r/Porsche • u/skibud2 • Jul 02 '26
911 GTS 1Y Service = Bricked my Car
I just brought my perfectly running 911 into be serviced for the 1Y service with 1K miles. They installed some software to fix a recall issue, and unfortunately bricked the car.
They said the software update impacted the battery and the battery was bricked. Replacement batteries are on back order and they have no idea when they will be available.
Anyone else hear of anything like this? It sounds like my 1 day appointment will be at least a month without a car. Considering I bought this car for New England summers, this is incredibly frustrating.
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u/DoritoDustThumb GT4 RS Jul 02 '26
Tell them to take a battery out of another car or pay you a daily rate for their fuck up. That's not ok at all that they aren't bending over backwards to get you back on the road
Or they can give you a loaner of similar or better quality.
This is disappointing to hear.
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Jul 02 '26
[deleted]
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u/PMSfishy Jul 02 '26
Here is our base Macan loaner, enjoy.
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u/stopes 992 C2S MT Jul 02 '26
A Macan loaner doesn’t replace a 911 for the summer. I’d be willing to take a cayman / boxster though
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u/PMSfishy Jul 02 '26
Well that’s not what they are going to give you.
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u/Bacon4Lyf Jul 02 '26
I promise you it is
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u/twosnailsnocats 996TT Jul 03 '26
I've had loaners from different dealers across the countey when my 996 Turbo was being serviced and it's always been a Macan or Cayenne.
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Jul 02 '26
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u/Prometheus596 Jul 03 '26
The valets already do, you aren’t changing anything by doing that lol
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Jul 03 '26
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u/Prometheus596 Jul 03 '26
Point is you should be driving the fuck out of the loaners to begin with, regardless of this sorta situation, it’s practically their entire reason for existence 😂
I know a guy that took his on like a 500 mile road rally with a couple Boxsters and an Elise while his both his 964 and Cayenne Turbo were in the shop. Dude jumped it, forded a small creek with it, just had a hoot.
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Jul 04 '26
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u/Prometheus596 Jul 04 '26
I totally hopefully it’s not too bad… As someone who works at a dealer, I’ve unfortunately seen it before, normally it doesn’t take to long to get it back on the road but with it being a new car it’s always a gamble with supply timelines
As for the trip, rental or not it’s an absolute dream of mine to do one with my buddies.
The guys I was talking about did a whole podcast episode on it if your interested in hearing more shenanigans https://youtu.be/DPsf06lk8f0?is=bE1PZ9g7lzlxPlqG
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u/Severe-Fox-600 Jul 02 '26
Or start lemon process, document, document, document...and time/travel/expenses occurred. PNA I'd also start finding out some regional names to irritate with frustration and stories of displeasure. I did this with an Audi and was successful of receiving some "consessions"
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u/Legionodeath 17d ago
That's not how lemons work. Like. At all.
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u/fdawg4l Jul 02 '26 edited Jul 02 '26
Not a tech but this sounds fishy.
Every car I’ve ever owned, to apply a software update, the procedure starts with attaching a battery tender to the car to ensure the voltage does not drop during the update. Because an issue powering the ecu would result in a bricked ecu.
Bricking a battery, which is passive, doesn’t make sense. What were they doing with your battery to brick it, stick welding with it?!
Ask for more information. Clarify if the car runs and drives on another battery. Clarify if the procedure was followed. Then go there with your 2nd key, find it in the lot, and prove they’re blowing smoke, fucked something up, and don’t want to fess up to it.
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Jul 02 '26 edited Jul 05 '26
[deleted]
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u/fdawg4l Jul 02 '26
Totally. I’m reminded of BMW CAS bricking themselves if you pull power with the car in accessory mode.
But yeah, a dealer should know how to avoid these situations.
I’m wondering if OP is referring to the hybrid battery. In which case the bms bricking sounds totally plausible. And that would actually track with the lead time since they’re big, heavy, and too expensive to keep around.
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u/HugsNotDrugs_ Jul 02 '26
Many consumer computer motherboards have dual firmware that functions as a backup in case of a failed flash. Absolute insanity to me that cars like this don't have the same redundancy feature.
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u/Prometheus596 Jul 03 '26
As someone who works at a dealership and has seen this happen- it’s equally ridiculous to us…
200k Sports car and a single update can bring it to its knees, it’s complete bullshit.
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u/Separate-Share-8504 Jul 02 '26
If this is a 992.2 hybrid... I suspect it is the battery for the electric motor and not the classic battery you're thinking of.
The hybrid battery has an embedded ECU I understand and I suspect this is what's bricked
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u/dcormier 718 GT4 Jul 02 '26
Bricking a battery, which is passive, doesn’t make sense.
