Battery Maintenance

[RussBird82]

Are you absolutely certain of this? Mine used to drain within a couple of days, it was the tracker, it's really common as the batteries within the tracker die off over time.
They are potentially factory fit, and I think if there isn't a subscription, you'd never know anything about it, even if the car doesn't have the tracker cards on board.
So could it be that there is a tracker, but the cards were lost prior to your ownership so you don't know, or have you looked in the common places to know it's not there?

I think it was removed by the previous owner. Possibly for that reason.

Looks like a new battery is on the cards, I did a 4hr repair mode today and left it on charge, it still wasn't reaching full charge and sounded sluggish when I went to start it. Will leave it overnight (off charge) and see what it says in the morning.

 

[JimBlob]

I'm looking to put my GS hooked up to a battery maintainer all the time - is everyone doing this without shutting off the isolator?

 

[Black Mazerati]

Instead of needing that tag just don't latch the boot. Pretty sure you can't put it in gear if the boot isn't latched. This is for the CC not a true manual.

I have to correct myself. The car will start and drive with the boot unlatched.

 

[CatmanV2]

I'm looking to put my GS hooked up to a battery maintainer all the time - is everyone doing this without shutting off the isolator?

Always did on my GT and 4200...

C

 

[Steve4200]

Just remember Automotive “maintenance free” lead acid batteries are not designed to be on constant charge. Without the ability to top up the electrolyte, the level will reduce every charge/trickle cycle.

Expect reduced life of “maintenance free” batteries due to low electrolyte if subjected to long periods of charging.

To lessen the charge/trickle requirement it’s best done on the 4200 with the Isolator Off.

 

[c4sman]

Going back to the OPs original problem statement, I seem to remember an mechanic telling me that each engine start is the equivalent of a 20 minute drive for the average car. Even worse in winter if you’re turning on heated screens and blowers. That means if you have a 20 minute drive to work where the car sits for a few hours and the same coming home, the charge will almost certainly be in deficit for a large V8 block, and will therefore eventually fail to start the car.

Especially in winter I just don’t have the circumstance or desire to drive for 30 mins on salty roads in my GT so won’t be able to avoid the likes of a Ctek. Have to also agree I think ctek has lost its premium position as the go to charger and quality has declined. I’ve been using them for almost 20 years and will not now but another after some early life failures.

 

[redsonnylee]

I have my GS permanently on a CTek but on a timer so only for a 12 hours each day.

 

[Bebs]

Mine are both on Optimate 6 chargers for 2 hours a day. Never had a problem and the 360 has been on the Optimate for 9 years, same battery!

 

[James3200GTA]

Had the motorbike on an Optimate continously. After winter the battery was dead although charger indicated all ok. Since then I have both the bike and the Mas on a timer. 1-2 hours each day. Never had any problems since.

If you forget the kill switch on the Mas, it does tend to drain the battery relatively quickly killing of your battery. Ask me how I know....So the chargers are in full sight.
My experience with reviving dead batteries with these chargers is not very good. Best outcome i.m.h.o. is that it may postpone the dying a bit. Just enough to get a new one.

 

[saab9000]

Are you absolutely certain of this? Mine used to drain within a couple of days, it was the tracker, it's really common as the batteries within the tracker die off over time.
They are potentially factory fit, and I think if there isn't a subscription, you'd never know anything about it, even if the car doesn't have the tracker cards on board.
So could it be that there is a tracker, but the cards were lost prior to your ownership so you don't know, or have you looked in the common places to know it's not there?

noco genius 5 and 10 are good, got a couple and never had any problems

The Noco genius 5. are excellent have one connected to my Saab 9000 and one connected to my 4200