I think I blew my Vantage electrics.

[Mhg200]

I’ve left my 09 Vantage in a storage lockup that doesn’t have power so I plugged a solar panel into the cigarette lighter and left it. I thought it was strange that the mirrors didn’t fold when I locked it but I was in a hurry and didn’t think too much of it as the doors had locked.
Thinking about it now I didn’t use a regulator on the solar panel and I’m now worried I’ve blown something up. I can’t get back to check it as it’s miles away and next time I go there I’ll need to drive it.
I’m guessing the solar panel probably puts out 18-19 volts max in o/c mode. What have I blown up, if anything?

[8Tech]

With the ignition off and the electrical system asleep, you will only probably have cooked the battery. I would take a new one with you and some tools to fit it. As long as you still have a car and lockup and it has not burnt down.

Man, you really must have been in a hurry!

[Mhg200]

I’m not too worried about the battery. I figure the voltage is only about 5v above the alternator output and the current wil be small because the light to the panel is through a diffused skylight. I really didn’t think it would be a problem but with the mirrors not folding I’m worried about damaged modules. I guess with the ignition off there is still power to the seats, windows, mirrors and lights? Bugger! I really hope it’s just gone into some sort of safe mode.

[dbs2000]

Do those solar panel things even work? I tried one on a small Honda Prelude battery years ago and all it did was drain it.

[oilit]

dbs2000 said:

Do those solar panel things even work? I tried one on a small Honda Prelude battery years ago and all it did was drain it.

I guess it depends on what model you have and what you want it to do !

I have one which is designed to be put in the dashboard to keep a battery charged - which we use on a horsebox and it works great.

I have a different which I put behind a window with obsure glass in it and it didn't keep the battery on a defender charged :-( But then I left it outside and ran the cables thru the stable door and it keeps the lawn tractor charged !

[Mhg200]

Worried about it too much so flew out to check it. Unplugged the solar panel and the mirrors fold normally again. Everything else operates as it should. Solar panel in the bin.

[divetheworld]

Mhg200 said:

Worried about it too much so flew out to check it. Unplugged the solar panel and the mirrors fold normally again. Everything else operates as it should. Solar panel in the bin.

Probably cheap power conversion circuit introducing noise in your power supply.