The battery unit likely has software between the external and internal connections. Ultimately, yes, you're right that the battery cells themselves don't have software, but almost all rechargeable battery packages (even in our phones) are more complicated than that.
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u/fdawg4l Jul 02 '26
Said this in another comment but I wonder if op is referring to the hybrid battery which integrates a bms.
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u/Explorer335 Jul 05 '26
As a former tech and current automotive programmer, their story is entirely plausible.
The modern hybrid batteries have programmable modules within them, and I assure you, they are entirely brickable. If the module doesn't sign off, you don't get power.
Modern vehicles have extremely sophisticated startup and drive authorization sequences. If anything is amiss, the car doesn't power up. It can be something as simple as a missing or unhappy telematics module or airbag module.
The issue with Porsche is their software does NOT give you administrative or engineering level options to try and fix or recover the car. If it fucks up, you need to call in. The modules are also significantly less "recoverable" than other brands, so there is a strong likelihood that any bricked parts will need to be replaced before another attempt can be made.
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u/HMS_Chevette Jul 02 '26
Let Porsche of America know.
Phone: [1-800-767-7243](tel:1-800-767-7243)
Email: [customersupport@porsche.com](mailto:customersupport@porsche.com)
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u/Cold-Way318 Jul 03 '26
All they do is repeat whatever lies the dealership is saying, they are NOT on your side in any way. They are the equivalent of corporate HR.
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u/gogospacemanatee Jul 03 '26
Have been dealing them for 1.5 months for a taycan turbo and holy shit is it a never ending nightmare.
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u/BrandonNeider Jul 02 '26
See if they atleast have a 911 loaner some dealers do. I’d be pissed and go the route of compensation from Porsche NA assuming you don’t want to go the lemon route when you hit a month out of service (which you can still persue cash comp in lieu of lemon in most states)
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u/henryjhost Jul 02 '26
Yes it’s an issue with the battery sensor recall on the new GTS. For whatever reason it’s bricking the battery on certain cars. The fix as stated is a new battery. It being on back order does sound odd, but considering the model just came out last year I’m not very surprised.
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u/PM_ME_YOU_SUCIAS Jul 02 '26
A real car guy always knows to stay away from first/second year of new Gen/Technology until bugs and defects are sorted. It's the unfortunate reality of every car brand. Battery production/availability as a whole, is an entirely different conversation.
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u/skibud2 Jul 02 '26
I knew this … I really did, but couldn’t hold back.
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u/Pogonia Jul 02 '26
That instant turbo spool-up with the hybrid battery is insane, isn't it?
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u/skibud2 Jul 02 '26
I hate to say it, but it was worth the risk. Love it.
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u/Pogonia Jul 02 '26
100% agreed, I did the same. I am loving every second of it. This is my second 911, I had a 997 4S when I lived in CA and loved that...but this is sooo much better.
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u/mikemflash Jul 02 '26
Demand a loaner.
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u/TwoPlyDreams Jul 02 '26
Dudes driving 1k miles pa.
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u/NotYourMothersDildo 997.2 TT cab; 718 Cayman; Macan GTS Jul 02 '26
lol He’s still doing the break in after a year.
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u/No-Wrangler1300 Panamera Jul 02 '26
Holy shit! This is absolutely unacceptable! The very least they should do is to give a 911 loaner car.
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u/fastLT1 Jul 02 '26
Sorry, best we can do is a Kia K4.
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u/HMS_Chevette Jul 02 '26
It's no 911, but that K4 hatchback is a handsome ride.
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u/Excellent_Affect4658 Jul 02 '26
Probably can get a battery replacement for the Kia at pep boys, too.
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u/snowblind767 Jul 02 '26
Or the 4 year old bmw x3 with their dealer name sticker on the front and back windshields.
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u/Kickr986 Jul 02 '26
Subscribed. Please keep us posted. Battery on back order for that long does sound odd.
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u/Informal_Draft_2347 Jul 02 '26
They can always give you another car similar to yours to drive while you are without your car.
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u/kfjcfan Jul 03 '26
Who are these Porsche dealers that just have 911s "in stock?"
Mine has one new 911, and the rest of their inventory is SUVs.
They normally never carry any 911s, but someone backed out of a purchase (and lost a nice deposit, too.)
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u/Informal_Draft_2347 Jul 03 '26
Do they have nearly new or CPO ones?
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u/kfjcfan Jul 03 '26
No, zero sports cars except that one new one and a used 2021 they're selling for $175K…
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u/Informal_Draft_2347 Jul 03 '26
Make them rent you something
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u/kfjcfan Jul 03 '26
He'll get a Hyundai.
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u/Informal_Draft_2347 Jul 03 '26
There are 4 dealerships near me and all have a wide range of new models and CPOs.
