Click! And we are dead

[Andy Marshall]

So my Granturismo has been stood on the drive since Christmas Eve. Covered in snow since Boxing Day..... And I came to start it today and all I got was a click and lots of weird dash warnings. Battery completely flat!
Much scrambling about under the rear seat and managed to open the boot and get the battery on charge.... But the thing is it's not an old battery, and its a decent one: http://www.thebatteryshop.co.uk/yuasa-12v-100ah-900a-silver-car-battery-ybx5019-hsb019-8566-p.asp
So, can I now assume that Granturismos can't cope with a combination of freezing temperatures and a week off work? Seems bizarre.

 

[Contigo]

Cold will expose a weaker battery and these cars do need to have a conditioned battery as has been documented. Not surprised.

 

[Parptoot]

I too have a new battery and if left for a few days the starting does sound a little more strained, particularly when cold. I now leave mine connected to a conditioner if I've no plan to use it for a couple of days. That's a bit of a faff because it lives outside but it's better than forking out for another battery.

 

[conaero]

That's 100% a flat battery, the GT does have a habit of flattening batteries.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Mine did the same at the weekend. Battery (a big fat Bosch) was new around July time. Bloody thing. Funny thing is, it had been on the charger until a few days before and I'm pretty sure it hadn't had time to drain naturally. I've left it a few days and will see what happens.

 

[dem maser]

3 days?! My AC was good, not touched in months and always started first time

 

[Contigo]

Same as mine. No issues and no need for a conditioner.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Something's p!ssed it off, Dem. It's gone three weeks without a hitch before so something's bothering it. Could be a duff battery in which case it's under warranty so I'll just swap it. I'll do a bit more investigating today.

 

[2b1ask1]

I'd put money on it being the tracker in each of these cases... Not easy to confirm but they do seem good at checking and repairing them for you F.O.C.

 

[Andy Marshall]

I'd put money on it being the tracker in each of these cases... Not easy to confirm but they do seem good at checking and repairing them for you F.O.C.

That's interesting. My Spyder can go for weeks without issue, and the Tracker on that is not activated. The GT's Tracker is on though, so perhaps that is the difference? Do they really drain power that much? Should I get Tracker to investigate?
Anyway, she started first time this morning after an overnight session on the CTEK, so normal service is resumed.

 

[hoyin]

Thought the tracker has its own battery? Or is that only for backup? As a matter of interest why do you have your tracker on?

If someone stole it I'd rather not have it back after they have ragged it. The cost of the tracker is also very expensive compared to others and I have to carry around a stupid card!

 

[2b1ask1]

The tracker has its own battery about the size of an external DVD drive, it is a lead acid sealed for life unit as used on radio controlled models etc. it can die at any time but usually within about 6 years it seems. If it dies it keeps drawing a 'charge' input from the car's main battery causing most of the flat battery issues we see. the GT/GTS are particularly sensitive to discharged main batteries hence the often reported problem. Tracker are very good at coming out and servicing or removing the tracker system F.O.C. at least in the UK.

 

[2b1ask1]

Adding to this the other nugget of information; if you cancel the tracker on your car it seems they simply stop monitoring it but there is no deactivation sent to the vehicle as far as I'm aware. If this is the case the tracker in the vehicle keeps screaming thinking it is stolen and trying to signal the operator via the SIM. This increases the depletion of the secondary battery still further... That is how I understand it to be anyway.

 

[Andy Marshall]

As a matter of interest why do you have your tracker on?

My insurance company insisted. I opted for the "don't have to carry the card around all the time" version of the monitoring contract - but perhaps that's the issue? Maybe I should carry the card around and the unit will stop thinking I've stolen it and trying to send out alerts?

 

[hoyin]

Oh right. Yeah one of my insurers wanted the tracker activated. I chose another insurer as you can definitely find something £198 cheaper per year!

 

[stewarttownsend]

Im with Churchill and double checked they don't want the tracker, Ive not paid for the tracker renewal which was due in December as that card is a pain and agree if someone steals her and its been ragged, wheels banged etc Id rather not have it back and never drive right again.

 

[alfatwo]

That's interesting. My Spyder can go for weeks without issue, and the Tracker on that is not activated. The GT's Tracker is on though, so perhaps that is the difference? Do they really drain power that much? Should I get Tracker to investigate?
Anyway, she started first time this morning after an overnight session on the CTEK, so normal service is resumed.

This is what you want Andy,It's gotten me out of trouble lots of times!

Dave

 

[Low&slow]

Hi Guys, I have a 2012 gts and I had a motorway run two days ago,I drove into town a good 30mins round trip and this afternoon the car won't respond to the key fob so am guessing I have a dead battery as well! Sadly they have to recover as I can't even get access to the car at all. Is there a special battery (high capacity) etc that might reduce the chances of this happening again?

 

[Felonious Crud]

I think this is the one I have: http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/M...050c82f3da7af2265dfc676834f75320fbadb9&000020

 

[dickygrace]

I think this is the one I have: http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/M...050c82f3da7af2265dfc676834f75320fbadb9&000020

Bosch S5 are the best in my experience and all that I ever fit. Yuasa are next best in my opinion.