Drain on battery

[Chris49]

Had a new battery fitted on Friday as the car was a non starter and its already started to show some signs of being flat.

Theres clearly something draining it. I've checked the obvious lights and switches but it all looks ok.

Any suggestions all?

[jondude]

Did you Optimate or Accumate the new battery before fitting it?

(That is, ensure it was 100% charged?)

If not, it may well have been slightly discharged itself, especially if you have bought an 'over the counter and ready' one, say at Halfords. One week with the alarm connected can be enough to start pushing Elise batteries to the edge.

Not the best odds of the above being the actual reason, but certainly something you need to rule out before looking elsewhere or removing bolts and brackets.

Edited by jondude on Wednesday 4th March 09:10

[Chris49]

It was fitted by our local Lotus dealer, so one can only assume it was fitted correctly.

[jondude]

Chris49 said:

It was fitted by our local Lotus dealer, so one can only assume it was fitted correctly.

Yep, you would expect and hope they made sure it was fully charged.....but you never know!

Do you have an Optimate or Accumate? I would let it do the business and then see if you get the same issues. You really should get 14-21 days on a charged, new battery - so yes, your one is a concern.

If you don't have an Op or Ac, take the car for a really long run (what better excuse for taking a Lotus out) and again, see if all is well.


Otherwise, I've heard the brake lights can sometimes stick on.....but in a mad way, where they may come on during the night and turn themselves off before you notice. Seriously! You may not notice anyhow, depending on how your car is parked.

The foot well light is another top culprit.

Also, check the battery leads and that they are very clean and very tight - the earth connection needs to be very strong, especially.


Probably a minor problem but yes, can be time consuming and very annoying.

[Chris49]

Thanks Jon, theres some good stuff there.

She had a good blast on Sunday so a little shocked to find her being so shy on the starting front this morning!

I guess its just a case of trial and error!!

Edited by Chris49 on Wednesday 4th March 09:25

[Yee haa!]

duff alternator? Do you set the alarm every time you leave it?

edit: see it's a new battery, must a be a drain somewhere

Edited by Yee haa! on Wednesday 4th March 09:34

[m11tey]

Have you changed the stereo?? I did on my S1 and got the permanent live wire the wrong way round which killed one of my batteries.

[MiniDiva]

Hey Chris - Might be worth Marcus cranking up the multimeter and checking it out to see if it's draining or alternator is not charging it, I am sure there is an easy way to check but he'll know, I don't...electricity and me don't mix - all I know is that it hurts when you get it wrong!!
I think it's still at your house isn't it?
J

[Chris49]

MiniDiva said:

Hey Chris - Might be worth Marcus cranking up the multimeter and checking it out to see if it's draining or alternator is not charging it, I am sure there is an easy way to check but he'll know, I don't...electricity and me don't mix - all I know is that it hurts when you get it wrong!!
I think it's still at your house isn't it?
J

Hey Jules!

Sorry about not getting to see you guys on Sat. It's never ending! She was in at Westovers on Friday after breaking down again on me, new battery fitted and a few tests and now 5 days later its started again!!!! £400 in 6 weeks!!!!

I'll give that lovely man of yours a shout tonight and see if he's got any ideas!

Fancy a pint soon?

[MiniDiva]

Did someone say beer? Definitely!!