Battery/charging help please

[c1sps]

behind n/s front wheel theres a plastic panel held with 2 nuts - remove and hey presto - theres the battery !

[chris_tivver]

I know where the battery is. What I didn't know was what the problem was. AA man eventually found the root cause (have to say that on this occasion he was excellent) and seems to have solved it.

However because of the original problem the battery (which is just over 2 yrs old) has been drained and isn't taking charge too well.

I remember last time I replaced it I had a hell of a problem getting a replacement. Can anyone recommend a decent battery that fits in the compartment?
(I remember that the one listed in my manual is no longer made)

[Fume troll]

I bought one of these, from this place, works fine, comes with a 3 year guarantee.

http://tinyurl.com/2af2k5

Cost me:

Type 072 Varta Asia Car Battery 12V 70Ah X 1 @ £ 77.99 Each
---------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal: £77.99
P&P: £8.25
TOTAL: £86.24

Specs:
Voltage - 12V
Capacity - 70Ah
CCA(EN) - 570A

Dimensions(mm)
260 x 173 x 225

Cheers,

Tom.

[Fume troll]

By the way, what was the original problem? Mine goes flat pretty quickly if left alone...

Cheers,

Tom.

[J_E_T]

Anyone give me a reason why the charge drains out so quickly ?

Just had my first battery problem after 8 months. Been away and left the car for about 10 days without running it (prev max was about 5 days) and now it won't start !! Ordered a set of jump leads today, but annoying as was wanting to get the car out this weekend !

[J_E_T]

... and also, would the AA carry the connector to jump start the car ? Does it have a special name or is it TVR specific ? Was going to get them to come out and start it today.

[Whitey]

alarm drains it, a new battery might give you up to 3 weeks, then less from there as the battery condition deteriorates over time.

AA will be able to jump it but don't think that have the correct connection, but can access the battery in the N/S front wheel arch, helps to remove the wheel.

[J_E_T]

Sure I read somewhere that the connector had a specific name, and they might carry one or be able to get one if you told them what it was. Searched the forum but can't find that anywhere !!

What's the process for replacing the battery if it needs done ? Front tyre off and it slides out that way ?

Also (sorry to keep on about it but this is my first major fault in 8 months !) I don't set the alarm with the car in the garage (the garage itself is alarmed) so what else is draining the battery ?

[Fume troll]

I'm pretty sure the AA to carry them, but I wouldn't guarantee it. Probably best to get some cables from Leven to be sure you have them.

The connector is called an Anderson Jack plug. It's only supposed to be good for 175A though, so not really enough to start your car - with a totally discharged battery you may still struggle. http://www.workshoponline.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id... there are red, yellow and grey one and you need a grey one.

My battery goed flat over time even when not alarmed too... still don't know why but sometime I'm going to have to investigate. The immobiliser probably draws some current even when the car isn't immobilised, as it must be "on" so that it's ready to recieve the signal from the keyfob.

Cheers,

Tom.

[Fume troll]

And yeah, remove the front left wheel, two screws behind it hold on the cover panel.

Cheers,

Tom.

[shpub]

Tuscan compatible jump leads are also available here:

www.tvrextras.co.uk

[J_E_T]

Thanks guys, all very much appreciated. Hope to get it fired up today !

[mcspreader]

The alarm is never off. It always draws charge unless you 'remove' it, about 0.1-0.2 Amps if I remember correctly. The alarm will also prevent starting if the voltage drops too much during teh starting attempt as it thinks the system is trying to be bypassed and immobilises it.
'Removal' can be achieved by fitting a battery cutout switch in the battery to ignition switch feed. This way the alarm is available when the car is left outside for any reason. I have done this with mine and have had no trouble with battery drain even after being left for several weeks. The downside is, that if the switch is fitted inside the car then you have to leave a door or window open when you turn off the switch, otherwise its going to be a real challenge getting back in with no power to the door buttons (but not impossible if you have the know how).

[Fume troll]

mcspreader said:

'Removal' can be achieved by fitting a battery cutout switch in the battery to ignition switch feed. This way the alarm is available when the car is left outside for any reason. I have done this with mine and have had no trouble with battery drain even after being left for several weeks. The downside is, that if the switch is fitted inside the car then you have to leave a door or window open when you turn off the switch, otherwise its going to be a real challenge getting back in with no power to the door buttons (but not impossible if you have the know how).

Maybe you could put the switch under the service bonnet? What kind of switch did you use?

Cheers,

Tom.

[pfc-tvr]

Not shutting the boot properly will drain the battery in a day or so. I speak from experiences gained over the last week or so.

Jump leads purchased a battery now on charge.

[andyoleary]

pfc-tvr said:

Not shutting the boot properly will drain the battery in a day or so. I speak from experiences gained over the last week or so.

Jump leads purchased a battery now on charge.

I noticed when I bought mine that the previous owner (or the dealer) had disconnected the courtesy light inside the boot - for this reason I suppose....

Andy

[R TOY]

chris_tivver said:

I
I remember last time I replaced it I had a hell of a problem getting a replacement. Can anyone recommend a decent battery that fits in the compartment?
(I remember that the one listed in my manual is no longer made)

The battery is a common type, should be available off the shelf at most auto sparkys or probably halfords. Mine was about £35 fitted last year.

[chris_tivver]

The problem turned out to be corrosion of the lead that connects charging to battery. Thus battery got flat but when I plugged in battery pack that only had minimal contact through battery to starter motor anyway.

I have to say that the AA found and fixed it- superb service on this occasion