How Do I Change a Battery for a 1999 Porsche C4?

Don't overpay for basic maintenance; do it yourself.

The C4 is the four-wheel drive model of Porsche's popular 911 Carrera. Changing the Porsche C4's battery is a basic maintenance task that can be completed by any automotive-repair novice. It requires no special skills or tools. And, since the battery is located at the opposite end of the car from the engine, you even might not get your hands dirty. With the prices charged by Porsche service departments, changing you own battery is a smart way to save for a newer C4.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers

Instructions

1. Lift the front hood. If the battery is completely dead, you will have to open the hood through the fuse panel located to the left of the clutch pedal.

2. Twist counterclockwise by hand the two plastic plugs that hold the battery cover in place. Remove the battery cover.

3. Remove the negative battery cable by loosening the nut with the pliers and slipping the cable off by hand, then remove the positive battery cable. The positive cable will have a red, rubber covering. If the red covering has been removed, look for a small plus (+) or minus (-) next to the terminals.

4. Remove the nuts holding down the metal bar atop the battery and remove the bar. Lift the battery and set it aside.

5. Lower the new battery into place and reattach the metal bar and nuts. Reattach the positive cable, followed by the negative cable. Replace the cover. Start the car to test the new battery.

References

• "Porsche 996 The Essential Companion: Supreme Porsche"; Adrian Streather; 2008