dead(ish) battery?
Discussion
I gave my Elise a good blast on the day I went on holiday for 2 weeks but when I tried starting it on getting back, all I get is a rapid loud ticking sound from the engine somewhere and all the instrument lights and dial backlights flashing at the same rapid pace. I assume this means there is some charge but not enough to turn the starter motor over? Is it easy to jump start in that case - I can't even remember where the battery is and from a quick inspection couldn't spot it anywhere obvious.
(and surely a battery should last longer than 2 weeks iff only the alarm is on?!)
(and surely a battery should last longer than 2 weeks iff only the alarm is on?!)
You are not alone. My S2 did this to me - totally flat after just 2 weeks. I did jump start it and the battery has been fine since (this doesn't do a battery any good though).
If you can't find your battery, then you must have an S1. That battery was in an awkward place at the front of the car - mind you perfectly logical if you want a lower centre of gravity.
If you can't find your battery, then you must have an S1. That battery was in an awkward place at the front of the car - mind you perfectly logical if you want a lower centre of gravity.
My S1 battery died after a couple of years - wouldn't hold a charge for more than a couple of days. B&C tested the battery and said it was fine, but I told them to replace it and it's been perfect ever since. My problem was that I let it run down too often (on the alarm... I really ought to get out in in more 
)
Anyway, you will find the battery under the bonnet at the passengers feet. It's easier to get at if you take the window washer fluid bottle out (slides up easily but watch the wires for the pump).
Finally, when you leave it for a couple of weeks, put it on a trickle charger. I keep meaning to fit a quick clip socket to make that easier. Anyone out there have a suggestion on what to fit and where?
) Anyway, you will find the battery under the bonnet at the passengers feet. It's easier to get at if you take the window washer fluid bottle out (slides up easily but watch the wires for the pump).
Finally, when you leave it for a couple of weeks, put it on a trickle charger. I keep meaning to fit a quick clip socket to make that easier. Anyone out there have a suggestion on what to fit and where?
I would also like people's comments on this, i left my S1 for 2 weeks recently with the alarm OFF and when i came back to it the battery was dead and passive immobiliser stuck on. Charging the battery had no affect and it took a trip to the garage and subsequent Cobra agent to fix it. Total nightmare & scared of it happening again.
zebedee said:
So is the advice if not using for say 10 days plus to leave the alarm off?
Can you NOT set the alarm? How do you do that? Mine comes on anyway. (S1). I'd have thought a healthy battery would run longer than that though. I suspect that letting it run down just doesn't do the battery any good.
A solar charger is a good investment. You need to either sort out wiring to the battery, or plug it into the cigarette lighter (and make sure that the lighter socket is powered when the car is turned off). Then you can just leave the solar panel on the dashboard (assuming the car is out in the open) and it'll keep the battery in good nick. I've used one with my dodgy old Italian car (complete with dodgy old Italian electrics) and the difference is dramatic.
Alternatively, a good (30mins at the least) drive once a week keeps things ticking over.
Alternatively, a good (30mins at the least) drive once a week keeps things ticking over.
I don't think a solar charger will work if it's garaged. Don't they need sunlight?
On a less sarcastic note... Any sort of charger that attaches to the battery on an S2 will mean that you have to charge it with the boot open... which means that you can't switch the alarm on at the same time.
If your car is stolen whilst on charge you'll have an interesting conversation with the insurers.
On a less sarcastic note... Any sort of charger that attaches to the battery on an S2 will mean that you have to charge it with the boot open... which means that you can't switch the alarm on at the same time.
If your car is stolen whilst on charge you'll have an interesting conversation with the insurers.
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