My 02 Sti battery has been sounding a bit sick in this cold weather - alarm chirps when starting - although it does start ok. Now that the weather has got a bit warmer it seems fine. However, I thought I would give the battery a boost by putting it on trickle charge ovenight.

Should I disconnect the battery from the car before doing this or is it ok to charge with it still connected (electrically) to the car? I only ask to avoid having too reset my ICE system.

Alan

 

I've always recharged batteries withour disconecting, with no problems.

Best bet is to buy a new Bosch one from Costco, for around £40, if your existing one is not holding charge.

 

Been using OPTIMATE trickle charges for the last 12 years & never disconnected the battery, some cars/bikes left for 6 months & started first time........ Great products trickle chargers

 

a trickle charger is something i better get as the spec'c' is parked in the garage all week and having a tracker fitted tends to drain them.......

 

For a normal, cheapo charger I would always disconnect the battery before charging. (I'm thinking about the ones that spark when you connect or disconnect them and don't monitor the battery condition)

If you buy an Accumate or Ctek you will have no problems. I have used an Accumate for years now and I have never heard of a problem (I have looked alot in the past on the Intrenet for problems anyone has had)

Don't wait for the battery to get flat, Jump starting with Jump leads is Really quite dodgy (mainly for the donor car) these days with modern electronics.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I put the battery on trickle 1A charge last night whilst connected to car using my ancient Halfords charger and everything is OK with the car. Today I was at my Scoob dealer having suspension clonks investigated and mentioned the battery problems. They said we can replace the battery under warranty, which surprised me since I thought it wouldn't be covered under wear and tear. So a new battery is on the way!