Just fitted a new battery......

[Denis O]

Had a problem with the 996 battery last week so called up my local factors and asked about a Bosch Silver for the car. No, no, no, go OPC young man as they are the only people who can sell you the correct battery, he said. So of I went and had my wallet lightened by £150.

Now I have seen plenty of advice on forums about the Bosch Silver being OK for the 996 but if my motor factor sends me to an OPC then surely the Porsche battery is the correct way to go.

I have to say the new battery is much better than the old, and smaller Varta that came with the car when I bought it. Turns the engine over much more healthily than the old one ever did.

One piece of advice for those who change their own battery in future. Find out how to disconnect the old battery without setting the alarm off. My handbook just says disconnect neg first etc but no speacial instructions regarding the alarm. My ears are still ringing and I fitted the battery a week ago.

[roady]

My battery died during the winter months. I went down to my local battery specialist and they kindly ordered in an official Porsche battery - arrived within 40mins!!. IIRC £95 all in.

>> Edited by roady on Friday 28th April 10:34

[shed17]

You can fit the appropriate Lion battery (German manf with 3 years warranty)in your 996 for about £40.

Friend of mine has just had the same happen to him, except they wanted £200 It is a battery, nothing special, do not get confused!!!!!!!

[clorenzen]

Hi Guys. After two weeks away my Porsche was dead when I returned. Porsche Assist got it back to life but in order to avoid that next time I might need a new battery. Do you have any contact details for garages that can supply a new battery at a better value than the 150-200 pound OPC offer.

[996TT_STEVO]

Most 996 have a backup battery for the alarm, To disarm this you need to leave the key in the ignition (in on position) then disconnect battery (always negative first) It's wise to have a battery tender or a backup so you don't lose the radio code etc. I have an optima R34 Red top installed, it's much better and also saves about 10lbs in weight.

[barry_j]

I had my battery changed a few months ago by Halfords. I walked into the shop and they did it whilst a waited for approx £70 including fitting if I remember correctly. They used an adaptor to plug another battery into the cigaratte lighter to stop the alarm from going off or the radio loosing its settings / security code. The Halfords battery comes with a 3yr guarantee whilst the OPC one only has 2yrs.

[neil964]

My Halfords one was one of those calcium jobbies which have a 5 year guarantee. Due to me not having any power in my garage and not getting the car out in the winter months as much I have replaced the battery twice in 3 years. I just went into Halfords with it, reciept in hand and they changed it no quibbels. Best thing is when you get the new one you also get a new 5 year guarantee. So unless you are so pedantic about the brand of battery (lets be serious its only there to start the car and power the alarm system when the engine is turned off) Then its Halfords all the way for me.

Neil

[Denis O]

Good tip about turning the ignition on before disconnecting. I'll remember next time. The tinnitus has thankfully now subsided.

I would have been quite happy to put a cheaper battery on but when the seller turned down the sale of a Bosch Silver and sent me to the OPC I have to question the validity of using other types of batteries.

I just popped into Halfrauds this morning to get some bits for my upcoming Euro trip (aren't those high vis yellow jackets sartorial ) and I noticed the battery they recommend for the 996 for £50 I think. It did look quite a lot smaller than the OPC one but as has been said, if it starts the car, so be it.

Righto, I'm now off to figure out how and where to fit my headlamp beam deflectors Anyone who has a degree in Mechanical Engineering like to pop down and help