Hi All






I am having the usual battery drain issues on my 04 STI (now down in 3-4 days) and wondered if there are any issues with the likes of the ECU etc by disconnecting the battery for long period of time when car is not in use ?


The reason I ask is I have bought one of the battery terminals that is easy to disconnect without any tools by turning a threaded wheel (bolt).


I am aware and not worried about the radio loosing its memory.


Any advice would be appreciated
Regards
Ian

 

if you got gauges they will too loose memory.

 

Hi Thanks for the reply I have no additional gauges as the car is completely standard except PPP pack.


But I note your point as it has now made me aware that it will alter the rev limit buzzer and light setting ive made on the rev counter.


Thanks
Ian

 

Isn't the cure for this just to drive round with your lights on iirc?

 

May be worth changing the battery and if the problem presists then get a multimeter and diagnose whats draining the battery, I drive mine on weekends and ocasional shopping trip but normally it sits for 7 days without starting and battery never struggled

 

Hi I have an 03 STi PPP and had the same problems. Mine turned out to be the unused tracker. I whipped it out and all has been well for the past 12 months.

 

Hi,
Similar to what Filski said. My battery kept going flat every morning and I was sure there was some sort of drain present. Pulled the fuses and nothing. Anyway, I bought a really good battery charger and did the whole condition cycle, which seemed to work fine according to the chargers display, but in reality didn't work at all. Then when the car was at Zen they found the same issues and did the whole deep cycle charge with their industrial charger - same thing again; flat the next morning...
However, Paul suggested fitting a new battery and now the car sometimes sits for over three weeks outside without being started and fires first time when I get in.
The battery brand is banner, and I think GSF car parts have it on offer at the moment with 25% off. Use the code BAT25 at the checkout - this code works on all of their batteries by the way. Worth giving it a shot as your battery may have been discharged too many times and may not hold a good charge now.

 

Hi all thank for all the advice.


I will need to look into this further as I do the usual drive from start up with side lights on or blower fan on 1 to make the alternator charge.


I had the battery checked a month ago and was told it was okay but will invest in new one anyway, as I am not that good with electrics.


I gave it a full charge a week ago 4 day later it started okay (30mile trip), but 4 day later(this morning) it must of been low as the alarm buzzed as I started it.




One more question I have is ---- will the ECU be okay if the battery is disconnected for a long time




Regards
ian

 

Hi Ian,
Yes it should be fine because the ECU uses none-volatile memory. This means that if power is lost, the ECU still retains its memory.
Thanks,
Dibs

 

The ECU will be fine.
All you will lose is your speedo info - aka trip - you'll need to set your buzzer for Rev limiter & your ECU will learn your driving style as such again.

 

Thanks again for the great advice


I am now at ease with the ECU and will be fitting a new battery and I have bought one of the battery terminals that is easy to disconnect without any tools by turning a threaded wheel (bolt).


Ian

 

Sorry to hijack your thread , but any info on these terminals your buying?

 

If the car is parked near a house or garaged, how about one of these: http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-mxs5.0.php

It comes with two types of battery terminals, a pair that are clips/clamps, as normal, plus a pair that stay connected, terminating in a covered waterproof plug.

You simply plug in the charger and connect to that plug.

I THINK there's one that can go in via the cig lighter too for trickle charging.

 

Hi Kevo10


Sorry I dont how to do a link but they were off ebay as below I bought the twin pack (one spare) but I cant say wether they are any good or not yet as haven't tried them


UNIVERSAL CAR - Battery Isolator Cut Off Switch - PACK OF 2 *Special Offer*
( 361184749485 ) this is the Ebay number.


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Hi Alcazar


Thanks for the advice, unfortunately the car is not to near the garage but I wouldn't be keen on leaving electrics extensions and a charging unit outside in all weather unattended along with leaving the bought unlatched.

Regards
Ian