My STI has got a flat battery - I haven't used it for a while due to the weather, it's just been sat in the garage. I have a trickle charger, but as soon as I disconnect one of the battery terminals to connect the charger, the car alarm goes off and won't stop until I reconnect it. Anyone have any cunning idea as to how I'm supposed to recharge it? I'm reluctant to jump start it, as I believe you're not really supposed to on modern cars?!

 

Sounds like a faulty trickle charger or the connections were not secure when you fitted it. Check the voltage when charging, if it climbs slowly towards 12volts then it sound like the charger is ok and the battery maybe duffel. If not replace charger for a ctek electronic trickle charger for cars/bike

Andy

 

Lordretsudo, I have a MY98 Classic and I use a power pack to jump start it, and as yet, I have had no problems!!!!!!!
Cheers
Colin

 

What I meant is, as soon as I disconnect one of the battery terminals before connecting the trickle charger, the alarm goes off. Or do I not need to disconnect the terminals first?!

 

As far as I'm aware just leave the terminals be.
Cheers
Colin

 

Just leave the battery connected and attach the trickle charger. When you disconnect the battery its probably the anti-tamper circuit on your alarm causing it to go off.

 

Ah right, thanks - I was thinking the battery had to be disconnected before using the charger...

 

I had exactly the same problem a couple of weeks ago. I jump started mine and took it for a run to give the battery some charge. Then left a trickle charger on for 24 hours and it's been fine since then, even when left for a good few days without running.