A car battery has several simple, yet important tasks. It accumulates electrical energy created by the alternator while the engine is running. When the car is turned off, electricity stored in the battery powers all systems that still need to run and provides power for starting the engine. Because modern batteries are very reliable, we often don’t think about our car battery until we experience an issue. In most cases, car batteries last anywhere from 2 to 4 years. However, factors like your driving habits and the environment you’re in will impact the lifespan.
While we typically like to recommend you do-it-yourself to save money, unlike a normal car, changing out the battery on a Porsche Panamera requires a special device to “register” the battery to the car. This registration process allows the vehicle to adjust its settings to adapt to the type of battery you have. Failure to register a new battery could lead to premature life of the battery or even damage to your alternator. Though the diagnostic tool is about $200, it will come in handy for resetting the service light. If you don’t want to invest in the tool though, we recommend you take it to an independent Porsche mechanic. If you want to do-it-yourself, check out this video from the YouTube channel, Useful Vids. Detailed step-by-step instructions along with the parts and tools you’ll need are below.
Step 1: Test your battery
- Start by testing your battery. You can do this by taking your car to your nearest auto parts store or testing the battery yourself using a simple battery tester such as this one.
- The battery is located in the trunk under the floor cover that holds the tools set and tire repair kit. Locate the remote battery terminals on the driver’s side under a plastic cover.
- Remove the plastic battery terminal cover and attach the battery tester.
- Run through the battery tester’s battery and crank tests. Here is a helpful video from Scotty Kilmer.
Step 2: If replacing the battery, first read these precautions.
- If you are replacing a wet cell battery, make sure not to tilt the battery as acid may emerge from the vent hole. Do not allow battery acid to come into contact with the eyes, skin or clothing.
- Make sure there are no flames or flammable materials in the vicinity while handling the battery. Also, be sure not to allow the positive and negative battery terminals or cables from touching one another or you could create sparks.
- Do not place tools or other similar objects on the battery, as it may cause a short circuit and explosion
Step 3: Remove the tool set and tire repair kit
- Make sure your vehicle is off and the key is not in the ignition.
- Open the trunk, as the battery is located underneath the trunk floor.
- Pull up the trunk floor cover and remove it from the vehicle.
- Remove the tool set and tire repair kit.
Step 4: Remove the DC converter
- Locate the DC converter at the top of the battery, then unclip and disconnect the wiring harness.
- Using a 10mm deep socket, remove two bolts that hold the DC converter in place.
- Pull the DC converter upwards and remove it from the car.
Step 5: Remove battery bracket
- Locate the vent line on the side of the battery that faces the right-hand side. Pull off the vent line and move it out of the way.
- Locate and remove two top bolts that hold the bracket in place, using a T30 torx socket.
- Locate and remove bottom top bolts that hold the bracket in place, using an E10 torx socket.
- Remove the bracket and maneuver it out of the way.
Step 6: Remove old battery
- Locate the negative battery terminal at the left-hand battery side, loosen it up using a 10mm socket and ratchet and and remove it from the battery post. You just need to loosen the battery terminal; do not remove the nut completely or you can damage the terminal bolt.
- Locate the positive battery terminal, which is on the right-hand side. Remove the plastic cover, loosen the positive battery terminal and remove it from the battery.
- Grab the battery by the handles at the top of it and remove it from the car. Take care not to pull any wires or cables while maneuvering with the battery.
Step 7: Install new battery
- Write down the following information: part number, serial number, battery type (Wet cell or AGM) and amperage (in Ah). You can find this information at the top of the battery.
- Install the new battery into place.
- Refit both battery terminals, retaining brackets and all remaining parts in reverse order.
- Don’t forget to reconnect vent line.
Step 8: Register new battery
- Connect the diagnostic tool to the OBD2 connector and turn the key to the “ON” position.
- Navigate through menus within the diagnostic tool, as shown on this video until you locate the battery registration feature
- Input your battery information you have gathered in the previous step.
Joe Gardill says:
What do I do if there isn’t a serial number on the battery? I purchased a Champion H8-900CHAGM. I know the Ah is 95, the type is AGM, and the part number, but it is asking for the serial number (there is none on the battery) and manufacturer code (possibly CH?).
Any advice is appreciated. This is for a 2015 Porsche Panamera GTS. Thank you.
John Niemeyer says:
I’m in the same predicament with my 2016 Panamera GTS. My iCarsoft POR V2.0 scanner is asking for numbers I do not have. Were you able to get this resolved? Any help will be greatly appreciated.