IanF

MY2000 Standard UK Impreza Turbo

I'm going to be putting my car away for the winter in a dry, but unheated garage.

To preserve the battery, I plan to disconnect it. However, from years ago I remember hearing that this is not a good idea as it may cause issues when reconnecting, particularly for the ECU and car settings. Can anyone offer advice on this?

Also is there any general advice for storing cars over the winter?

The alternative is to leave the battery connected and run the car up to temperature (whilst stationary) every couple of weeks.

Thanks
IanF

SmurfyBhoy

i used to own a glanza which i would leave connected to a trickle charger. never once replaced a batterey. cost £20 roughly from halfrauds

IanF

Yeah I have a trickle charger on my Evo as it is in a garage with power but unfortunately there is no power in the garage which the Subaru is in.

Lunchmoney

You can get trickle chargers with solar panels.
I have one for my shed lighting that runs from a car battery. The panels sit on the roof and keep the charge up all year round, even in our wonderful cloudy weather.

rb5 stu

It can be left disconnected ok.

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Why?

It's completely bonkers putting a car away that thrives on wet roads and snow (if we have any). Use it you big girls blouse

Flat4x4-again

iTrader: (1)

No problems with the Sigma immobiliser ?


I already had the dreaded Police frequency lock-out at Bluewater in my 00MY last week so am paranoid about what happens if you disconnect for any length of time ?

rb5 stu

Ive never had any problems.

blackvenom

Had mine off for about a year and just reconnect and starts first time, no issues so far

IanF

I know, I know, but it is a relatively low mileage example, unmodified factory spec, with no rust. Just getting the blouse out of the wardrobe now, only for weekends though (bit like the car...).

Thanks for the advice all, will proceed with disconnecting the battery.

IanF

jaygsi

iTrader: (46)

Same with mine, its alright if you have a newer impreza, but when you own something decent or a classic, worth keeping it dry though the winter or they rust like mad. Mine will be in the heated garage soon.

Plus gives me chance to do needed jobs while not driving it

rossyboy

iTrader: (8)

I can definitely speak with some authority on this one!

Owned the car for 11 years and it's been off the road for 11 winters, 3 years straight at one point and the last year.

Only ever disconnected the battery and reconnected to run for a while every so often. Never a problem and it still starts first time! Obviously over the 3 year period I had to jump it, but otherwise no.

Flat4x4-again

iTrader: (1)

Thanks - mine is covered outside now so imminent battery disconnect !

nozzavtr

Sorry to but in on this thread, but I've had issues with my 06 blob Sti battery going flat when it's not being used, can I just disconnect the battery and remove it from the car to trickle charge it? Just wondered if the alarm would get a bit funny with the battery off

s c o o b y

Just disconnect the earth lead that's all you need to do it will be fine all 3 of my scoobys have been ok.

FroSt1

iTrader: (12)

A battery conditioner can be left connected for any period, mine will not last 2 weeks without dying. If I have to leave somewhere, airport for instance, I disconnect earth and have no probs at all. I use mine daily if it's not biking weather

nozzavtr

Cheers mate, will get round to that at some point!