Flat Battery

[pepsi_x]

Now, this may seem a silly question, but 2 weeks ago my battery was fine, then having not used the Chim for 2 weeks the battery is flat, flat, flat!

Usually it gets a couple of 10 mile runs once a week to work, and has never given me any problems before, even when it's been left for a few weeks.

So assuming the battery is charging ok (I've no reason to suspect otherwise over the last 8 months) what on earth drains the battery so quick when it's not being used? And how badly does the freezing cold affect it?

[beano500]

Drains:

Alarm/immobiliser?
interior light (if you've left it on accidentally - like I done - doh!)?
clock?

My battery was fine for two years, then I managed to drain it once and it was never quite right. Had previously left the car for two weeks holiday (twice) and seen it start first turn. Came back from last holiday and dead as a dead dodo with a death wish.

Cut my losses and got a new one - I don't think that car batteries are at all happy about being drained to the last amp. Not compared to what you do to rechargeables in 'phones and laptops anyway.

[jamiem]

I find my battery goes flat after 2 weeks and therefore I try and take it out at least once a week during the Winter months to keep it topped up (and an excuse to drive it of course!)

The alarm takes quite a bit of power and therefore I thought this was normal.

Jamie.

[trefor]

Remember, cold weather lowers the crankability of a car battery too.

[incorrigible]

I seem to remember someone saying something about the door solenoid draining loads of power if the dorr is not completely shut.

I had a drain on mine which seems to have fixed itself, wondering if the passenger might have been slightly ajar

[MajorClanger]

Depends on how old the battery is but it could just be that you need a new one. Try putting a charger on it (ideally a conditioner) and see how the battery performs - if you can, by checking the voltage.

If you want to know a 'little' more here:
All You Needed to Know About Batteries But Were Afraid to Ask!

MC