Monsterliner
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New car features and battery drain

Discussion in 'General Automotive Talk' started by Andrew B., Jul 27, 2017.

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  1. Andrew B.

    Andrew B. Member

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    You might recall my thread about my battery going dead all the time. This was because the car alarm was drawing power, and I didn't drive it often enough to recharge the battery. I was also trying to shop for new cars, but health problem keep piling up. So I've yet to go out and look.

    But here's what I just realized. Many new cars would not work for me. Any car that draws battery power while it's parked would not work. This would include any car with an alarm, keyless entry, etc.
     
  2. Andrew B.

    Andrew B. Member

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    Oh, I forgot to mention that I solved the battery problem on my current car. The alarm was causing the drain but the LoJack was not. So I kept the LoJack and disconnected the alarm. I can always reconnect it at any time. Which I might do soon if I can work out a convenient way to have one of my caregivers run the car once a week to keep it charged. But as for now, the problem is solved.
     
  3. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

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    I'm not sure how I missed this post. Good to hear that you found out what was causing your problem. As for newer cars and your current car, not sure if I mentioned it before but there is a product that is made that will basically disconnect your battery when your battery gets too low. From what I remember they are not that expensive. It would allow you to use an alarm or anything else in the car. Once the power drops to a low enough level it will cut it all off and leave you with enough power to start the car. Lets say your car will drain itself in a week but you were not able to go down and start it for longer than that. The car should still start and the alarm was on for a week.

    I think that is one of the better solutions to your problem next to a solar charger but I remember you saying that you are parked out of the sun to protect the car. If I can remember what the product is called I will post it.

    James
     
  4. Rivethead

    Rivethead Active Member Founding Member

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    +1. :)
     
  5. Andrew B.

    Andrew B. Member

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    I didn't know that. So I just did a search and found references to low voltage disconnect switch. Then tried to zero in on one for a car battery, but my search fizzled. Lots of manual disconnect switches for cars, but not automatic ones for cars.

    Anyway, I'll look again later.
     
  6. Andrew B.

    Andrew B. Member

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    I must have found the magic search words this time. I found one called Priority Start.
     
  7. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

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    Nice work. I searched and I couldn't find them. I think that would help you a lot.

    James
     
  8. Andrew B.

    Andrew B. Member

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    I'm more or less set now, but it answers my question about buying a car in the future.
     
  9. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

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    It does. I wish I had one back when I first started driving. Had a big stereo in my car and had it going while we were playing basketball. Played it a little longer then I should have. Good thing it was a manual car.

    James
     
  10. Andrew B.

    Andrew B. Member

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    just happened to see if these are available on Amazon. It is, and there are more than 200 reviews.

    5 star 61%
    4 star 14%
    3 star 6%
    2 star 6%
    1 star 13%

    Usually at the bottom of an Amazon page they list similar products. Nothing there. This might be the only device one can buy.
     
  11. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

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    I'm surprised that there are not other products like that on Amazon. It is a good option for anyone worried about battery drain. It would be good for people camping as well. Some might be using 12v coolers. This would eliminate some stress.

    And it is simple to hook up.

    James
     
  12. Andrew B.

    Andrew B. Member

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    From reading the reviews, it's a toss up whether it will work for you. It works great for some, but for others it doesn't shut down the battery soon enough. And still others where it does shut down soon enough, they have a lot of trouble getting it to reconnect. And there are also workaround options one can buy to make it work better.
     
  13. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

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    That is odd. I'm not surprised that someone had an issue, even a pet rock can fail. The different issues found by users is a little discouraging but for someone in need, it would be worth a shot. If they have a battery that is draining, having it happen again after installing it would be a pain but also just part of the process. It would also be easy to switch it back. Some might need that and a jump pack just to be safe.

    James
     
  14. Andrew B.

    Andrew B. Member

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    In one review they person said he had bought a different brand and it works all the time, but he didn't mention the brand. I hate when they do that.

    Anyway, I tried searching on phrases beginning with "battery saver disconnect auto" and some others and I found this:

    http://www.hendonpub.com/law_and_order/articles/2012/10/battery_saving_devices

    And I could probably find more if I tried other variations beginning with "battery saver..."
     
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