Flat battery syndrome - I've had enough!
 

Finally decided it was unacceptable to keep putting up with either a flat battery or having to connect the trickle charger on my 03 STi
I took it to the dealer who reports that there is no adverse drain, but of course the Tracker may not be going into sleep mode! As it takes six hours for the damn thing to enter this mode, I've had to leave it with them overnight - or I should say the local alarm installer they use! As I have a PSI unit, needless to say I zeroed the peak values readout.
To be honest I think I would prefer to see the poxy thing re-installed in the bin! If it is the Tracker it means another trip to the dealer for the fix!
JohnD

it's trackstar on the sti's not tracker and all the dealership has to do is phone them and they will even go out to your house and test it they do for us!

Get the battery replaced under warranty. Since my one was changed for a Bosch Asia Silver I've not had any problems. The OEM fit battery is crap!

Smart alternator doesn't help either.

Andy.

Typical dealer response :rolleyes:

Get them to change the battery, plenty of other people have had this done (myself included) and it cures the issue, I have left the car in the garage for up to a month at times now and no problem what so ever.

John.

Battery was changed for a higher capacity (60Ahr) item two years ago! and I drive with the sidelights on to "switch on" the "smart" alternator.
The problem is made worse when, over a period of a couple of weeks, I only use the car only twice a week for the three mile journey to work.
JohnD

I had a similar problem with my MY05 Sti getting a dead battery after about 4 days. Having seen the dialogue on Snet and contacting the dealer that put the Trackstar in, they believed in was the Tracker.

I contacted the RAC and they said it was because scoobies dont charge their batteries unless the engine is going over 4k revs .... :wonder:

The problem appears to be as someone here has stated is that the Tracker is on for six hrs trying to poll the satelite before it goes to sleep. I am pretty sure that Trackstar sent a software update to my car which means that this has now been reduced and I no longer have power problems.

I may be barking up the wrong tree, but I seem to be OK now.

As said above speak to Trackstar they are aware of the problem , they will install an upgraded unit for about £60 if I remember correct . I had the same problem with my 03 WRX . They'll come out to your house or work and sort it for good .

Dave

I had problems starting my car after not using over a weekend. I've got Tracker and not a Trackstar fitted to my WRX03. The alternator doesn't charge unless you have lights or something switched on to give max engine power. I changed the battery and it starts instantly everytime now.

Andy.

Got the battery changed under warrenty on MY 03 STi PPP, no problems at all since. If your dealers gone to the trouble of checking for adverse drain etc etc then it'll be a much easier fix for them just the swap for a better quality battery, like Andy says the OEM one is pretty ****e

It appears that, on my car, the unit is not going into sleep mode at all! A replacement unit is on it's way and hopefully be fitted today/tomorrow. Then it's down to inspecting the car for damage, scuff marks on the door cards, sticky steering wheel and the SECS unit for max values etc. If this sounds as if I am paranoid about leaving the car with anyone - you're right!
JohnD

I have had 2 batteries under warrenty & recently tracker came out & replaced the unit with a 1hr sleep one all foc.

Once 3 years old thou & you are on your own so get it changed before if you can.

cheers Simon

Glad to hear the problem is finally being solved for you John.

I have been lucky, I have had my MY03 STi TypeUK from new and it has been left up to 2 weeks at a time without being started and it has always fired-up first time!

i am on my third battery under warranty
martin

I have had 3 batteries under warrenty,And drive with the sidelights on
And have had trackstar out to install the upgraded unit.
But i still get a dead battery after 4 days.
MY04sti

Never had a problem std battery as well.
I don't have neons though.

I've got a gel battery..........less that half the size of a normal battery (slightly bigger than a dvd case) and lasts longer........best £100 I've even spent