Abandoned for 7 weeks
Discussion
Just thought I would share my recent experience in case it is of help to others.
As the title says, my 2008 V8V roadster was unintentionally left unused for seven weeks – ie no charger, cut-off not employed, alarm on. When I came back to the car it was completely dead. As it is a roadster I was able to open the door without destroying the seals using a plastic spatula. Once inside it was a no-go – no lights on dash, clock had stopped etc, etc. I couldn’t even tilt the seat forward to make access the battery a little easier.
Fortunately I had anticipated this and purchased a starter pack – a RAVPower Portable jump starter (£62 on Amazon). I cannot recommend this product highly enough. It was delivered charged up and once connected, started the engine as if the car's battery had been fully charged. It is small enough to fit in the glovebox so you can keep it in the car in case of further mishaps.
I had to do the window reset, the “roof operation not possible” was fixed by repeating the window reset a few times and the “alarm system requires servicing” message disappeared after the battery had been fully recharged. One week later and there have been no issues with the battery holding charge.
Next time I go away the car will be on a trickle charger just in case…..
As the title says, my 2008 V8V roadster was unintentionally left unused for seven weeks – ie no charger, cut-off not employed, alarm on. When I came back to the car it was completely dead. As it is a roadster I was able to open the door without destroying the seals using a plastic spatula. Once inside it was a no-go – no lights on dash, clock had stopped etc, etc. I couldn’t even tilt the seat forward to make access the battery a little easier.
Fortunately I had anticipated this and purchased a starter pack – a RAVPower Portable jump starter (£62 on Amazon). I cannot recommend this product highly enough. It was delivered charged up and once connected, started the engine as if the car's battery had been fully charged. It is small enough to fit in the glovebox so you can keep it in the car in case of further mishaps.
I had to do the window reset, the “roof operation not possible” was fixed by repeating the window reset a few times and the “alarm system requires servicing” message disappeared after the battery had been fully recharged. One week later and there have been no issues with the battery holding charge.
Next time I go away the car will be on a trickle charger just in case…..
I know that my glove compartment switch is electric (56 plate Vantage) - discovered that when I used the battery disconnect switch and then couldn't open the glove compartment to read the manual to see how to restore power. So not necessarily the best place for something to handle a flat battery even if it fits.
When I bought my car, I was told the car started fine even after 3 months with no trickle charging and battery disconnect switch not used. Was surprised to hear it and don't think I'll test the theory though!
When I bought my car, I was told the car started fine even after 3 months with no trickle charging and battery disconnect switch not used. Was surprised to hear it and don't think I'll test the theory though!
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff