Here's a simple battery isolator from a company I deal with through my work
http://v2.gb.sparex.com/ItemDetails/...ttery+isolator
Printable View
Here's a simple battery isolator from a company I deal with through my work
http://v2.gb.sparex.com/ItemDetails/...ttery+isolator
That's similar to the type I use on my v6 when not driving for a while. They are very effective. However it is best if there is easy access to the battery. Apropos the light switch and a need for a t4: would using a replacement temporarily, prior to getting t4ed, pose a problem,; e.g. making the car undriveable or damaging other memory components? If I test the battery for current draw using a multimeter what sort of figures should I find?
Incidently, Seasonal Greetings to every body and thank you for the swift, knowledgeable suggestions/solutions/advice etc.
If, for instance, the light switch is the offending article. What figures should I see when the switch is connected/disconnected. Would I be looking at the ammeter reading and where would I place the meters' probes? (Printable answers only please).
Take a look at this thread https://www.two-sixties.co.uk/mgoc26...ighlight=drain
where you should find that info.
David
Sorry to be negative about our cars but I fear these mysterious electrical problems will become more common as they age. Car electronics are not designed to last for ever and with the inevitable damp these can cause problems.
I know of several modern cars that have been scrapped due to endless electrical problems and the cost of fixing was going to cost more than there worth, one very nice 7 series BMW even failed its MOT because of such problems now engine management lights, ABS and airbag lights are a failure. I am sure the manufacturers build in this need for T4 and the like on purpose, there is no need for a light switch to store the mileage information.
Steve
I think that relates to any modernish car but I don't think it will be a failure and our cars though have electronics aren't on a par with todays cars. I think our history means there will be an owner who has the auto-electrical savi to find a solution to the problems which arise. Also if we as a collective start seeing issues arise we will find a solution.
I'm currently working on the electrical displays of a 35 year old bike and happily surprised to see no major degradation on the insulation etc so not overly concerned about our cars for a good few years yet. :)
I guess electronics don't necessarily fail just because of age. More modern cars suffer from it too. The biggest problem will be when a "260-bespoke" piece of electronics fails and no replacement is available any more. There are many electronic modules and quite a few already fall into the NLA category, I understand.
David
Engine management is relatively easy as there are aftermarket engine ECU's a plenty. The problem will be as David has said the specialty components. I suppose the Gateway and heater control ECU's are the two most obvious as the rest could be robbed from a standard ZT/Rover 75. I believe the ABS is even unique to our cars. I know there are companies that specialise in the repair of such parts but it would probably be a good idea to remove these parts from any cars that get scrapped and they are kept safe for the future.