Disconnect battery - invalidate Porsche warranty?

[SnipsSt]

Hi,

I have a 981 Cayman, and want to remove the Sport Design steering wheel airbag to investigate an infuriating rattle that developed recently that appears to be coming from the steering column. To remove the airbag safely, I need to disconnect the battery (I believe).

I had a bit of a surprise earlier in year when I took car to an OPC to replace rear tyres for Pirelli Pilot Sports, but was told I had to get Goodyears like the ones being replaced, to match front axle, as even mixing tyres across axle would invalidate the Porsche warranty.

So, being cautious, does anyone know if disconnecting the battery would invalidate the warranty (as an indication that someone had been working on car other than an OPC?). Before anyone asks, yes, I'm sure they would be able to tell, it's the simplest thing to log restarts of onboard diagnostics.

Bonus points for pointing out any gotchas in disconnecting / reconnecting battery - "codes will be required" etc.

Thanks.

[THUNDERHORSE]

If Porsche could get away with insisting only Porsche branded fuel should be used otherwise the warrant would be invalid they would. I think dismantling the steering wheel by anyone other than an OPC would definitely be a no no. You paid handsomely for the warranty, why don't you use it to get an OPC to resolve the rattle.

[anonymous-user]

Hope it doesn’t, ‘cos my battery went flat during the middle of lockdown..

[SnipsSt]

THUNDERHORSE said:

If Porsche could get away with insisting only Porsche branded fuel should be used otherwise the warrant would be invalid they would. I think dismantling the steering wheel by anyone other than an OPC would definitely be a no no. You paid handsomely for the warranty, why don't you use it to get an OPC to resolve the rattle.

Well, mostly because it's bugging me like mad and spoiling my enjoyment of car, and it's weeks to get a service slot at dealer at moment, but you're right, I'll leave it them. Thanks.

[THUNDERHORSE]

[julian718]

SnipsSt said:

Hi,


So, being cautious, does anyone know if disconnecting the battery would invalidate the warranty (as an indication that someone had been working on car other than an OPC?). Before anyone asks, yes, I'm sure they would be able to tell, it's the simplest thing to log restarts of onboard diagnostics.

Considering they void the warranty for the whole car even if a 12 o clock marker piece of tape is fitted to the steering wheel, then I would say best to get a POV from your OPD.

[A1VDY]

If you do decide to go ahead make sure you use a memory saver. This connects to the battery and then plugs into the OBD socket. The battery can now safely be disconnected without losing data/codes ect as it keeps the ecu supply.

Edit~ ebay around £7

[PaulD86]

SnipsSt said:

THUNDERHORSE said:

If Porsche could get away with insisting only Porsche branded fuel should be used otherwise the warrant would be invalid they would. I think dismantling the steering wheel by anyone other than an OPC would definitely be a no no. You paid handsomely for the warranty, why don't you use it to get an OPC to resolve the rattle.

Well, mostly because it's bugging me like mad and spoiling my enjoyment of car, and it's weeks to get a service slot at dealer at moment, but you're right, I'll leave it them. Thanks.

Do it yourself. Rattles are not covered by the warranty (unless they find something broken) and the labour rates at OPC are silly. If you are sure there is something wrong which will be covered by warranty then go to the dealer but if you don't think that's the case then DIY. If anyone can find an instance of a denied warranty claim because a battery has been disconnected I will be astonished. How to remove and replace it is literally in the manual Porsche provide with the car. I know you have to abide by some rules when you have the extended warranty but people get a bit paranoid about it. There are all sorts of reasons a battery may be disconnected or go flat. Crack on with it and remember there will probably be a PSM error when you reconnect the battery but this clears with a short drive and some steering.




EDIT to add - Sorry, that's the 987 manual there, however I still wouldn't be worried about doing it in a 981. But if you are really concerned then read the warranty paperwork and see what you find.

Edited by PaulD86 on Tuesday 7th July 09:06

[ATM]

I have had the battery off my 981 a couple of times. See pic below of mine sporting a temporary Jaguar battery. No need for ebay gizmos. Just remove and then replace.

No errors
No warnings on dash
Absolutely nothing weird or strange at all