992 Battery issues and the Porsche “Gotcha”
Hi everyone,
I want to alert all 992 owners (possibly earlier models as well) to an issue I ran into recently. I received my 992 C2S in January of 2021. From then until December 27th of 2021, I put a little over 2700 miles on it. It is kept in a garage and is lovingly cared for. This winter, we are in Florida (home is Philly), and since the car arrived here in early January, I’ve put 800 miles on it. It’s great to be able to drive it in the sun and warm weather.
However, a couple of weeks ago, I went to the gym and was there for about 90 minutes. I then went to the local DIY hand wash car wash to wash and dry the car. From their I stopped at the gas station to fill up. Once the car was full, I went to start it and while the dash lit up (not the PCM screen), the car did not start. It didn’t even turn over. It was DOA. I called my dealer in Philly and they walked me through a couple of things to try and still nothing. I then called Porsche assistance and had the car towed to the local Porsche dealer here in SW Florida. The service associate who received my car called and asked why I had the car towed in because it started up with no issues when she tried. The tow guys confirmed that it was dead when they picked it up from me. She decided to keep the car and try to figure out what was going on. After a week of waiting, I received a text with a link to receive and estimate of the work needed. The estimate was for north of $1,300.00 for a replacement battery and labor. As you can imagine, I was not amused. The dealer explained that Porsche “requires” at least 6000 miles to be driven in a 12 month period in order not to void the battery warranty. I was never informed of this by my dealer in Philly, nor was I told that buying a battery maintainer would avoid this issue completely.
I made both dealers talk to each other to figure out who was going to pay for this work as I certainly was not. At the end of the day, the battery charged up completely and two of the other metrics on the battery were above levels that would indicate the need to replace the battery. My dealer in Philly is receiving the car directly when I ship it back home at the end of March and will do their own set of diagnostic tests to see if replacing the battery is warranted. In the meantime I did purchase a CTek maintainer to use while I’m here to avoid another stranding by my car.
I’m curious if anyone else has run into this issue?
I love the car and my wife owns a Macan S so we’re certainly Porsche people, but this felt greasy and cheap and not what I’d expect from Porsche. I have not called Porsche customer support directly, but plan to do so before I leave for home.
So, if you don’t put a lot of miles on your 992, be aware that this issue may arise.
I want to alert all 992 owners (possibly earlier models as well) to an issue I ran into recently. I received my 992 C2S in January of 2021. From then until December 27th of 2021, I put a little over 2700 miles on it. It is kept in a garage and is lovingly cared for. This winter, we are in Florida (home is Philly), and since the car arrived here in early January, I’ve put 800 miles on it. It’s great to be able to drive it in the sun and warm weather.
However, a couple of weeks ago, I went to the gym and was there for about 90 minutes. I then went to the local DIY hand wash car wash to wash and dry the car. From their I stopped at the gas station to fill up. Once the car was full, I went to start it and while the dash lit up (not the PCM screen), the car did not start. It didn’t even turn over. It was DOA. I called my dealer in Philly and they walked me through a couple of things to try and still nothing. I then called Porsche assistance and had the car towed to the local Porsche dealer here in SW Florida. The service associate who received my car called and asked why I had the car towed in because it started up with no issues when she tried. The tow guys confirmed that it was dead when they picked it up from me. She decided to keep the car and try to figure out what was going on. After a week of waiting, I received a text with a link to receive and estimate of the work needed. The estimate was for north of $1,300.00 for a replacement battery and labor. As you can imagine, I was not amused. The dealer explained that Porsche “requires” at least 6000 miles to be driven in a 12 month period in order not to void the battery warranty. I was never informed of this by my dealer in Philly, nor was I told that buying a battery maintainer would avoid this issue completely.
I made both dealers talk to each other to figure out who was going to pay for this work as I certainly was not. At the end of the day, the battery charged up completely and two of the other metrics on the battery were above levels that would indicate the need to replace the battery. My dealer in Philly is receiving the car directly when I ship it back home at the end of March and will do their own set of diagnostic tests to see if replacing the battery is warranted. In the meantime I did purchase a CTek maintainer to use while I’m here to avoid another stranding by my car.
I’m curious if anyone else has run into this issue?
I love the car and my wife owns a Macan S so we’re certainly Porsche people, but this felt greasy and cheap and not what I’d expect from Porsche. I have not called Porsche customer support directly, but plan to do so before I leave for home.
So, if you don’t put a lot of miles on your 992, be aware that this issue may arise.
