Replacement Battery Information

I posted this on the 997 forum but I believe the 996 takes the same battery. Battery Replacement - Public Service Announcement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I've seen a number of threads concerning battery replacement and the confusion regarding which Interstate battery to use. Well, my 5 year old Moll Porsche OEM battery finally refused to hold a charge last week. As a result I searched and researched for the proper Interstate (my chosen manufacturer) battery. I saw a lot of confusing threads regarding MTP-91, MTP-93, MTP-H7, MTP-H8, etc. I decided after talking to my local Interstate retailer, Interstate Factory Rep and checking the physical and electrical characteristics to go w/ the Interstate MTP-H7. It's sized perfectly (fits the OEM footprint) and it's CCA is better than my Porsche OEM battery. It has a 24 month (no cost) replacement and after that an 85 month pro-rated warranty. I didn't compare the weights to the Moll battery but my 'grunt' scale (lifting it out) suggested the Moll was heavier. Product ID: MTP-H7(Automotive Truck) Short Description: Interstate - 85 Months Cold Cranking Amps: 640 Voltage: 12 Termination: A Pro-rata Warranty: 85 Weight: 46.3 Width: 6.89 Length: 12.4 Height: 7.48 I paid close to $190 but I've been told it can be bought for less. This is simply public service announcement. I have no interest in Interstate and the accuracy of the specifications are not guaranteed. I'm just all charged up (pun intended) that I was able to find an 'exact' replacement in size w/ better performance & warranty.

I have always had excellent luck with Interstate batteries!

$190...I think you paid way too much for a replacement battery.

My interstate was $120 installed just last month.

$50 for a replacement battery at Auto Zone, Sams, Costco, etc., is the only way to go.

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Maybe true. However, I wanted an Interstate battery. When your car is sitting dead in the garage and jump starting is becoming a nasty habit looking around for the least expensive battery wasn't an option.

I got the MTP-93, paid $100 and got 850 CCA. Direct replacement size wise and a bit lighter...not sure why you are suggesting the one you bought is the best replacement?

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Here's the problem. The Interstate battery and the Costco batteries are both made by Johnson Controls. Perhaps the Interstate is built to a better spec, I don't know, but $190 is more than three times what the Costco one costs. My Costco battery has worked fine for more than two years.

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+1 There are really only 3 high volume battery manufacturers out there : Delphi, Exide, and Johnson Controls Industries. Each makes batteries sold under several different brand names. Delphi makes ACDelco and some EverStart (Wal-Mart) models. Exide makes Champion, Exide, Napa, and some EverStart batteries. Johnson Controls makes Diehard (Sears), Duralast (AutoZone), Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Motorcraft (Ford), and some EverStarts. $190 is absolutely ridiculous. I guess we can consider that a stimulus payment to somebody. An Optima red top (Optima is also made by Johnson Controls) for my Mazdaspeed6 was only a $139.

Does the H8 fit? It's better than the H7.

IMO if you're going to spend that much, I would go with an Optima Red Top gel battery.

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I use an Optima in my 996 - no worries about spillage or venting. You'll need a special mounting plate - can buy from GMG ($$) or make one - couple of posts archived that show the DIY.

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Don't have the time to go to Costco and lug a battery home and then have to dispose of it in some fashion. A local Firestone dealer had the H7 in stock and took care of the install and disposal. I was there no longer than 15 minutes. I'm not suggesting it's the 'best replacement'. I've seen threads regarding Interstate battery type confusion and thought this info might be useful. The Optima requires a mounting bracket that I believe cost more than the battery. I chose an Interstate battery based on recomendations and the 24 month full replacement warranty. See previous reply See previous reply. I didn't think my Interstate battery info sharing thread would bring out so many replies. Good to see that the the art of interactive communications is not lost on this forum.

Not to derail the OP too much, but for those who might consider the Optima, it takes drilling 2 holes to mount it. Not hard. And I would not recommend spending extra money on a "custom" mount.

Just got an Odyssey for the 3. Do I charge this thing the usual way?

