Things for Griffs

[HKGriff]

I haven't even taken delivery of my 500 yet, and having read posts over the past 6 months, I am getting goosebumps just reading about the number of 'things' that I need to think about in owning one full time!

The latest one on filling up with petrol and the '5 o'clock' solution is just one top tip!

Thanks PH for these forums, and the community support!

[Willtl]

I just got mine on Saturday and have already encountered a few gremlins (not show stoppers yet) so I will be slightly ahead of you on the issues curve.

Probably the most imporant thing to come out of the petrol filling topic is to be aware that the car will lie to you about how much fuel is in the tank, so never let it get below a quarter or always drive around with a trailer attached carrying a barrel of petrol.

Edited by Willtl on Monday 1st June 09:00

[HKGriff]

Tempted to go to Halfords soon after I collect and buy a few 'things' like spare fuel can and jump leads after I collect her in July.

Looks like the same pot of paint was used on both our 500s!

[Willtl]

I don't think jump leads will be any more necessary than any other car unless you are only planning on using the car infrequently. I have a built in charger but am only planning on using this whilst I'm on holiday, assuming I use it at least once per week before then.

[HKGriff]

Willtl said:

... jump leads ...

The jump leads comment was rather tongue in cheek. I always carry them, primarily as a good Samaritan for others who do not and have a flat battery!

[Barreti]

HKGriff said:

The jump leads comment was rather tongue in cheek. I always carry them, primarily as a good Samaritan for others who do not and have a flat battery!

You need to have a look at where the battery is and how difficult it would be to attach jump leads before thinking about carrying some around with you, even as a good samaritan

[Willtl]

Barreti said:

You need to have a look at where the battery is and how difficult it would be to attach jump leads before thinking about carrying some around with you, even as a good samaritan

Oh yes, very good point!

[MPoxon]

Willtl said:

Barreti said:

You need to have a look at where the battery is and how difficult it would be to attach jump leads before thinking about carrying some around with you, even as a good samaritan

Oh yes, very good point!

Yes very good point. First mod I did to mine was the Leven jump start kit with anderson connector under the bonnet after looking through the history and seeing a £1k+ bill for a new ECU after a previous owner accidentally touched the ECU with the jump leads. (ECU sits on top of the battery box in the footwell).

[V8BJC]

Big welcome to the new griff owners. Hope you enjoy your new toys.

What is the 5 o'clock filling tip? Seems I misse this one.

--- ignore that. ............ Just read the thread -----

Edited by V8BJC on Monday 1st June 20:19

[FlipFlopGriff]

I've got an Anderson connector in the same place as Matts except mine is vertical. Got a Leven connector with an Accumate plug at the end so I can plug the Accumate in there (used to use the jump leads until they moved and created a small fire just in front of the car and it charred the number plate - luckily I went back to the garage to get something out and spotted the fire so extremely lucky) and also jump leads with an Anderson connector (also from Leven).
FFG

[HKGriff]

MPoxon said:

First mod I did to mine was the Leven jump start kit with anderson connector under the bonnet ...

Thanks Matthew. You seem a bit of a 'spert on this things. How easy was it to fit the kit, and what bits of the engine bay did you connect the cable to from the battery to the front where I can see the connector. I am a bit of a dork when it comes to these things, so if you have some photos ... TIA.

[MPoxon]

HKGriff said:

Thanks Matthew. You seem a bit of a 'spert on this things. How easy was it to fit the kit, and what bits of the engine bay did you connect the cable to from the battery to the front where I can see the connector. I am a bit of a dork when it comes to these things, so if you have some photos ... TIA.

It was very easy, I drove the car 5 miles up the road to Leven (when they were located in Basildon) Had a coffee with Jules while Simon fitted it.

All joking aside I believe it is quite easy, but I didn't fit mine myself. Leven are now part of PPC owned and run by Paul and Jill, they are both really friendly. My advice would be to give them a call and ask the best way to fit it.

[HKGriff]

Thanks Matthew. I am in Essex in July, so maybe pop to Basildon then.

[FlipFlopGriff]

HKGriff said:

Thanks Matthew. I am in Essex in July, so maybe pop to Basildon then.

The business is now in Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.
FFG

[bluezeeland]

Did this DIY, negative on the earthpoint in the front wheelarch, positive on the starter motor terminal, needs for anderson connectors, some cable (with heatshield) two solder-on eyelets (and you need to 'butcher' a set of jump cables...)

[HKGriff]

Thanks Anthony/Cossers and other contributors to post. I haven't actually looked to see how difficult it is to get to the battery, so will wait until I do before I start fixing things before they become a problem!

[SteveGRF]

From previous experience - keep an alternator in your boot & a set of spanners ...(those who know me often ridiculed ), but in the 10 years of ownership I had only 2 break downs & both due to failed Alternators & both embarassing load loader recovery jobs (the heat under the bonnet frys them with time). Regardless - enjoy, they are great machines.