Battery Dying While Sitting Around

[jimmycakes401]

My car has pretty much been sitting since I got it. I got a new batteries a few months back and when the car sits for a while the battery dies. Is this normal if you don't start the car often. I know this is probably a stupid question but I want to make sure there aren't any wiring issues that I need to hunt down. Tried to take it for a ride tonight, but battery issues. Recharging now. Will try in a few days when weather clears again.

[RRoller123]

It has been said that the clock will run down the battery, but it should take a hell of a long time for the little clock to drain a GOOD battery.

[jimmycakes401]

Brand new

[jimmycakes401]

And i have no radio installed yet.

[mgbgtn]

I have a friend whose battery whent dead in his TR7 because the trunk light switch in the trunk was out of alignment and the light stayed on all the time.

[jimmycakes401]

Hmmmm. I have no bulb in the trunk but thats something hadnt thought of

[RRoller123]

How long did it take to drain?

[jimmycakes401]

A month or under. It had enough juice to almost want to start.

[divace73]

lead acid batteries need to be charged frequently, it could be normal power drain, but either way the use of a trickle charger is the best way to prolong a battery. I use CTEK, well worth the money.
this is the Aussie website, but you get the idea http://www.ctekbatterychargers.com.au/? ... pgodQVEAGw
Also get your self a multimeter and set in on current and connect it inline (series) to see how many milli amps it is pulling. Then pull out fuse by fuse to isolate which circuit is draining your battery.
The clock will do it, but you may have something else going on.

[jimmycakes401]

I willl check that out. I have a trickle charger. Trickling right now. Can't wait to drive it

[Zippy]

If you are going to let it sit for long periods, get a battery disconnect. My alarm drains my battery so I put in a disconnect and use it if the car is going to sit for a couple of weeks or more. I used to use a trickle charger but my battery would not hold a charge after a couple of years. The disconnect has been the best solution for me.

[baltobernie]

Battery disconnects are also a highly effective anti-theft device.

[4uall]

score 10 points for battery disconects Also handy when working on the car and does not stress the negative terminal wire


Battery Quick Disconnect by itzebtze, on Flickr

[Fi8spider]

Definate 10 points Jay.
Does it make any sense to put one on each terminal?
For years I only had one on the positive but recently I was told that disconnecting the earth is the way to go?

Any takers on this theory?

[4uall]

Cannot hurt I have always been told that removing the ground will break any circuit