Tamora new battery draining

[warsol]

Hi guys

I picked up a 2004 Tamora a couple of weeks ago, left it for 4-5 days before driving and the battery had gone completely dead. Got a new Bosch battery (highly recommended by the specialist) fitted last Monday, drove it to work on Tuesday, then went to drive it today (5 days later!) and battery is dead again!!

Please would someone shed some light on what could be draining my new battery so damn quick?! I've not left the exterior or interior lights on or anything stupid like that may I add!

Also, on a related matter, I've (stupidly) left my new Anderson plug jump leads in the boot. Could someone please kindly let me know what the 'secret' method is to get into the boot so I can retrieve them to start the car!

Many thanks in advance for all your forthcoming advice

[LaserTam]

Just sent you a PM, rather than post on the forum
Can't really help with the battery issue though, was thinking maybe the 100amp fuse may have blown. Might explain why it started and ran ok with the new battery, but if the alternator isn't charging the battery, it won't last long.

[mk1fan]

Take the bulb out of the boot light.

[warsol]

Thanks guys, I've successfully gained entry to my boot and jump leads, I just need to work out what is draining the battery so fast?!

I haven't had time to check the fuses yet but will have a look at those later

[monty quick]

Check the voltage on your display. When the engine is running it should be higher than without the engine running. If it isn't the battery isn't charging. This could be due to many things but the most likely cause will be the 100Amp fuse down near the alternator.

[mk1fan]

If the battery is draining whilst the car is 'off' then something is staying on. As per my last post, take the bulb out of the boot light as it is not uncommon for the controling switch to fail and leave the light on.

[warsol]

When the engine was running the other day the voltage was showing as 14 something so higher than the standing charge

MK1fan - thank you, will try the boot bulb!

Will be investing in an Accumate cig lighter trickle charger once fixed!

[GazzaM100]

Check your alternator belt hasn't snapped. Happened to me on the day I bought mine 4 months ago. So just by using your car you're running the battery dead.

You can check the boot light goes out by just opening boot and just pushing the lock down with your fingers and pressing the boot badge a few times.

[chris watton]

warsol said:

When the engine was running the other day the voltage was showing as 14 something so higher than the standing charge

MK1fan - thank you, will try the boot bulb!

Will be investing in an Accumate cig lighter trickle charger once fixed!

I have found that if these cars are left for a week or so (sometimes shorter), the battery will drain. A battery conditioner is a must, more so if it's used as an occasional weekend car only.

[mk1fan]

There wouldn't be 14V on the display if the alternator belt has snapped.

Good tip on testing the boot light. But it could be the switch works on and off but is being turned on by slight movement of the boot lid catch with the boot staying closed.

[K4TRV]

warsol said:

Hi guys

snippityI............................. Got a new Bosch battery (highly recommended by the specialist) fitted last Monday, drove it to work on Tuesday, then went to drive it today (5 days later!) and battery is dead again!!....................Snip

Many thanks in advance for all your forthcoming advice

When you buy a new battery, don't assume you can stick it in and all's well? New batteries need to be conditioned/control charged for 24-hrs or when the conditioning is finished? If you went for a 4/6 hr drive with a new battery then no need to condition? But, somehow I don't think you did?

As you've said an Accumate or Ring or Halfrauds "smart" charger is necessary when the car is sitting in the garage waiting for the sun to shine...........

HTH's ?

T

[jev]

chris watton said:

I have found that if these cars are left for a week or so (sometimes shorter), the battery will drain. A battery conditioner is a must, more so if it's used as an occasional weekend car only.

Can't agree with this. Mine has no problems starting first time after 2 or 3 weeks.

I had a problem last year with my battery going dead. Although I don't fully follow the cause, it was traced to the diode pack on the alternator. This wasn't kicking in when the ignition was switched off leaving a small residual current flowing which flattened the battery. Symptom was that the pod remained live after switching the ignition off. Cure was a new alternator.

[chris watton]

jev said:

Can't agree with this. Mine has no problems starting first time after 2 or 3 weeks.

I had a problem last year with my battery going dead. Although I don't fully follow the cause, it was traced to the diode pack on the alternator. This wasn't kicking in when the ignition was switched off leaving a small residual current flowing which flattened the battery. Symptom was that the pod remained live after switching the ignition off. Cure was a new alternator.

I am just going by personal experience. First with my Chim 450, then with my first Tamora. Since then I have alway plugged in the conditioner if not being used for the working week.

[mk1fan]

I haven't had Tamy on the Acumate since fitting the new battery. Starts fine each week. Indeed, even with the old battery I only ever plug her in when I knew she wouldn't get used the following week.

That said, it would be fairly easy for a circuit to remain live after switching off given the fragilness of the micro switches install.

I'm not anti-smart charging, just that if it's needed over such a short period then there's something wrong.

[warsol]

Thanks guys, all great points. I've ordered my Accumate which arrives on Wednesday so as soon as I've got her up and running I'll investigate and then eliminate each and every one and will let you know when I find the cause!

In the meantime, any new suggestions I can add to the list will continue to be most welcome!

Thanks guys

[crlloyd]

jev said:

Can't agree with this. Mine has no problems starting first time after 2 or 3 weeks.

I had a problem last year with my battery going dead. Although I don't fully follow the cause, it was traced to the diode pack on the alternator. This wasn't kicking in when the ignition was switched off leaving a small residual current flowing which flattened the battery. Symptom was that the pod remained live after switching the ignition off. Cure was a new alternator.

Fortunately this is my experience as well. I don't have a power supply in the garage so it gets a good run out every 2/3 weeks.

[SergSC]

mine lasts for at least 3 weeks.
This was not the case before I re water proofed the grommets in the footwells... water would get in and cause The Dash Stays On Problem.

[shep1001]

Have a feel at the alternator, see if it feels warm (when it should be cold). Maybe the diode pack is starting to . If the car is garaged, try leaving it with the alarm off to see if the fault is with the alarm.

Shep

[BrightYellowTVR]

Does the cigar/cigarette lighter adapter that comes with an Accumate work on the Tam's?

[mk1fan]

Mine has been wired into the interior light circuit and the charger is located in the boot. Not a brilliant arrangement and I may well relocate it at some point.