aia Posted 11March, 2018 Report Share Posted 11March, 2018 Hi, Started up and displayed "battery generator" warning light. So dropped on the battery charger and after it finished disconnected it. Used a voltmeter whilst the car was running and measured 13.7 volts. Checked the belts all tight Display didn't reappear. So I either have a alternator on the way out, or the battery is rubber ducked. Question is; is there an age where the alternator gives up around the 10+ year mark. If so any idea of the cost. Any other clues or things to check. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven Posted 11March, 2018 Report Share Posted 11March, 2018 Is the car slow cranking when the engine is warmed up and you go to start it ....? like the car has low battery voltage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aia Posted 11March, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 11March, 2018 Hi, Nope cranks well, my thoughts were the battery might be on the way out which triggered the light. Otherwise, wait for an event to happen, would be interesting what fault is registered internally. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GC9911 Posted 11March, 2018 Report Share Posted 11March, 2018 4 minutes ago, AIA said: Hi, Nope cranks well, my thoughts were the battery might be on the way out which triggered the light. Otherwise, wait for an event to happen, would be interesting what fault is registered internally. Thanks Might be worth load testing the battery, most auto electricians will have a load bank to put on your battery, see if it collapses under load. In my experience alternators/generators are like all other machinery, they have a finite running life, how many kms on your car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aia Posted 11March, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 11March, 2018 Ok, Its 88k, which is mainly country driving, car is only used every second day or sometimes sits in the garage for a week on a trickle charger when I am away for work. Yes, probably load test is the way to go, or just sub out the battery given its at least 4+ years old. I was more concerned if its the alternator give PCB will charge be more than a battery and a battery is easier to get where I live. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GC9911 Posted 11March, 2018 Report Share Posted 11March, 2018 Be surprised if it’s the alternator, definitely go the battery test first. I did extensive battery testing for Optus as they have approx 35,000 batteries across australia to work out battery life & the economics of maintainance v replace on failure. We came to the conclusion that after 4 years just replace, especially if the batteries are in a constant/regular high ambient scenario. The higher the normal ambient/operationg temperature the shorter the battery life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven Posted 11March, 2018 Report Share Posted 11March, 2018 common fault on 997 gen one is the starter alternator cable failure ........generally the first sign of it going is problems with hot starting ie slow cranking of the starter when the car is at temperature .............I would give the rennlist forum a good search if it is a alternator then some one on there would have had it before also.... and generally there is a detail thread on the issue ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelrik911 Posted 11March, 2018 Report Share Posted 11March, 2018 This Site has pictures. Replace 2 cables - Job from Hell. https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/997/289189-3-8s-how-replace-alternator-cable.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aia Posted 11March, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 11March, 2018 Ok, I am curious whether others who have 997.1 on this forum have had the same issue. Not an easy job, from looking at the URL. Battery is over due for replacement, so that's step 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven Posted 12March, 2018 Report Share Posted 12March, 2018 The Alt and starter Cables are around $180 ,,,,but give every thing a good check before you purchase one ... Another voltage drop issue can occur with the rust on the current bolt that runs through the fire wall ,,,if the bolt dose not have full contact you can get a degree of voltage drop from battery to the rear of the car eg Battery at 13,7 but large voltage drop to alt and starter ....have a look at this thread some info on this issue ... https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/986396-997-1-c2s-hot-start-slow-crank-finally-resolved.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pokiou Posted 12March, 2018 Report Share Posted 12March, 2018 car batteries should be replaced every 5 years. Maybe your battery is loosing voltage over night? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aia Posted 12March, 2018 Author Report Share Posted 12March, 2018 Yep, agree the battery needs changing out for sure. Overnight not sure, when I am away it goes on the trickle charge so thats at least 2 out of 4 weeks per month. Plan - put in new battery, drop in to Porsche and ask them to read the error code that would have been generated. After then its a wiring job as suggested by you guys. Thanks for the advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francois Posted 12March, 2018 Report Share Posted 12March, 2018 Hi AIA, I had the sluggish warm starts and replaced the starter motor and Alternator/Starter B+ cable. If you don't have these ignition issues, you're probably safe. I can't recall seeing the fault you mention, so hopefully you don't have the same issue. Hopefully the new battery will solve it Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_189 Posted 13March, 2018 Report Share Posted 13March, 2018 Starter/alternator cable wouldn't charge my battery on my 996. Often went dead before I replaced it (cable) and got a trickle charger because if infrequent use. Battery is a good place to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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