Looking for a sticking-plaster for the eternal battery drain - Page 2
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Thread: Looking for a sticking-plaster for the eternal battery drain

  1. #11
    Registered User Les4048's Avatar
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    Here's a simple battery isolator from a company I deal with through my work

    http://v2.gb.sparex.com/ItemDetails/...ttery+isolator

  2. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Les4048 View Post
    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.

  3. #13
    Administrator Nich's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldie View Post
    ............ If I test the battery for current draw using a multimeter what sort of figures should I find?
    ...........................
    You should get approx 12 volts + with everything off and then starting should not drop below 10 volts and then something in excess of 14 volts with the engine running, i.e. alternator charging the battery.
    Nich.
    Nicholas John Peter Tinker - # 484

    Manufactured on Tuesday 27th April 2004 @ 12.17.47.
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    Manufactured in the UK by MG Rover Group Ltd.


  4. #14
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    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).

  5. #15
    #829 called 'Olive' David's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldie View Post
    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

  6. #16
    Registered User SCP440's Avatar
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    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

  7. #17
    Administrator Tim's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SCP440 View Post
    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.
    Tim Hayton

    Some men see things as they are and say why - I dream things that never were and say why not.

  8. #18
    #829 called 'Olive' David's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SCP440 View Post
    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 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
    Last edited by David; 24-12-2016 at 01:11 PM.

  9. #19
    Registered User SCP440's Avatar
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    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.

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