21 - 40 of 73 Posts
I looked at the picture and I really don’t know. I’m going to get a lot of questions answered tomorrow. In the meantime I unplugged what I think was the beginning of a disaster. I started the car and it seems fine. A friend of mine was late to respond and he sent me one . It’s a C-Teck . I think it’s easier to buy the Porsche one even though it cost more. My Porsche charger has kept my 997 alive for 10 years after I lost three batteries before it. The lithium battery in my car is like $2000. I hope I didn’t mess it up.Hey Larry, good to hear from you. I don’t have the rear axle steering so I don’t think I do. I have been using my previous Porsche charger from my Boxster. I’ll take a pic and post it.
Are there actual different chargers for different batteries? If so, I’m unaware of it.I looked at the picture and I really don’t know. I’m going to get a lot of questions answered tomorrow. In the meantime I unplugged what I think was the beginning of a disaster. I started the car and it seems fine. A friend of mine was late to respond and he sent me one . It’s a C-Teck . I think it’s easier to buy the Porsche one even though it cost more. My Porsche charger has kept my 997 alive for 10 years after I lost three batteries before it. The lithium battery in my car is like $2000. I hope I didn’t mess it up.
That’s what I am finding out. Apparently there are and that’s what led me to unplug mine. The lithium ion battery requires a different type of charger then the acid battery. It’s possible that the regular charger could fry the lithium battery. I don’t think I did any damage in 30 minutes. It may have been 45 minutes. I didn’t time it. It was long enough for me to realize that I didn’t know. I will find out more.Are there actual different chargers for different batteries? If so, I’m unaware of it.
Interesting, all new to me, never heard that before.That’s what I am finding out. Apparently there are and that’s what led me to unplug mine. The lithium ion battery requires a different type of charger then the acid battery. It’s possible that the regular charger could fry the lithium battery. I don’t think I did any damage in 30 minutes. It may have been 45 minutes. I didn’t time it. It was long enough for me to realize that I didn’t know. I will find out more.
I followed up with my service advisor this morning. Unfortunately he was so sick that he could barely talk. I have his private number that I call. I didn’t trouble him with the questions. I did call parts and apparently they expressed I need the lithium ion battery maintainer. They don’t have any as they are on back order. I called Suncoast and I have to order it online. They have them. You have to find out what type of battery you have in your car. If you use a non-lithium charger I’ve read mixed things as to the results. Rather than be confused and get something wrong I’d rather have the exact charger made for this car.Interesting, all new to me, never heard that before.
On a sidenote I decided to go to the my Porsche website out of sheer boredom this afternoon. It’s been a while since I’ve looked at it . It pulled up my car but I found it very interesting that they knew exactly how many miles I had on my car. Apparently Porsche connect keeps them in touch. I don’t know if that’s good or bad but I feel like I’m being somewhat supervised with my own car. I’m sure there are companies that are even more sophisticated than Porsche add this new technology that makes me feel like I’m old.
Lastly I took the 997 turbo out today and I still love driving the car. I’m keeping both of them. I like having the differences and must say the 997 with a smaller platform and all those modifications it’s really a blast to drive still.
I hope that helps with the battery and check you in my Porsche and see if it’s registering your miles as well.
Larry, all my info is on the Porsche app I saw that from the beginning. Maybe it helps the service department send you reminders? how would I be able to find out what kind of battery I have? I don’t have the rear axle steering so do you think I have a regular battery?
This is a good topic.
I am one of these unfortunate people that must travel extensively for long periods of time. Pleasure 99% of the time. I have never trickle charged any of my cars. Never an issue except one time. Last year I decided not to have my valet manager start and drive my 991.2 around the parking garage for 10/15min to roll the tires and get the juices flowing. The first time the 991.2 sat untouched for 4 months, started perfectly. Next time it sat for 2 months and it did not start. Boosted it, took it on a good drive, came back. It would not start.Battery completely kaput! Put a new battery in and it is all good.
My issue is at this point, none of my parking garages have outlets. I cannot plug a trickle charger even if I wanted. Dealer in Ottawa suggested to remove the battery completely.
I am one of these unfortunate people that must travel extensively for long periods of time. Pleasure 99% of the time. I have never trickle charged any of my cars. Never an issue except one time. Last year I decided not to have my valet manager start and drive my 991.2 around the parking garage for 10/15min to roll the tires and get the juices flowing. The first time the 991.2 sat untouched for 4 months, started perfectly. Next time it sat for 2 months and it did not start. Boosted it, took it on a good drive, came back. It would not start.Battery completely kaput! Put a new battery in and it is all good.
My issue is at this point, none of my parking garages have outlets. I cannot plug a trickle charger even if I wanted. Dealer in Ottawa suggested to remove the battery completely.
Interesting!This is a good topic.
