Urgent help needed with battery disconnection

CBlack1105 · #1 03-12-2006, 02:07 PM

This is actually a 330 question (but I also have an X5, so I thought you guys might give me a break!).

I need to disconnect the battery because I am about to leave the 330 for a few weeks but as soon as I disconnect the negative terminal (as instructed by the manual), the alarm starts to beep (it doesn't actually go off, just beeps) for about 20 seconds, then waits for a bit, then beeps for another 20 seconds, etc.

Is there any way I can disconnect without the alarm beeping - I presume this is the alarm giving me a warning (thanks, I don't need one, I know I disconnected the battery).

Also, do I need to disconnect the +ve terminal as well as -ve?

Thanks

Sponsored Links

Mackskibum · #2 03-12-2006, 03:12 PM

Why disconnect it for a few weeks? A battery in good condition should be able to be left for longer than taht and still start the car. If you feel you must, I would disconnect both terminals and wire tie the cables in a position that they can not come in contact with the battery terminals. I'm guessing that the beeping is part of the alarm system to prevent thievery with the battery removed.

CBlack1105 · #3 03-12-2006, 03:19 PM

Well, right now I don't know if it will be 3 weeks or 2-3 months. Last time I had to leave it for about 6 weeks and the battery died completely. So I am taking precautions.

Why do you need to disconnect both negative and positive?

Mindfull · #4 03-12-2006, 03:21 PM

clearly this would also mean that the alarm has some reserve power as well. If you access the battery itself (as opposed to the disconnect terminal) you'll likely see a connection at the stem for the alarm system). I left my 740iL for a week and it was already out of power due to heavy rain & wind setting the alarm off.

PS- A suggestion: If the car will be parked outdoors, you may want to try a lighter-adapter solar charger. They are getting more popular as long-term storage solutions, since it's like a part-day trickle-charge. Think I bought mine for $15 from Costco and it works well. Just a thought!

Mackskibum · #5 03-12-2006, 03:39 PM

You may not need to, but I'm a little anal- if it was me, I would do both.

CBlack1105 · #6 03-12-2006, 03:40 PM

I bought a solar charger - similar price. It's difficult to know whether this helped or not. I left the car for abour 4-5 weeks and it was ok. Then I left it for 6 weeks and, even with the solar charger, the battery went flat. That's why I am trying the battery disconnection alternative.

In any event, I tried something else to get around the alarm beeping.

I opened the car with the key buttons - so that, I guess, the alarm was disabled. Then I locked all doors except for the driver's by pressing down the buttons on the inside of the doors. Next I disconnected the battery - negative terminal only. Then I locked the trunk with the key and finally I locked the driver's door using the key. The alarm didn't beep.

So my only remaining concern is whether, by leaving the +ve terminal still connected, I may still experience

UCrewX5 · #7 03-12-2006, 04:20 PM

I would suggest disconnecting both + and - terminals, just to be safe.

motordavid · #8 03-12-2006, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

I would suggest disconnecting both + and - terminals, just to be safe.

And, I'd make certain nothing is touching the batt other than the platform it rests on.

A good, slow, long low amp trickle charge when your return, should bring a decent batt back to near full life, Lazarus-like, imo.
GL,md

CBlack1105 · #9 03-12-2006, 04:48 PM

Thanks for all the comments guys.

motordavid · #10 03-12-2006, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBlack1105

...
In any event, I tried something else to get around the alarm beeping.

I opened the car with the key buttons - so that, I guess, the alarm was disabled. Then I locked all doors except for the driver's by pressing down the buttons on the inside of the doors. Next I disconnected the battery - negative terminal only. Then I locked the trunk with the key and finally I locked the driver's door using the key. The alarm didn't beep.

So my only remaining concern is whether, by leaving the +ve terminal still connected, I may still experience

May be the ticket...no Xpert here, but I've read many articles that all speak to the small, but continual drain that the "systems" exert in most modern cars, eg "off" is not totally off. Thus, I suspect the complex gizmos are eroding some juice above and beyond normal battery discharge.

GL on your test effort and your trip.
BR,md

Sponsored Links