I got the Interstate H7 also. It cost me around 175 bucks. The car runs like a champ. All these discussion talking about how great your battery is after 2 years are moot. It's the 4-5 year barrier that I'm keen to hear about. As for the Porsche Moll, it's much more than the H7, so AP997S, take heart that you spent less than OEM. As for the Optima batteries, I've read some pretty daunting stories about their longevity but have never had one so who can say. Personally, the H7 looked like a direct replacement of OEM for less money and more performance. Job well done.

Just picked up the Kirland version from Costco - $76+. It is much smaller in physical size than the OEM battery and I'm unable to strap the [smaller] Kirkland battery to the body. Anyone else have this problem?

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Take it back and get the one recommended in this post - it will fit perectly. You don't want the battery loose.

I went in to pick up a Group 47 from Costco as rcommended in another thread, but Costco didn't have any. We then checked an catalogue and selected the recommended battery for a 04 3.6. Its about 2 inches too short, but that's not the real problem. The problem is the mounting bracket will not fit over the top lip on the bottom of the battery so there is no way to hold it in place.

Moved the battery all the way to the edge of the battery tray towards the drivers side and moved the bolt and copper plate over to the driver's side. All good.

Just adding my data point. I just replaced my battery now. Autozone specs out a Duralast H8-DLG. When I brought my original battery to Autozone, the Duralast H8-DLG was a bit longer than the OEM battery for my 2004 C4S. Luckily, I asked the salesperson to check with me what alternatives they had. We put my battery next to some other ones and found an EXACT size match. Here are the specs below. It cost me $145 with the $12 core charge ($157 without). Duralast Part Number: 94R-DLG Weight: 47.4 lbs Warranty: 8 YR Application: Automobile Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 730 Core Charge Applicable: Yes DIN Designation: H7 EN Designation: 77L4 Height (In): 7.5 Height (mm): 190 Length (In): 12.4375 Length (mm): 315 Width (In): 6.9375 Width (mm): 175 Weight (Lbs): 48.5 Post Location: Top Post Reserve Capacity (Min): 140 Right Or Left Hand Positive: Right Voltage: 12 It's a bit pricey but still better than the $250-$300 or whatever Porsche is charging nowadays for a battery that probably doesn't have the same cold cranking amps.

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Costco doesn't carry the group 49 battery my '01 Porsche C4 requires so I went to Shucks and paid ~$100 for one that fits perfectly.

Funny, I haven't seen a battery thread for a while, here, and yet today this one is resurrected on the very day I replace the battery in mine. I had a perfect cold start this morning, but an hour later, after 12 miles of driving followed by a 40 minute stop, it wouldn't crank the motor over. Lucky me, I was parked on a bit of an incline with an empty parking lot behind me, so I put the car in reverse, let off the parking brake, and when I was rolling enough I popped the clutch and it fired right up (thoroughly buries for me any future thoughts about getting Tip or PDK - LOL!). Lucky me, I was on my way over to the Porsche dealer anyway as my next stop. Lucky me, when I got there they were expecting the Interstate Battery guy to arrive any minute with a fresh load of correct size and power batteries. Lucky me, he arrived within a few minutes, and the dealer plopped in the new battery within minutes, charged me $120 for the battery, and nothing for the install.

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And I will take bets, under the circumstances you describe, that you have wasted good money replacing a perfectly good battery. "...Perfect cold start..." The charging system was working fine the last time you drove but has failed in the interim period.

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I don't see Deka on your list. Who makes that?

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Yes, you could be absolutely correct. But I am smart enough about these things to have considered that before blindly buying a battery. I failed to mention that the dealer also threw the computer on the charging system to make certain the battery was the problem and not something else, before selling me a new battery. My existing battery was last replaced in 2004. Even if it had turned out to be the alternator, I would have bought a new battery anyway when the alternator was replaced. I prefer not to eek things like this out to the last possible minute. And I totally expect to have to replace the alternator some day in the forseable future since the car is now 12 years old. Just not this time.

sounds more like a starter...

Go to Griots Garage for a charger.

