Battery drain and jump starter packs

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vanman1936

Junior Member
Messages
77
So my battery has started draining, dead within a week (2009 GTS). Garage (well known specialist) thinks it may be the tracker. Hopefully shutting that off will fix it. Any other thoughts appreciated.

Anyhow, I don't want to be in the same position again as often leave my car outside for a week or two at a time(so can't trickle charge it) and was looking at jump starter packs like these DBPOWER 600A Peak 18000mAh Portable Car Jump Starter, Emergency Battery Booster Pa... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BF08HGC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_CLkbzbXZGN09S

They seem to get great reviews, any experience or views on them (and not just this particular one)?

Cheers

Paul
 
safrane

safrane

Member
Messages
16,850
I would avoid anything that pumps a rapid charge into a Maser... stick with a CETEX type battery conditioner.
 
outrun

outrun

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Messages
5,017
Install a battery cut off switch in a handy secret location. As well as saving the battery from draining, it will confuse the **** out of car thieves.

Only down side is that you have to reset the clock each time.
 
A

AaronE

Junior Member
Messages
156
I've started mine with a little jumper small enough to fit in a pocket. highly recommended, even though everyone says it'll damage the electronics. I don't see how however, if it's connected to the battery, voltage is voltage.
 
Needamaser

Needamaser

Member
Messages
1,499
I got a Ravpower version on recommendation of someone on here from Amazon last year. Very similar to this one.
Used it several times. Once on a friends big v-twin motorcycle and twice on a 2.5 diesel van. Had tried a Halfords unit on it previously and it did nothing.
Ravpower has a "boost" button if you need extra juice. However started the van and bike instantly. No damage to electronics.
I understand attaching these do not cause an issue. It is jump starting that is the problem as you get voltage spikes in that case.
Carry it with me all the time now. Ridiculous power for something so small and light. Amazon were doing a deal when I got mine. Think they are about £90 at the moment.
 
spkennyuk

spkennyuk

Member
Messages
5,959
Your other option would be a solar charger. They dont generate enough power to charge the battery but they should generate enough to keep your battery topped up. Hopefully enough to offset the tracker drain on the battery. I have used on other cars but not on a maz. They cost £8 to £20 ish depending on the power output you want.
 
Scaf

Scaf

Member
Messages
6,572
I have the same Ravpower as mentioned above, I also have a set of jump leads with surge protection. Notused the jumps leads on the GTS yet but did use the Ravpower with no issues.
generally though I would put it on a trickle charger, after all if it's flat it needs to be charged, not just started.

All the stories I hear about issues with Maserati's and charging / flat battery faults does make be nervous.
 
campagnolo

campagnolo

Junior Member
Messages
58
Have successfully REPEATEDLY started my old GS with a Suaoki U10 (https://www.suaoki.com/u10.html). I'm not sure if they have enough CCA for the GT's needs as its rated at 800A. Never fried any electrics, as it won't put out current until it's happily and safely connected. Voltage is voltage and equally, current is current. It also worked fine with my Alfa's somewhat nervous electronics.
 
murph7355

murph7355

New Member
Messages
245
If it's only just started doing this, could it be that the battery itself is on its way out?
 
V

vanman1936

Junior Member
Messages
77
It's "pulse draining" i.e. Minimal drain then a periodic increased drain. Tracker battery failing so needs to periodically draw from the battery I am told. Battery checked and holding charge.
 
rossyl

rossyl

Member
Messages
3,312
You should never jump off another car as the voltage could spike, that could cause damage.

A jump pack is stable and should be fine. I jumped my old 4200 numerous times without issue. Watch out for the pocket sized ones, I've got an Anti-Gravity one, can't say it's that good.

Also, have a look at removing your tracker battery. I had a thread on here ages ago. The tracker company removed my battery for free.
 
philw696

philw696

Member
Messages
25,424
We used to use a jump pack all the time at the Dealership on new and used plus customer cars no issues.
Best thing I did was remove my tracker and not had a flat battery in New Zealand.
Whilst away for 3 weeks doing the trip in the Mini she started first time no issues and she lives outside.
 
midlifecrisis

midlifecrisis

Member
Messages
16,218
rossyl said:
You should never jump off another car as the voltage could spike, that could cause damage.

A jump pack is stable and should be fine. I jumped my old 4200 numerous times without issue. Watch out for the pocket sized ones, I've got an Anti-Gravity one, can't say it's that good.

Also, have a look at removing your tracker battery. I had a thread on here ages ago. The tracker company removed my battery for free.
Click to expand...
I'm sorry but the chances of spikes is minimal, connecting jump leads is probably the main cause. All vehicles have regulators and fuses to prevent this from happening. Check that your car has the correct fuse rating for the circuit.

If you're using another vehicle, start that one first and let it idle. Connect the two batteries together positive first in a confident manner. This reduces the risk of sparks. Then connect the negative lead, again quickly and confidently. Allow the donor car to charge the dead car for a while. Gently raise the revs of the donor car to around 2k-3k revs, do not blip the throttle, and try to start the dead vehicle.
If it doesn't catch straight away I.e within 2-3 secs or so, stop trying to start it and wait a little longer. If it continues to fail to start then the battery is probably sulphated and needs a thorough conditioning.

A charge pack, is only the same as a donor vehicle just another 12V battery in a plastic box, charged by mains electricity.

I've heard of ECU blowing etc but they are rare and something else caused it. Batteries terminals are designed to take huge currents.
 
Keano

Keano

Member
Messages
287
Given its a 2009 the battery is likely end of life soon anyway. I also have a 2009 and recently replaced mine as it was getting weak - mine was a Maserati original so i guess had been in there from day one.
 
PJZ

PJZ

Junior Member
Messages
63
I've got a 2009 GTS and just replaced my battery. It started draining every time I went on holiday for 2 weeks. Then gradually got worse and recently died twice within 2 weeks despite being fully charged (and driven) in between. No issues since replacing the battery. Mine cost about £150. One tip, just make sure the new battery has the same dimensions! The clamps do not hold smaller batteries in place and the universal clamp I bought doesn't fit!
 
jluis

jluis

Member
Messages
1,703
AaronE said:
I've started mine with a little jumper small enough to fit in a pocket. highly recommended, even though everyone says it'll damage the electronics. I don't see how however, if it's connected to the battery, voltage is voltage.
Click to expand...

It only fries the electronics if the battery is dead causing the alternator to run without a battery to absorb the load therefore potentially causing voltage to spike.
This is the reason why you can't run a car without a battery once it starts.
 
A

AaronE

Junior Member
Messages
156
jluis said:
It only fries the electronics if the battery is dead causing the alternator to run without a battery to absorb the load therefore potentially causing voltage to spike.
This is the reason why you can't run a car without a battery once it starts.
Click to expand...

well, if you run it with the battery *disconnected* (or if it's completely shorted) yes, but even if the battery is completely dead, it still acts as a buffer. anyway, always thought it was just FUD.
 
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