battery running flat if unused for a couple of days
Hello GWOA-ers,
I've had a 460 300GD for a few months. The battery it came with seems to run flat if the car is not used for two or three days. I had it checked and the battery seems OK though I don't know how old it is.
So I guess something is draining the battery while it is parked.
The G has central locking and and alarm (I guess) when you lock it a green light comes on on the dash and I guess this and the clock could be running down the battery.
Anybody else had this problem ? Is there anything I can disconnect.
With a new battery should I be able to leave it for a few days and start no problems. It doesn't take much to start it. Just a couple of turns and it's off but after a couple of days the battery doesn't even have this.
Would I be better off with one of the full size G batteries ?
Any advice gratefully received.
The green central locking light you mentioned, I think, should go off after a while, does it? Your battery, should last longer than two or three days before going flat. Guesstimating a likely fault, I would suggest the alternator to be drawing power for the battery to go flat, but strictly, subject to testing. To check the battery draw, an ohm meter is used.
This is a job for an electrician or a good motor vehicle technician who can diagnose your fault for you. Although, the alternator has been mentioned, please let us understand, that other possible consumables (amongst them the clock) could be the cause, hence, getting this professionally tested.
In the mean time, I suggest to have the battery fully charged up. When not in regular use, disconnect the negative terminal off the battery, this will conserve the battery power for when you next want to use your vehicle.
Cheers,
I would advise trying another battery before you drive yourself crazy worrying about all this other stuff. In my experience it is usually the battery failing.
Good luck.
Hi After fitting another battery and if the problem still exists time to do some checks -------------
disconnect the "Earth" terminal form the charged battery then just touch the terminal against the Earth post of the battery (with everything switched off) if you get a sizeable spark remove each fuse one at a time and check each time for the spark..if the spark is there afer every fuse has been checked then the problem could be deeper in the wiring loom which will require the use of a multimeter and some extensive checking
rgds Peter
Thanks as always Peter.
Actually picking up on something mentioned above. Is the green central locking light supposed to go out after a while ? mine doesn't as far as I can tell and it's not like it's an led bulb or anything - I imagine it's drawing a bit of current and a couple of days without use will do the battery.
Is there an easy way to disconnect it ?
Cheers,
Trevor.
Green Light on right of dash gauge holder should go out once central locking has done it's thing. This presumes it is an old 460 central locking by the key in the door and not some fangled alarm.
Never did find the central locking relays but the driver's door is just a switch that should then slave/lock all the other doors. If it is leaving the light on then suspect all the other door solenoids are being also left on too by the door control electronics. Easy option is to pull plug off inside the driver's door.. the actual switch/solenoid section is hidden up inside rear vertical of the door above the lock but follow the wiring to get to the multi connector. Mine died so I replaced it with a passenger unit so that I can get a remote button/alarm fitted one day as MB wanted £170 or so for it.. Alternatively might just need some TLC for mechanics in driver's door to let the control rods return to neutral position?
Thanks a lot - I think I have the answer to why my battery is running flat.
The green light stays on until the car is unlocked again by key
Much appreciated.
Trevor.
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Thanks for the advice - much appreciated.