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Yeah, exactly what I was thinking at first. Maybe a bad or dirty connection, or the same 12 years of age, would explain it. But the starter has worked like a champ since the new battery went in. Everything fires the moment the ignition switch hits. And with substantially more vigor than the last couple weeks. A dying starter would not have been "phased" by a new battery (yes, pun intended) if the old battery was in fact healthy. I'm still open to the charging system theory. But I have had several starts and stops, with very short distances and headlights, yesterday after the dealer and again today. Everything seems to be in perfect order. But the new battery may be doing that. I'll know in a week if it dies again. Then it definitely was NOT the battery. LOL!

Just a two week update on my battery purchase. As odd as it may seem to some (and myself) the new battery has done the trick. No issues of any kind, hot or cold, starts perfect and with excellent "vigor" every time.

Do the newer batteries have the vent tubes? Do we need a battery with a vent tube connection?

Yes, my new battery came with a hard plastic vent tube that hooked right up to the tube on the car. It is a conventional acid/plates design (I chose not to experiment with Porsches new ultra light weight Lithium-ion battery for the GT3RS and Cayman R - at just over $2400 each...) The purpose of the vent tube is to keep gases and fluids inside the battery from spilling onto the mounting plate and surrounding body/electricals. If you choose an Optima or similar construction gel-type battery, there is nothing to spill out and those batteries do not have vent tubes. However, they do need a special mounting bracket (not included with the battery) for installation in a 996.

Deka makes an AGM battery for our cars Deka AGM batteries Porsche 9AGM48

Forget Lead Acid, they went out with square Wheels. Gel the only way to go.

thirteeneast, Which non acid Gel batteries are available in London?

So, after reading these postings, which interstate battery is the one for my 997 C4S? Is the MTP-91 correct on all counts? Or is it the H-7 or H-8 the best direct size/replacement?

I went with an Interstate H-7. Not lighter, but an exact size replacement fit. Interstate batteries are high quality and I have had very good luck with them. These cars have long battery cables and I did not want a marginal quality battery stressing the electrical system.

Well time for me to replace mine this year, pleased with the life though, I don`t think it`s been replaced since new in 02. Going to try the H7 from Interstate. Thanks for the tips guys.

So today turned out to be my battery replacement day. I narrowed the choice down to the Interstate MTP-H7 and the Duralast 94R-DLG. I chose the Duralast primarily because it was about $30 cheaper. The 94R-DLG does NOT have a vent drain outlet, but otherwise it is a near match to the OEM Moll battery. The bracket holds it in place firmly and the terminals reached the posts without stretching.

Just purchase and installed a new Interstate MTP-H7 battery for my 2000 911 C2, fit like a glove. Paid $149, searched all around, and on the internet. That was the best price I could find. Prices ranged from $149 - $189 throughout the Detroit-Metro area, for those who had them in stock.

OK I know this is an old thread but I need a battery for my 99 996. The one in the car is OEM and was purchased in 2005, so I believe it has lived a good life. So I called the dealer for a price and they said $200, and I thought why fool around to save 50-75 $ when the last OEM lasted a long time. Then he said plus $100 installation to reset the electronics? Is this really a $100 installation, in all the threads I've read I saw nothing about resetting anything. If your telling me I have to reset my radio stations, so be it I can do that for free. I went to Autozone their price was $125.99 installed. But the tech had never installed on in a pcar and thought the dealer was just giving me a line. He is correct, just pull out the old one and put in a new one? Do you need the radio code to reset the radio? What am I missing?

For a 99, if you completely remove all current, you would need to reset the radio. But you can plug in a trickle charger while you replace the battery -- or even some of the small cell battery packs into the cigarette lighter to keep current in the system and not have to reset anything.

