The process for getting things going after a week of non-driving, when the car has 'gone to sleep' is to unlock the drivers door mechanically with the key, and THEN use the remote unlock button. The mechanical key unlocking 'wakes up the car'.. but only the remote button signals the alarm to disengage. Why that is, I don't understand, since they could well use the RFID mechanisms to have the car read the key at the lock or ignition, without you having to press the remote button... but thats just me. Maybe they don't want folks with copied keys to have time to dig around inside the car.... But if you just mechanically unlock the car and then get in without the use of the remote, then the alarm will go off (So says the manual for my 997.2)

 

The starter ground connection was perfectly fine.
Mr. B

 

I got a tip from the service manager that the car needs to be locked to go into sleep mode, which will reduce battery draw. I used to leave the car unlocked in the garage all the time. Since i have started locking the car, I have not had any issues with battery drain even with a smaller odyssey battery in my 997.

 

I've been locking my car all the time, even when it's inside my garage, and for the same reasons your Service Manager said.
Mr. B

 

Two things:

- after the car has gone "to sleep" (7 days of non-use) my manual says unlock with the key and then insert the key into the ignition within 60 seconds to avoid the alarm going off. For longer periods apparently you may also need to "re-sync" the remote. I have left my car for 10 days or so and had to do the first but not the latter.
- Italian cars can be diabolical with battery drain when idle and with slow cranking. Even when fully charged and running electrically operated items like windows and seats can be slow to work - measure the voltage in at the motor and often it can be strangely low even from new. In my experience it's mainly down to poor quality components, bad earths etc. Most competent auto elec's could sort the problems out. Mercs and BM's on the other hand (at least the ones we've owned) have none of those problems, and are quite happy being left for weeks on end. The last one I had still had the original battery after 5+ years and 105,000km. Worked just like the day it was bought. So it's not rocket science.

 

Ach!!
The battery is nearly dead again!!
Mr. B

 

OK, so I used my own charger for a couple of hours and juiced up the battery.
The car started, albeit weakly. I drove it to the dealership and they promised to find and fix the problem. Meanwhile, I'm driving a Mazda6 loaner.
Mr. B

 

Hope they get the problem fixed!

 

Well, thank you.
It's been frustrating so far.
Mr. B

 

The dealership found that the new alternator they installed last October was defective and another new one was installed in its place.
Hopefully, that will fix the problem.
Mr. B