fullymatted.
Back to search
Porsche Forum Australia

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Add to repair workspace
Open repair workspace
Original source
14 captured repliesPartial discussion capture · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW

Discussion summary

YOUR RESEARCH997 Alternator or Battery issue

Leading reported evidence

Check belts all tight

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

Checked the belts all tight

997 Alternator or Battery issue
Frequently discussed work

Check before you purchase one

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

The Alt and starter Cables are around $180 ,,,,but give every thing a good check before you purchase one ...

997 Alternator or Battery issue
Read full discussion summary

Leading evidence: 'Check belts all tight' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check before you purchase one' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.

Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.

Read captured replies

1 matching discussions · 14 captured posts examined · 1 partial discussions

Compare 4 other evidence results

Replace sluggish warm starts

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

I had the sluggish warm starts and replaced the starter motor and Alternator/Starter B+ cable.

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Use every second day or sometimes sits in the garage

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

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.

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Use voltmeter whilst the car was

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

Used a voltmeter whilst the car was running and measured 13.7 volts.

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Check before you purchase one

Suggestion or failed attempt

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context

Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.

Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

The Alt and starter Cables are around $180 ,,,,but give every thing a good check before you purchase one ...

997 Alternator or Battery issue
Frequently discussed actions (10)

These are separate views of the same evidence. Frequency alone does not establish a fix, and these counts must not be added together.

Check before you purchase one

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

The Alt and starter Cables are around $180 ,,,,but give every thing a good check before you purchase one ...

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Check belts all tight

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster

Checked the belts all tight

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Replace 2 cables - job

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

Replace 2 cables - Job from Hell.

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Replace alternator-cable.html

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/997/289189-3-8s-how-replace-alternator-cable.html

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Replace every 5 years

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

car batteries should be replaced every 5 years.

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Replace on failure

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

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.

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Replace sluggish warm starts

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Performed · outcome unconfirmed

I had the sluggish warm starts and replaced the starter motor and Alternator/Starter B+ cable.

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Run life, how many kms

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

In my experience alternators/generators are like all other machinery, they have a finite running life, how many kms on your car?

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Test battery, most auto electricians will have a load bank

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

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.

997 Alternator or Battery issue

Test first

No successful repair reported for this finding.

0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that contain suggestions
1

0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.

0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.

Suggestion

Be surprised if it’s the alternator, definitely go the battery test first.

997 Alternator or Battery issue
Coverage and how to read this overview

Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.

14 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.

  • Porsche Forum Australia: 1 discussions

0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.

0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.

Generation: 20261027T000231Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources

POST 1 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

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

POST 2Original post

Is the car slow cranking when the engine is warmed up and you go to start it ....? like the car has low battery voltage

POST 3 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

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

POST 4Original post

Quotes source post: 250505

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?

POST 5 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

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.

POST 6Original post

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.

POST 7Original post

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 ...

POST 8Original post

This Site has pictures. Replace 2 cables - Job from Hell. https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/997/289189-3-8s-how-replace-alternator-cable.html

POST 9 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

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

POST 10Original post

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

POST 11Original post

car batteries should be replaced every 5 years. Maybe your battery is loosing voltage over night?

POST 12 / ORIGINAL POSTEROriginal post

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

POST 13Original post

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

POST 14Original post

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.

This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.