Winterization Question and gratuitous pic

[David 84 911]

Any special tips for a newbie 2002 996 owner ? I have owned an 84 air cooled but new to the 996.

Over inflated tires, gas preservative, seals lubed, oil done.
Any special with the trickle charger ?

Thanks

[racer]

4 new snows and Drive it! its a C4S afterall

A trickle charger is key.. the battery will drain/fail quickly if not used. Related to the charger is the need to KEEP the trunk from latching shut ! if the battery fails and trunk is shut, it can be a PITA to find the cable and open it manually.

[David 84 911]

Thanks Racer, good point on the trunk. Do you know if there is a way to keep doors partially open without the dome lights staying on ?

[x98boardwell]

If the battery fails and the trunk is shut there should be another option.

On my 04 996TT Cab it has a red pull out piece in the fuse box area. With that pulled out you can put a small charger on it with the ground to the door hinge and then click the trunk release to open it up.

I always keep the trunk shut for the reason of the light staying on. Not sure if you have that or not. Otherwise, you can take that small panel off where the light is and just unplug it.

Best of luck,
Bryan

[Luxter]

This is what I found on the NSX forum:

Checklist
Here's a winter-storage checklist that was recently posted to the Porsche mailing list. Some items are, of course, not applicable to the NSX:
1. Wash & wax the car prior to the day you intend to store it, then drive the car a little in order to help evacuate water from brakes, nooks, & crannies.
2. Apply leather treatment to all leather to prevent drying and cracking.
3. Fluids:
1. Change the oil and filter.
2. Check windshield washer fluid - be sure it is winterized with antifreeze.
3. Add StaBil to fuel tank (run engine afterwards) & top off fuel tank.
4. Check antifreeze strength
4. For annual storage suspension on blocks is NOT recommended as the shock absorber pistons are fully extended and can corrode and stick.
5. Inflate tires to 8 PSI above the maximum rating on the tire to avoid flat spotting.
6. Lube electric antenna mast with thin oil and retract.
7. Disconnect and remove battery or pull fuse of clock and burglar alarm to prevent battery drainage; pulled batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place OFF of the floor, preferably on a piece of wool. slow charge in mid-winter every several months (Personally I've had good luck with small Schumacher 1 Amp smart charger which charges only when battery voltage begins to fall - about $25.).
8. Lube door, hood, trunk and Targa rubber seals with silicone spray. Close doors, hood, and trunk to FIRST LOCK position so that seals are relaxed. Be sure hood and interior door lights are not on.
9. Place small wood blocks under wiper arms so blades are off glass.
10. If high humidity conditions are expected, leave a desiccant bag in the car.
11. Close the heater flaps on rear engine cars to prevent rodent entry.
12. Seal intakes and exhaust pipe with tape or towels.
13. Relax Targa tops.
14. If exposed to direct sunlight, cover glass to protect interior.
15. Park vehicle on large sheet of plastic to prevent ground moisture from attacking underbody.
16. Cover with a QUALITY car cover which will allow humidity & moisture passage.
17. Do NOT set the handbrake.
18. Say Goodbye ....

[88carrera]

David,

This really very simple. Keep your doors closed, but not locked. Buy the Porsche Battery Maintainer for $59.00 from our host (Pelican Parts - Product Information: 980-611-981-00-OEM) and plug it into the cigarette lighter outlet. No more worries all during storage. Keeps the battery charged, but not overcharged. Never fails.

[David 84 911]

All great points. THANKS !