Here we go again...

[rogerxp]

New battery fitted a few weeks ago, been away for 4 days, now it’s flat as a pancake again. Is this to be expected? I guess a jumpstart should see it right again or should I be concerned about a bigger issue? The key is now locked in the barrel too so any idea how to get this back out?

 

[rogerxp]

...I can’t upload the video as it says it’s too big (only 12 seconds!) but the only sign of life is the speedo & temp needles ‘twitching’!

 

[conaero]

Upload the vid to YouTube and paste the link in the media button on the editor.

 

[rogerxp]

 

[rogerxp]

No longer does this as it’s completely dead. Key remains locked in the barrel Going to try to jumpstart later when I’ve more time to take it for a spin.

 

[conaero]

Personally, I wouldn’t jump start it, just stick it on charge overnight. They don’t like the power surge.

 

[rogerxp]

Doesn’t seem to like a lot this car. Being left for a few days. Cold weather. Doesn’t seem to like working too much frankly! 8 weeks of ownership and died twice - enough to test a relationship!!

 

[rogerxp]

Any idea how to get my key out? Not that it’s going anywhere fast!!

 

[Ewan]

You can easily leave it a month. If a new battery is dead after just 4 days, either it’s a duff battery or you have a serious drain. Have an auto electrician check it out.

 

[JonW]

I’ve had this before, and got my key out by connecting the battery up as though I was going to jumpstart it, but just letting it sit for about 10 minutes with the other car running....

I then disconnected, and there was just about enough power to release the key.

 

[rogerxp]

You can easily leave it a month. If a new battery is dead after just 4 days, either it’s a duff battery or you have a serious drain. Have an auto electrician check it out.

This is my thing. I can obviously get the thing going again but am surprised that it’s dead after 4 days. I get that the temperature has dropped but it’s a new battery! This is my concern.

 

[outrun]

The new battery must be warranted. First stop is to get a replacement.

 

[rogerxp]

The new battery must be warranted. First stop is to get a replacement.

Is that fair though given, knowing Maserati, it may be the car and not the battery? Found my charger in the shed (probably last used with my previous Maserati!) so is currently being charged. Will see what happens when I try to get to the office tomorrow!

 

[CatmanV2]

1) You can get the key out by removing the little cover just behind the ignition barrel and inserting something like a ball point insert.
2) Something in the car is sucking down current. Get an auto-electrician to trace it down.

C

 

[Sam McGoo]

Where did you get you new battery from? And what is it?
I've heard lots of stories the past few years of new batteries being dud, sometimes intermittently. (especially from Halfords and online sellers). Apparently during shipping, these batteries are getting knocked about a bit and the cells in the battery work loose. Then you fit them to your car and all seems well. Then go over a bump, or round a corner and a couple of the cells can short together inside. Drives fine while the alternator is turning. You park up, battery dies.

First port of call, try another new battery.

 

[TimR]

Personally, I wouldnt be shelling out for another new battery...!
Its just as likely the same fault drained the last one. Perhaps there was nothing wrong with it either...it'd just be good money after bad. better to get it checked out for a drain issue. A logical process of elimination, for my money !?

 

[rogerxp]

It’s a Yuasa YBX7019 bought from Tayna online about 4 weeks ago. Arrived fully charged and really well packaged to be fair to them. Interesting thought though. That said surely any battery runs this risk as damage could be done en-route to the supplier? It’s refusing to charge so awaiting RAC as hopefully they can properly analyise the battery and provide some sort of report.

 

[Sam McGoo]

I meant exchange it or get a re-fund if its faulty.
It's just a heads up, because I've seen quite a few people spend good money on diagnostics and a substantial labour cost in trying to eliminate potential drains, and its ended being the battery anyway.

I assume the tacker would be the first place to look for battery drain? as on most cars even if they are not activated they can still cause a drain.

 

[rogerxp]

Personally, I wouldnt be shelling out for another new battery...!
Its just as likely the same fault drained the last one. Perhaps there was nothing wrong with it either...it'd just be good money after bad. better to get it checked out for a drain issue. A logical process of elimination, for my money !?

Agreed but can’t rule out a faulty battery. As above hopefully the RAC can shed some light - I’ll certainly ask about damaged cells. Maybe try a free replacement battery and if the same occurs then it’s to the Dealer.

 

[Sam McGoo]

It’s a Yuasa YBX7019 bought from Tayna online about 4 weeks ago. Arrived fully charged and really well packaged to be fair to them. Interesting thought though. That said surely any battery runs this risk as damage could be done en-route to the supplier? It’s refusing to charge so awaiting RAC as hopefully they can properly analyise the battery and provide some sort of report.

Refusing to charge?
Sounds like the battery to me.