There are three holes in the battery tray they fit: H6 (48) MTP-H6 10-15/16 x 6-7/8 x 7-1/5 Top H7 (94R) MTP-H7 12-3/8 x 6-7/8 x 7-1/5 Top H8 (49) MTP-H8 13-15/16 x 6-7/8 x 7-1/5 Top The first 2 holes are threaded, third hole is not. It is close to the edge of the tray and you need to supply your own nut and bolt for the clamp. I replaced an Interstate MTP-H7 With a Braille 7548 AGM battery direct replacement. Braille AGM B7548 battery group 48 BCI Group: [?]Group 48 Length:10.9" (277mm) Width:6.8" (173mm) Height (without posts):7.5" (191mm) http://www.braillebattery.com/index....tteries/b7548#

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WHAT ELECTRONICS? The radio code is the only setting that is needed on a 1999 C2 996. I have that car. I have had my battery off the car about 10 months ago as a dealer told me I needed a new battery when they had the car in for a long winded warranty transmission change. I went to Pep Boys and was exchanging same when the assistant asked me what was wrong with the one I had as it was only 2 years old. I had a Bosche with breather vent. I told him what my dealer had told me. The pep boys assistant told me the dealer was trying to rip me off and tested my old battery. Nothing wrong and taking the charge as expected. The assistant cancelled my would be sale as there was nothing wrong with the one I had. It's been on my DD since that date 10 months ago and never missed a trick. You can get your radio code from a site on the net when you put in your Vin Number. Thats what I had to do and the radio works every time. The Bosche was priced just over $100 at Pep Boys and thats where I will go when ever I need anything for my car. I love honesty and detest a rip off merchant. Needless to say that I will not be going back to that Porsche dealer in Lancaster PA. I will use Porsche of Reading PA for any work more than DIY.

You certainly have to watch what the dealers do... 5 years ago on my cars PPI I was told the handbrake needed to be replaced because the dash light would not go on. What a rip. Another trick is to just hook up a donor battery to the main leads using jumper cables (carefully). Then when you remove the battery there is no loss of power.

I have the radio code the previous owner listed it on the front of the owners manual. If that is the only thing I have to worry about I think I can fingure out how to reset the radio. I also have read if you plug a charger into the cig lighter it will keep the radio from being wiped.

Sorry for the bump. So, my '04 996 needs a new battery. Been hearing good things about the Interstate MTP-H7. Apparently, when I go to the site to find out where to buy it, it's been discontinued. But, I did find another battery that could be a newer revision? Will this 'new revision' be okay to use for my 996? Are there any differences besides CA/CCA between the two? I'm looking to buy this tomorrow. Please advise. Discontinued: Interstate MTP-H7 New Revision? Interstate MTP-94R/H7

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Well lucky you Pep Boys BOSCHE $108 thats in mine.

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Did I read correctly Mark. Battery last changed in 2004? You got 8 years out of your last battery????? That was most certainly your problem. Nothing wrong with your starter or charger/generator. My Porsche dealer advised me to get a new battery after they had the car for a month doing a transmission change. I got it checked at Pep Boys. Nothing wrong and fully charged and they refused to sell me a new one. That was a year ago and still going strongly. Bloody Porsche Dealers. They are out to drain (excuse the pun) as much cash out of us as they can. The Ba****ds.. Needless to say. I quickly took up DIY preventative work on my car.

I ended up purchasing an interstate battery last month, I'll look up the part number tonight!

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SEE POST # 43 There are three holes in the battery tray they fit: H6 (48) MTP-H6 10-15/16 x 6-7/8 x 7-1/5 Top H7 (94R) MTP-H7 12-3/8 x 6-7/8 x 7-1/5 Top H8 (49) MTP-H8 13-15/16 x 6-7/8 x 7-1/5 Top< need to add your own nut and bolt to tray

Duralast 48-DL from Autozone. Perfect fit with vent tube. They price matched Sam's Club which cells Duracells @$90.

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Thanks! I actually figured this out a couple of minutes after I posted. Really appreciate your help though!

One more thing: Does the Interstate MTP-94R/H7 have a vent tube already? Do I need to request an adapter? Or does this battery have the same footprint as the OEM Moll? Thanks guys!

For the hardcore Costco users, now that Costco switched from Kirkland branded batteries over to Interstate Batteries, they do not show a match to the 996 series in their fitment guide. Has anyone with some ingenuity bought one recently from Costco that you got to fit? Costco uses proprietary Group ID#'s so tell us which one you found that fit... thx!

