Starting problem with infrequent use

[CharlieAlpha66]

Hi all,

If I don't use my '98 Chimaera 450 for more than 14 days or so, she refuses to start without being jump-started. The battery is less than twelve months old (or so the former owner claimed). With the battery being in the passenger footwell, it's a nightmare job to do quickly too.

The car lives in my (secure) garage without the alarm on, so what apart from the clock can be draining the battery!? Is this a well known feature on Chimaera's?

Any pearls of wisdom from past and present owners would be appreciated! Thanks.

[SMB]

Unfortunately that sounds normal, alarm and clock are the main draws, but 2 weeks is about my experience aswell. I would suggest you get something which u can use to charge the vehicle whilst it's laid up, such as optimate.

[JonRB]

Indeed. There are a number of intelligent battery chargers around (eg. Optimate) that you can leave permanently connected and will keep the battery in good shape. You can even connect them via the cigarette lighter socket for added convenience - you don't need to fumble around in the footwell.

[CraigAlsop]

Get a battery conditioner (Accumate or similar) & plug it into you cigarette lighter. This should both ensure your battery is always at optimum charge, and also make it last longer. This also means you can leave the alarm on & thus not invalidate the insurance.

The other thing is that you might want to get a higher rated battery - later Chimaeras certainly have higher rated batteries than earlier ones (became the same as the Griff ones)

It does draw a fairly high current at rest - that's probably just life I'm afraid.

[CharlieAlpha66]

This is incredible. I only joined & posted 25 minutes ago and 3 of you have replied by return! I am not often lost for words but I am stunned.


I knew of battery conditioner's but not that you could plug them into the cigarette lighter, hence avoiding having to take the passenger compartment to pieces. Wicked!

This problem has been hacking me off so much I had tried to sell the car in the Summer (not that we actually HAD one this year!).

Thanks to SMB, JonRB and CraigAlsop for the advice. Off to eBay to have a look for the necessary now!

[JonRB]

Have a look at www.leventechnology.co.uk under "Hood Covers, Garage Covers, Chargers and Glass Care products, etc." for the Accumate.

I'd echo the sentiments about making sure you have the right battery. I have a 1997 Chimaera which due to unusual circumstances I haven't driven for 4½ weeks. Started it up today and, although a little hesitant for the first turnover, it started fine. So 2 weeks is probably a little on the short side.

By contrast, my wife's Elan used to regularly discharge it's battery within 2 weeks until we replaced the battery with a Bosch Silver and now it too can stand for a month or so and still start.

Anyway, I digress. Get yourself a battery conditioner and all will be well.

I've got to say that considering selling the car was a bit drastic. Aren't you glad you didn't?

[beano500]

Not that I have a problem...

But what would you do if you garage a car but don't have an electrickery supply?

[beano500]

CharlieAlpha66 said:

This is incredible. I only joined & posted 25 minutes ago and 3 of you have replied by return! I am not often lost for words but I am stunned.

This is PH No messing around here, 1 million and one answers every day whether you wanted them or not! - where've you been!

Anyway welcome to PH!

[steveb*]

Belt & braces for if you forget to plug the conditioner in: you can have permanent device fitted which allows modified jump leads to be plugged in. (Similar to the socket in the sill fitted to Tuscans.) Avoids messing about in the footwell.

[CharlieAlpha66]

JonRB said:

Have a look at www.leventechnology.co.uk under "Hood Covers, Garage Covers, Chargers and Glass Care products, etc." for the Accumate. I'd echo the sentiments about making sure you have the right battery. I have a 1997 Chimaera which due to unusual circumstances I haven't driven for 4½ weeks. Started it up today and, although a little hesitant for the first turnover, it started fine. So 2 weeks is probably a little on the short side. By contrast, my wife's Elan used to regularly discharge it's battery within 2 weeks until we replaced the battery with a Bosch Silver and now it too can stand for a month or so and still start. Anyway, I digress. Get yourself a battery conditioner and all will be well. I've got to say that considering selling the car was a bit drastic. Aren't you glad you didn't?

Thanks for the link - glad you thought to forward me that, as all eBay was turning up was Optimate chargers for motorbikes.

As for selling the car being a bit drastic... well that brings me to my next problem - one of storage. I moved to rural West Sussex at the beginning of the Spring. A lovely old house - but no garage! Aaarghh. At the moment the Tiv is in a neighbours garage - but that arrangement will expire soon (the guy needs it to store his garden furniture in!).

[CharlieAlpha66]

beano500 said:

CharlieAlpha66 said: This is incredible. I only joined & posted 25 minutes ago and 3 of you have replied by return! I am not often lost for words but I am stunned. This is PH No messing around here, 1 million and one answers every day whether you wanted them or not! - where've you been! Anyway welcome to PH!

No messing about indeed! I think I am going to regret having ticked the box that said "email me when I get a reply" though...

PS: I've been in the garage trying to break into the car when the battery is dead and you can't get the doors open!!! lol

>> Edited by CharlieAlpha66 on Tuesday 21st September 18:22

>> Edited by CharlieAlpha66 on Tuesday 21st September 18:23

[steveb*]

>> Edited by steveb* on Tuesday 21st September 18:31

[CharlieAlpha66]

steveb* said:

Not being funny....but I think you should edit out the "break in tip"!!

Fair point, I shall do that.