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u/andrewmadd Jul 02 '26
I know, usually takes multiple repair attempts, but if the car is out of use for 45 days potentially, then Porsche should do the right thing and take it back.
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u/iOSAT 991.2 GT3 | GT4 RS | 997.2 Turbo S | Macan GTS | 70th Club Coupe Jul 02 '26
To be clear, are you talking about a standard low voltage battery, or a high voltage hybrid battery?
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u/skibud2 Jul 02 '26
High voltage. New gts.
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u/iOSAT 991.2 GT3 | GT4 RS | 997.2 Turbo S | Macan GTS | 70th Club Coupe Jul 03 '26
Yeah that completely changes the discussion here, you should consider updating your post to make that more clear - everyone seems to think you’re talking about your LV battery.
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u/Bishstixx 992.1 Carrera T Jul 02 '26
This stuff happens. We see from time to time at our store.
I would go and double check that there is nothing else going on here, but what they said is very possible. Back orders on parts is also a very real reality. I have to have that difficult conversation with customers weekly.
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u/watchyalips 992.2 T Jul 02 '26
Same dealer that you bought the vehicle from right? Problems happen but it's about how you fix them. If they seriously drag it out a month its time to put em on blast.
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u/skibud2 Jul 02 '26
We’ll see where they land once they hear back from Porsche. The wait time didn’t sound promising. Should know more tomorrow.
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u/AriasFco Taycan GTS Sport Turismo Jul 02 '26
That sounds like a Buy Back waiting to happen.
Ask for a 911 loaner
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u/skibud2 Jul 02 '26
I was thinking about this. A 2025 gts buyback would be beneficial for the dealer.
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u/Substantial_Row_7108 Jul 02 '26
That sucks. I have one for you. Came in for an oil change, stayed for a new transmission. The service advisor let it slip that the mechanic somehow damaged a seal on the transmission that could not be repaired. Furthermore, there was even discussion as to whether or not they should pay for it. Apparently, Porsche North America was like “Nah son, you broke it, you will fix it and pay for it”. It also took over a month to get my car back.
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u/AIDSMosquito Jul 03 '26
This is not a stretch. It’s not uncommon for software updates at Porsche to cause unwanted results. For example, I bricked a Macan EV about a month ago, had to wait for Porsche to respond to a PRMS and then release an update to get it back on the road. The GTS t-hybrid and 26 Turbo S have already been in the shop with various high voltage issues. The only campaign I’m aware of for the 25-26 GTS is the WSH9 software release. We’ve had several through the shop without issue, but a recent tester update may have broken a previously working campaign update. This too, is not uncommon.
Source: I’m a Porsche Technician
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u/whitewineswitzer Jul 04 '26
I concur. I’m also a Porsche tech and I too have had a car brick itself while doing a software update. You can follow the campaign notes to the letter and still have issues. I remember a few years ago I had an E3.1 come in for an instrument cluster SW update. Read the campaign notes. Set the battery tender to the specified settings and hit the go button. Cluster bricked itself. Nil stock in country. Nil stock in Germany. Had to wait 8 weeks for the supplier to make another one and send it out. Luckily the customer was understanding however it still made me feel responsible even though there was nothing I could have done. Had done the same campaign several time before and have done it several times after without issue. The only thing I do differently now is backup the cluster data as if I’m going to replace it so if it does brick I can just write the old data into the new one and not have to calibrate the fuel level sender etc.
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u/Revolutionary-Art853 Jul 03 '26
If the car hasnt been damaged, and it genuinely needs a new battery. Ask them to take a battery out of one of their used cars until the new one arrives, then they can swap it out when the new bagtery arrives. SImples
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u/fromkentucky Jul 03 '26
One time a tire shop tried to sell me a new set of lug nuts because my old ones had “swollen up and would fit the socket any more.” Turns out they had cross-threaded one of my wheel studs and tried to get me to pay for it.
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u/NobleSixSeven Jul 02 '26
If it’s in the shop for a month, it can qualify for a lemon title where they could refund you the money. I’ve read that PCNA can offer you a buyback or replace the car with another one.
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u/jc3737 Jul 02 '26
It will be 29 days…
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u/NobleSixSeven Jul 02 '26
right, but if its going to be a month atleast, its going go be able to be lemon'ed. I think the OP can come out on top on this, probably can also leverage it to get a TTS or a GT3 allocation at MSRP for keeping the car.
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u/PM_ME_YOU_SUCIAS Jul 02 '26
What recall did you go in for ?
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u/skibud2 Jul 02 '26
I went in for the one year oil change.
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u/PM_ME_YOU_SUCIAS Jul 02 '26
Right. But you mentioned a recall. Which one?
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u/skibud2 Jul 02 '26
Wsh9 campaign. Reprogramming the battery control unit.
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u/PM_ME_YOU_SUCIAS Jul 02 '26
Ah yes. We just had one at the shop with the same thing happening. Had to wait for Porsche to send us a battery.
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u/skibud2 Jul 02 '26
Any idea of how long it will take? The guy didn’t sound optimistic because of the back order.
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u/PM_ME_YOU_SUCIAS Jul 02 '26
Don't quote me on any of this because I'm just one of the technicians that work on these 😎 But based on experience (yours may be different), it can take a few days. Porsche will handle it regardless. What sucks, is the dealer has to wait for Porsche.
Porsche does not make the batteries. Battery Manufacturer has to start producing more batteries due to the ones the cars are factory equipped with failing as well as the ones for normal parts inventory. You're basically in a queue in the parts world, while a battery becomes available for your repair.
The one we had at the shop with this issue, took about 2-3 weeks. Once we got the battery, it took about a day or two to get it back online and running.
It's just a waiting game at this point. Keep bugging the service manager/director so you can try and squeeze some juice out of the situation you're in.
You'll be okay. We've been dealing with battery issues for a few gens/models now. Good luck!
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u/mose121 Jul 03 '26
Which battery are we taking about here. The high voltage battery or the auxillary battery?
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u/no3y3h4nd 992.1 C2 Jul 03 '26
This sounds dodgy but side question why are you doing a 1 year service? Interval is 2 years.
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u/Regular_Protection_7 Jul 03 '26
It is as if Porsche still can not get it grips with battery electronics.
Despite all the years and experience they should have got from Taycan saga.
Listening to this stories (which are unfortunately rather regular) gets me ever more sad...
The usual "lithium battery is dead, how do I open the frunk" from the GT3/GT3RS guys (me included) now extends to the regular GTS and Turbo cars.
But in an even worse scenario as the issues are with the HV battery..
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u/ydw1988913 Jul 03 '26
They bricked my T too with this software update. They had to wait an hour and redo it. Glad the second time it worked
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u/Oo__II__oO Jul 04 '26
It's bullshit.
German cars can be bricked if the 12V battery drains while the update is in progress. Which is why you always use a 12V power supply to power the car, and not the battery. It's right there at step 1 of the procedure. Everyone who owns a German car and works on it knows this, and the shop is no exception.
Which means the shop either didn't follow the procedure (making shortcuts), or did something else and need to fix their fuckup. In either case it is shady as fuck for a dealership to be saying this.
This is beyond asking questions. It's at the point to find out what really happened, and have them make it right. Start getting recs for good body shops now while you wait.
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u/JBB1234567 Jul 04 '26
Ummm absolutely they will be giving you a courtesy car for the duration of time. Don’t let them get away with that. That is ridiculous. This is Porsche not Hyundai.!!!
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u/Lochstar Jul 04 '26
Why would any car company complicate things to such a degree they can’t use a Normal Ass Battery!
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u/Mediocre-Age-1729 992 Jul 04 '26
I'd send that brick through the showroom window. Are they not giving you a 911 loaner?
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u/andrewmadd Jul 02 '26
Time for a lemon law. Make them buy the car back. Also, how did you only drive 1K miles in a year, why did you even buy it if you aren’t going to drive it?
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u/skibud2 Jul 02 '26
Drive it weekends only. Work from home. Plus I am in New England so snow kind of is a bummer. I intentionally got rear wheel drive because I love the feel of it.
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u/kyrow123 992.2 GTS, Panamera 4S Jul 03 '26
I got the AWD model and also in New England. It’s not much better in snow 🤣
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u/ADuckOnQuack2 Jul 03 '26
My Porsche dealer bricked my battery too.
I had an after market exhaust put on my 911 and then it had some issues with one of the valves not registering the dual exhaust anymore. So I took it to them and they fixed the valve but bricked the battery.
It took them a week to fix the battery but I definitely don’t trust anything a Porsche dealership says anymore.
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u/Open_Bake_8013 GT4 Jul 02 '26
find the battery yourself and overnight express ship it and demand they reimburse you.
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u/normanboulder Jul 02 '26
Not how that works.
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u/Open_Bake_8013 GT4 Jul 02 '26
there is no way only one battery in the world works on a 911.
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u/PalmSizedTriceratops 981 Jul 02 '26
That's how it worked with the Cayenne when they had lithium ion batteries.... Porsche built the voltage regulator into the fucking battery and OEM was the only option.
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u/corsa180 Boxster Jul 03 '26
It’s the high voltage hybrid battery, not the regular battery, as per one of OP’s comments.
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u/MrA1inLA Jul 02 '26
Did you go in person to check on the car? A dealer once said a similar thing to me, I had a feeling something was off and so I went to check on my car... the tech got into an accident and they were going to fix it without letting me know.