I am one of these unfortunate people that must travel extensively for long periods of time. Pleasure 99% of the time. I have never trickle charged any of my cars. Never an issue except one time. Last year I decided not to have my valet manager start and drive my 991.2 around the parking garage for 10/15min to roll the tires and get the juices flowing. The first time the 991.2 sat untouched for 4 months, started perfectly. Next time it sat for 2 months and it did not start. Boosted it, took it on a good drive, came back. It would not start.Battery completely kaput! Put a new battery in and it is all good.
My issue is at this point, none of my parking garages have outlets. I cannot plug a trickle charger even if I wanted. Dealer in Ottawa suggested to remove the battery completely.
I don’t need the reminders I because I bypass all of the Porsche connect features by signing on as a guest every time I start the car. I shamelessly admit not paying attention to the technology speech during the delivery of my car. I probably would have seen well I’m now beginning to learn. I don’t like it. I want to feel like it’s my car and not where I’m a participant in their car. Data logging all of my information feels like an invasion of privacy.Larry, all my info is on the Porsche app I saw that from the beginning. Maybe it helps the service department send you reminders? how would I be able to find out what kind of battery I have? I don’t have the rear axle steering so do you think I have a regular battery?
One quick call to your service writer would enable him to pull up your Vin I know every part of your car. He will know what type of battery you have. I know that with rear axle steering it’s definite that I have the lithium battery in the GTS. I think you may not have it but I don’t wanna commit to that statement in case I’m wrong. It actually will be a cost saver on your part. There are some guys who claim on Ren list that the lithium battery longevity is questionable and very expensive. Others will counter argue that the rear axle steering is so amazing it’s well worth it. I happened to agree on that front. This is simply the price of the toy.
Ok cool, I will give them a call and thank you!I don’t need the reminders I because I bypass all of the Porsche connect features by signing on as a guest every time I start the car. I shamelessly admit not paying attention to the technology speech during the delivery of my car. I probably would have seen well I’m now beginning to learn. I don’t like it. I want to feel like it’s my car and not where I’m a participant in their car. Data logging all of my information feels like an invasion of privacy.
One quick call to your service writer would enable him to pull up your Vin I know every part of your car. He will know what type of battery you have. I know that with rear axle steering it’s definite that I have the lithium battery in the GTS. I think you may not have it but I don’t wanna commit to that statement in case I’m wrong. It actually will be a cost saver on your part. There are some guys who claim on Ren list that the lithium battery longevity is questionable and very expensive. Others will counter argue that the rear axle steering is so amazing it’s well worth it. I happened to agree on that front. This is simply the price of the toy.
With the increase technology and expense of these components you have a tremendous inconvenience to wrestle with. I never had two residences. My parents did when they were alive and it became so difficult after a while they decided to sell both and buy one very beautiful home in Florida. Sadly they didn’t get to enjoy their home as my father passed and my mom was very lonely in it. She sold it after a few years and moved to a condo. I don’t remember whether the snowbirds had chargers. I don’t think they needed them as much as they would now . In my parents case they simply drove the car but their distance was much less than yours.This is a good topic.
I am one of these unfortunate people that must travel extensively for long periods of time. Pleasure 99% of the time. I have never trickle charged any of my cars. Never an issue except one time. Last year I decided not to have my valet manager start and drive my 991.2 around the parking garage for 10/15min to roll the tires and get the juices flowing. The first time the 991.2 sat untouched for 4 months, started perfectly. Next time it sat for 2 months and it did not start. Boosted it, took it on a good drive, came back. It would not start.Battery completely kaput! Put a new battery in and it is all good.
My issue is at this point, none of my parking garages have outlets. I cannot plug a trickle charger even if I wanted. Dealer in Ottawa suggested to remove the battery completely.
With electric vehicles becoming a staple in future cars and technology becoming complicated in these current cars I think your condominium association should be approached with the idea of installing some type of charging mechanism for long-term storage.
There are high end storage facilities in Miami. I’ve seen them. My detailer has clients who have car collections . In fact during hurricane Irma he saved me two spaces in hurricane proof storage facility to shelter my two 911’s . We brought the Macan in the garage. He kept my cars for several weeks until power was restored and debris wasn’t everywhere. It’s an option to store your car professionally.
When my wife retires next year we will do a modified snow bird situation. Maybe a month or so in Sarasota but I don’t want to maintain 2 properties. Too much to handle.With the increase technology and expense of these components you have a tremendous inconvenience to wrestle with. I never had two residences. My parents did when they were alive and it became so difficult after a while they decided to sell both and buy one very beautiful home in Florida. Sadly they didn’t get to enjoy their home as my father passed and my mom was very lonely in it. She sold it after a few years and moved to a condo. I don’t remember whether the snowbirds had chargers. I don’t think they needed them as much as they would now . In my parents case they simply drove the car but their distance was much less than yours.
With electric vehicles becoming a staple in future cars and technology becoming complicated in these current cars I think your condominium association should be approached with the idea of installing some type of charging mechanism for long-term storage.
