piece?
Edited by RiccardoG on Tuesday 23 June 18:08
Geneve said:
In Oct 2019, I left a VW Polo GTi (latest model with plenty of background consumption) at Nice Airport.
Yesterday, 8 months later, it ‘blipped’ open and started first time.
996 and its ilk are well known for terrible battery drain - far more than any other car I've owned (my 986). There not a chance in hell it will start. Yesterday, 8 months later, it ‘blipped’ open and started first time.
The battery will be shagged, you can get a big Bosch Silver in the right size from Eurocarparts for a lot less than £100. If the car is going back into regular use, I'd probably just go get a new battery and fit it first.
FYI - there is a bonnet release cable tucked up behind the bumper (behind the RH front wheel), access through the wheelarch of from underneath if you;ve got skinny arms.
ETA with more relvance to the original question, go gentle on the brakes, I'd maybe check the tyre pressures first too. And then keep an eye on everything coming up to temp and just go steady - itll more than likely be absolutely fine.
Edited by snotrag on Wednesday 24th June 12:34
996TT02 said:
If you have a replacement alternative battery you should fit and use that, charging a flat battery off an alternator is not something that it will relish.
This. I would fit a new battery. If the one on the car has been discharged for a while it is unlikely to be serviceable now anyway. Smiljan said:
Geneve said:
In Oct 2019, I left a VW Polo GTi (latest model with plenty of background consumption) at Nice Airport.
Yesterday, 8 months later, it ‘blipped’ open and started first time.
How much was the parking ticket?Yesterday, 8 months later, it ‘blipped’ open and started first time.
Guessing about 80EUR?
supersport said:
Just take one of those little lap top battery based things.
We were trying to leave Le Mans, 997 wouldn't start, wouldn't jump. One of those little things started it first time.
Never seen anything like it. £80 (then) and fits in your pocket.
This.We were trying to leave Le Mans, 997 wouldn't start, wouldn't jump. One of those little things started it first time.
Never seen anything like it. £80 (then) and fits in your pocket.
Had one for about 4 years now had load of use jumping our camper.
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