According to this updated page, seems like Costco no longer carries any size that fit our 996s. BCI group 47, 48, H7 are all crossed out for Interstate. http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/loca...-batteries.htm

I wrote Costco a note (and received no reply) that discontinuing their "fitment 10" auto battery was a bad deal. I like German cars, and I think 5 of them would use the "fitment 10" battery. I hope Costco reconsiders and brings this battery back on-line. Here in LA, German cars are everywhere. Costco could sell truckloads of these batteries.

For what it's worth. I just replaced my Interstate 93 after 4 years. I went with a Bosch Platinum H7. Nice looking and great specs. Slightly lighter than the Interstate, but not as small or light as a Group 48. $165 shipped from pepboys.com.

Agreed they no longer list the fitment, and for those they do have in their guide they do not stock em! Damn! It may be silly, but I plan to bring my used one in and see if i can find a legit replacement based on side-by-side comparison... I'll report back if I can make it work. Come on Costco, WTF over!

Update: Size H6/48 (Interstate 70AH 42-month replacement) is back on sale at Costco but it's $110 so it's no longer a bargain

I am in the market for a new battery for my C4S. The ones I've read up on seem to be discontinued or more towards the $170 and up range. I've tried the autozone and O'reillys websites, but they force you to pick a make and model car, which I believe is tagging on a Porsche Owner's Premium. I may stop by my Costco on the way home since $110 is better than what I've been finding. Any help would be appreciated.

Why don't you throw caution to the wind and actually tell Autozone what car the battery goes into? That way they can give you the correct size, post position, and vent position if applicable (which is why they ask), and they will have several models at various price points. You really walked out of Autozone without telling them what car you wanted a battery for because you thought they'd discriminate against you for being a Porsche owner? That's some old-school paranoia right there.

No as I stated, I have only been looking at their websites. I haven't had a chance to go into one yet. But thanks for the advice. (As for paranoia, yep, when the guy I've been going to for years to have work done, suddenly wants $440 dollars for a rebuilt starter motor, then $400 to install it, I'd say that was fully justified.)

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I went into Canadian Tire knowing that I was going to overpay. I purchased the agm battery for my 01 996. My internet was done. I like that the Canadian Tire battery comes with 5 years or road side boosting! I'm embarrassed to say how much I paid! 240$ taxes in. I did this about 3 weeks ago when I took the car out for the season.

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Other alternatives are Walmart and Interstate but I think Costco still has the best deal though. Or you can try AGM batteries: Duralast Platinum from Autozone. No, autozone is not trying to rip you off because you have a Porsche. The batteries have a few generic sizes they can fit in different cars. The prices are based on the sizes and other spec of the battery. Bosh battery from Napa

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Perfect, thanks. I just find it funny how they can range in price from the start of the thread a few years back of $50, to over $200.

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I think the regular Autozone-brand (non-AGM) ones are around $100 from Autozone. AGM is a better technology so it has about 50% premium compared to the regular lead-acid batteries. If you're looking for a regular battery, I would go for Costco. They get their batteries from Interstate anyway and Interstate has a good rep.

I just picked up a Deka 647MF for my turbo. 38lbs, 750CCA. Retail is about $120-130 IIRC. It's physically smaller than the factory battery and saves a few lbs. A small end piece drilled into the battery box to secure the smaller battery is a good idea.

Looks like I gotta pay to play. I called some places. Autozone want $177.97+ tax for their cheapest O'reilly's want $177.99 + tax with a $18 core charge. My Costco and surrounding stores don't stock any for the Porsche. If you have any links to these low price batteries I'm reading on here, that would be great. I could try a price match.

$170+ ones are AGM? If so, that's the right price. http://www.autozone.com/batteries-st...ry/319460_0_0/

-1 for Interstate here. Have burned through 2 in about 4 years. First battery lasted about 11 years but we didn't like the price of whatever it was. We've already spent more than that would have cost

check out Pep Boys. They have 30% off coupons when you order it online and you can go to the store and they will install it for free

I just purchased an AC/Delco AGM49 for my 996 which cost me $167 delivered from Amazon. No core charge.

