Hi Guys,
Ok my problem is that my car is sitting for months at a time not being used as i have a motabilty car and have to run the ugly wee piece of junk until it goes back to the dealership ?
So i was thinking of putting a sollar charger etc on my E30 to keep the battery from going flat with the alarm system being on constantly ? has anyone use one of these or something similar ? advice on what type to buy etc would be great thanks,
Lars
Solar Batter Charger ???
Moderator: martauto
-
Bharat
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 3540
- Joined: Mon Dec 20, 2004 11:00 pm
- Location: N.W. London
If I remember correctly, Lizzie has installed a solar battery charger thingy on her car, as she was experiencing battery drainage problem since her car does not get driven much.
She might be able to give you an idea
She might be able to give you an idea
325i Motorsport Edition convertible - gone, but not forgotten.
-
Danstable
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 893
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Sheffield
I don't have an answer for you but I think I may be experiencing a similar problem.
My car was sat for only 4 days recently, the alarm was on and the battery is only about 2 years old. When I came to start it the alarm de-activated ok and all the dash lights lit up as usual.....but there was no sign of life at all when I tried to start it.....not even the usual feeble effort from the starter motor. It was then left for another 3 days and it now seems to have no power at all, the alarm won't disarm and there are no dash lights showing.
Am I just experiencing a normal flat battery or could it be something more sinister? The car is only used for very short runs usually.
Any advice much appreciated.
Dan
My car was sat for only 4 days recently, the alarm was on and the battery is only about 2 years old. When I came to start it the alarm de-activated ok and all the dash lights lit up as usual.....but there was no sign of life at all when I tried to start it.....not even the usual feeble effort from the starter motor. It was then left for another 3 days and it now seems to have no power at all, the alarm won't disarm and there are no dash lights showing.
Am I just experiencing a normal flat battery or could it be something more sinister? The car is only used for very short runs usually.
Any advice much appreciated.
Dan
-
Guest
Hiya. I'll try to help....
Danstable. That is definitely a flat battery. Constant use in the dark and cold (lights, heater, demister) absorb a lot of power from the alternator which doesn't go to the battery. This is exacerbated by short journeys, low revs and, when stood, a drain from the alarm.
Solution?
1) If in a garage, or close to some power, the best option is a device from the m/cycle world for laid up bikes. It's called Optimate, although there are other versions (I use an American version called 'Battery Tender') Basically, it plugs in to an electric socket, then connects to the battery (which remains in-situ and connected up, as normal) and acts as a sensor for the battery, topping up as necessary and maintaining battery life. It can remain connected indefinetly, and once connected is simply a plug n' play. Perfect for infrequent use vehicles.
2) A solar battery charger will provide a trickle of charge, but will not compensate for a large load being taken from the battery (as mentioned above). If your cig lighter doesn't work with the ignition off, they need to be hardwired onto the battery and then the charger. The charger does work in daylight, but obviously works better in the summer!
3) A device called a 'dis-car-nect' is available. This device was originally sold as an anti-theft device, but is now big in the classic car market as a way of preserving the battery for laid up cars. It works by interrupting the positive power supply at the battery terminal. A fuse is provide to allow for clocks, radios, alarms etc to function, but a large amperage draw (eg. starting the car) will blow the fuse. It is a cheap and simple device.
Hope this helps gents....
Danstable. That is definitely a flat battery. Constant use in the dark and cold (lights, heater, demister) absorb a lot of power from the alternator which doesn't go to the battery. This is exacerbated by short journeys, low revs and, when stood, a drain from the alarm.
Solution?
1) If in a garage, or close to some power, the best option is a device from the m/cycle world for laid up bikes. It's called Optimate, although there are other versions (I use an American version called 'Battery Tender') Basically, it plugs in to an electric socket, then connects to the battery (which remains in-situ and connected up, as normal) and acts as a sensor for the battery, topping up as necessary and maintaining battery life. It can remain connected indefinetly, and once connected is simply a plug n' play. Perfect for infrequent use vehicles.
2) A solar battery charger will provide a trickle of charge, but will not compensate for a large load being taken from the battery (as mentioned above). If your cig lighter doesn't work with the ignition off, they need to be hardwired onto the battery and then the charger. The charger does work in daylight, but obviously works better in the summer!
3) A device called a 'dis-car-nect' is available. This device was originally sold as an anti-theft device, but is now big in the classic car market as a way of preserving the battery for laid up cars. It works by interrupting the positive power supply at the battery terminal. A fuse is provide to allow for clocks, radios, alarms etc to function, but a large amperage draw (eg. starting the car) will blow the fuse. It is a cheap and simple device.
Hope this helps gents....
-
Lizzie
- Retired Admin.
- Posts: 2940
- Joined: Wed Jan 05, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: West London, England
I do have a solar battery charger and I have found that it works fine on my car, especially as I don't get to drive it that often now that I'm not well.
Here is a link to the Maplin website. I think this is the one that my dad bought for me.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Mod ... =&doy=13m2
It wasn't too expensive either.
My battery is a Bosch Silver one that is the most powerful and largest one I could get for my car and I only bought it in August last year, so the battery, I know should not be draining like it does.
Demlotcrew suggested that it could be my electric aerial, so this has been disconnected and the battery with the solar charger as well is making the car start everytime.
I'll leave you to conclude what you will of this.
Here is a link to the Maplin website. I think this is the one that my dad bought for me.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Mod ... =&doy=13m2
It wasn't too expensive either.
My battery is a Bosch Silver one that is the most powerful and largest one I could get for my car and I only bought it in August last year, so the battery, I know should not be draining like it does.
Demlotcrew suggested that it could be my electric aerial, so this has been disconnected and the battery with the solar charger as well is making the car start everytime.
I'll leave you to conclude what you will of this.
Alpine White II 1990 E30 325i Auto Conv