3200 Flat Battery

[flidget]

If I don't use the car for a couple of days, I'm finding that the battery is too flat to start the engine.

It's a year 2000 model and I'm wondering if it is either
a) Faulty alternator (warning light always goes out on the dash)
b) Battery drain (worst case scenario)
c) Old tired battery not keeping the charge
d) ????.

The voltmeter has more times than not been "at rest" when I've started the car, but has quickly moved up to just below the 13v mark. At the end of my typical 40 mile journey the voltmeter shows just below 13v (assuming it is working correctly). The fan seems to stop within about 30 seconds after the ignition is switched off.

Any ideas anyone?

[chris_crossley]

Hi,

Buy a trickle feeder. Was about £50 fitted. Keeps it nice and charged.

If you have a tracker fitted then it will drain the battery.

Other thing to remember is that the battery has a five year warrenty. So you might scrape in on a 2000 car dependant on when you bought it.

[flidget]

Hi,

Do you have any more details on the trickle feeder?

Thanks.

[456mgt]

The one I use plugs into the cigar lighter Maranellos, but cheaper if you buy directly www.airflow-uk.com/battery-conditioner.htm

Almost certainly your battery is knack'd and won't hold a charge. I've had to replace the battery in the 456 every 2-3 years, so 5 years is doing well.

Kevin

[maserati3200gt]

This is my Problem as well.

My Dealer today thinks that the Tracker drains too much of the Battery.

Speaking with RAC tomorrow to find out more about this problem.

[mr_tony]

To be fair guys my car was fitted with a tracker and never drained the battery at all... Still I guess it depends which tracker and who fitted it too I suppose.

[aztec]

I use an optimate3 battery conditioner they are fantastic cost about £40.00 you can leave then connected all the time if you wish

[nigelo]

Mr T is correct - I also have the RAC Tracker and it "hibernates" after 4 hours IIRC thus avoiding a current drain. However, the alarm system is another matter and will drain my battery after approx 3 weeks but does leave sufficient juice to start cleanly after 2.

FWIW, I regularly use the CTEK charger/conditioner and swear by it.

HTH

[maserati3200gt]

Hey Guys,

I am now having my Tracker replaced due to battery problems!

[flidget]

Hi,

I have a tracker - from Tracker. Can anyone explain the issue with the battery drain. Is it a common problem, or do you have to be unlucky? Is the RAC tracker a different system?

[chris_crossley]

The tracker has it's own battery and if charges of the main battery. I have the GPS tracker, apparently it sucks more juice than the standard. I also had a naff battery and got it replaced under warrenty. I now use the charger and don't have any problems.

THe only issue i have is if i stall the thing it's a pain to get started again. Generally when reversing or trying to go very slow. Somthing the car is not designer to do!

[flidget]

Hi,

Many thanks to everybody. I've purchased a new battery from a "main dealer in Birmingham". I'll let you know how I get on. If I still have problems then it may be time to look at the tracker.