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+996. IIRC with the savings, you could get a Bosch for a little over $100 awhile ago. Edit: Just went on their site and they still have 30% coupon bringing a Bosch battery to $128 before taxes.

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Is it a regular or AGM? Edit: found it now. It's a regular one.

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I wish it was AGM, that would be a steal. But IMO, there is nothing wrong with using a regular battery. We've been using it for a long time thus far... However if you're using "N" rated tires, you MUST use AGM. LOL.

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Agreed. I've been using the regular batteries without any issues. Just that the AGM prices have come down quite a bit that it sounds attractive. Always curious to try

Just picked up a Motorcraft AGM H6 from Autozone for $195 before I return the old battery tomorrow for the core refund. I think it was like $170 before taxes + core charge. We'll see how it goes. Much better than the $300 (installed) my indy wanted for an Interstate AGM.

Anyone tried a LiFePO4 battery to save weight ?

So after being quoted for $170 for their cheapest battery, I popped into O'Reilly's 10 minutes before closing. I told the woman there I needed a H6 size battery, she quickly looked one up in the book for the Porsche and found a "Super Start Extreme" 48EXTJ for $137.99 + 18.00 core charge. 730 CC and 910CA, same as my old one. 3 year warranty, so we'll see how this does.

I have had very good experiences with Sears batteries. I used them in my Boxster and now have one in my 996TT.

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Johnny Irish would lift his nose at that. First it's not expensive enough, second it's not OEM. This is what you need.

I had a hell of a time trying to find the larger size that fills up the battery tray without getting filleted on price. After much research i decided to bite the bullet and buy the Bosch 49-850B from Pep boys for $130 installed. It fits, but I had to take the bracket off and install a bolt through the end hole and then hold the bracket down with a wing nut. I think I spent an hour at home depot and then an hour figuring out how to fasten it. I have a 99 C2 cabriolet. Hope this helps someone. It has 850CCA and 120 minutes reserve capacity. (I replaced the 48-690B that i purchased in 2012. It wasn't having problems but I noticed that long trips with A/C and stereo would drain it so that it had difficulty starting after refueling. The extra capacity is peace of mind. I would have bought this battery back in 2012 but I trusted what the factory said--size 48. I think it is stupid that they recommend that when size 49 fits so well.

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Battery sizing is confusing. OEM size is the same as Bosch (and other brands) series H7/L4/94R. The H6/L3/48 is same height and width as OEM but shorter than OEM by 1.56 inches and the H8/L5/49 is also same height and width as OEM but longer than OEM by 1.50 inches. Maybe this is why Porsche has 3 holes in the battery tray for the hold down clamp?? My experience with 997's is that the "H7" hole (middle) is threaded but that the other two are not. How did you attach your hold down clamp with the H8/49 - is the third hole (outermost) threaded on the 996 tray or did you have to attach a nut?

I went with the Optima red top agm (and requisite mount). No complaints.

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I found out later that either Pep Boys didn't install it correctly, or the bracket broke off. It was confusing. Basically, I went to home depot and bought a bolt, some washers, a nut to secure it to the battery tray, then a wing nut to hold the bracket down. I have pictures if you want them.

Car started perfectly last week and has been on a smart tender all week, which showed fully charged. Tried to start it this am and ..click...click..click! Was an 8 year and 3 month old Bosch 49-850B. Can't complain. Found the receipt, had paid $91 including tax at Pep Boys. Can't complain. Go to the Pep Boys site and they are running a 25% sale on all car batteries. Good timing! Just picked up the Bosch H8/49-850BAGM for $175. 4 year replacement and Roadside included. Regular 49-850B was $140, with 3 year/96 prorated. I didn't think $35 was much at all for an extra year replacement and AGM to boot. Sealed too, but actually has a pressure relief valve and a vent tube. I like that. Man that's a heavy sucker....

Thanks, gents. Just secured my battery for 25% off and scheduled for the install first thing tomorrow morning.