There are high end storage facilities in Miami. I’ve seen them. My detailer has clients who have car collections . In fact during hurricane Irma he saved me two spaces in hurricane proof storage facility to shelter my two 911’s . We brought the Macan in the garage. He kept my cars for several weeks until power was restored and debris wasn’t everywhere. It’s an option to store your car professionally.
Not the answers I was looking for😩
I realize the 992 has more tech than 991.2. I trying to figure out a customized outlet for the 992 here in Ottawa. In Miami there are no possibilities for one.
I realize the 992 has more tech than 991.2. I trying to figure out a customized outlet for the 992 here in Ottawa. In Miami there are no possibilities for one.
I watched my parents go through the process . Its a real pain yet in 2009 when property priced plunged I almost bought a second place in So Cal. Ultimately I decided not to . It just seemed so complicated even though by now it would have been such a great investment . Its easier to just go somewhere and after Covid I have not gotten on a plane . I still can't deal with a crowded indoor space comfortably . Easier and cheaper to just stay home.When my wife retires next year we will do a modified snow bird situation. Maybe a month or so in Sarasota but I don’t want to maintain 2 properties. Too much to handle.
In my parents case its did come to a point where they chose one . I noticed that about a lot of snowbirds . It was particularly the case of the older ones when my mom bought her condo and made friends in her age range . Most were from the northeast and Canada . The back and forth got too much for them and as they aged the travel and health care wanted them near their physicians , hospitals, and consolidated in one place.
Yes it’s a lot to consider for sure. My mother is 86 and I’m her executor so I can’t really go that far more frequent at this time. She’s slipping slightly so that’s always on my mind. I can see how the back-and-forth would be cumbersome after a while. We do still enjoy the change of seasons here.I watched my parents go through the process . Its a real pain yet in 2009 when property priced plunged I almost bought a second place in So Cal. Ultimately I decided not to . It just seemed so complicated even though by now it would have been such a great investment . Its easier to just go somewhere and after Covid I have not gotten on a plane . I still can't deal with a crowded indoor space comfortably . Easier and cheaper to just stay home.
In my parents case its did come to a point where they chose one . I noticed that about a lot of snowbirds . It was particularly the case of the older ones when my mom bought her condo and made friends in her age range . Most were from the northeast and Canada . The back and forth got too much for them and as they aged the travel and health care wanted them near their physicians , hospitals, and consolidated in one place.
I already know the importance and challenges of elder care . My folks are both gone and greatly missed . When one day you do decide to go to Florida there are furnished rentals and even hotels with longer stay amenities . For instance when I did my impact window installation I stayed in a hotel for two weeks that was more like a condo . It was clean and safe but not there typical luxury beachfront vacation hotel . It actually was a hotel that had an airline staff there for a month of training at the time . I picked it because it was close to my house and allowed me to take my animals . They also were very animal savvy where the floor was enclosed . If a pet got out it won't get lost (it happened to my sister once with a dog .. she was heartbroken) . It was reasonable too.Yes it’s a lot to consider for sure. My mother is 86 and I’m her executor so I can’t really go that far more frequent at this time. She’s slipping slightly so that’s always on my mind. I can see how the back-and-forth would be cumbersome after a while. We do still enjoy the change of seasons here.
Sarasota is even less expensive and better equipped for long stay than Miami . In short .. you have choices !!
My Father passed three years ago and I’m still hurting from it. We were best friends. Looking forward to testing the waters down there for sure and we don’t need/want to be locked in to anything. My daughters can take care of my dog….hopefully!I already know the importance and challenges of elder care . My folks are both gone and greatly missed . When one day you do decide to go to Florida there are furnished rentals and even hotels with longer stay amenities . For instance when I did my impact window installation I stayed in a hotel for two weeks that was more like a condo . It was clean and safe but not there typical luxury beachfront vacation hotel . It actually was a hotel that had an airline staff there for a month of training at the time . I picked it because it was close to my house and allowed me to take my animals . They also were very animal savvy where the floor was enclosed . If a pet got out it won't get lost (it happened to my sister once with a dog .. she was heartbroken) . It was reasonable too.
Sarasota is even less expensive and better equipped for long stay than Miami . In short .. you have choices !!
Your charger seems to have two charging modes for Porsche 12V lead-acid batteries and Porsche 12V lithium-ion batteries (12V LiFePO)
My understanding is Lithium was an orderable option... not a STANDARD battery the 992 came with.
Thanks! I totally missed that!Your charger seems to have two charging modes for Porsche 12V lead-acid batteries and Porsche 12V lithium-ion batteries (12V LiFePO)
My understanding is Lithium was an orderable option... not a STANDARD battery the 992 came with.
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