Charging a nearly flat battery with no access to power points

ianp

ianp

New member
I have just done a weekly shop with my F type. The car hasn't been used since last Thursday. When I returned to the car after shopping, I got the warning Battery Low, Start Engine. I live in a block of flats, have off road parking but no power points to charge the battery if it becomes dead. Is it advisable to start the car each day for say 30 minutes too keep the battery charged. Thanks for your advise.
 
Have you thought about using a solar panel to trickle charge the battery. Not as good as a Ctek but could be an alternative solution. Popular in marine and caravan uses.
 
Battery should be fine after 6 days.

Mine is 3yrs old, never seen a battery charger or conditioner in its life. Has been left for 6+ weeks before without issues and fired mine up after 17 days at the weekend to go shopping and no issues at all.

Do you have any mods? Do you have InControl setup on your phone? The car should say it is sleep mode after 5 days I think.
 
The car goes to sleep pretty soon after it's switched off - it becomes deep sleep and uncontactable after 4 days. I've found mine doesn't respond to remote commands after 2 days, which is annoying. Within those 2 days I can set a wakeup time, and can confirm that works as designed. The snag is knowing in advance when I want the car to wake up these days!
 
ianp said:
I have just done a weekly shop with my F type. The car hasn't been used since last Thursday. When I returned to the car after shopping, I got the warning Battery Low, Start Engine. I live in a block of flats, have off road parking but no power points to charge the battery if it becomes dead. Is it advisable to start the car each day for say 30 minutes too keep the battery charged. Thanks for your advise.
Click to expand...

Are you double locking the car? That's the process that puts the car to "sleep" mode after a few days as is my understanding..? Will help a bit once charged, although doesn't immediately resolve your issue.
 
Solar powered sounds like a good idea. Don’t know if screens deflect too much direct light but a quick google show maintenance version as well as simple trickle chargers

Certainly would not run the motor from cold on idle every day. You’re more likely to flatten than charge it and minor potential engine damage
 
With you getting the warning, in honesty, if it was me, I would try and ask a friend with a driveway (keep your distance obviously) and try to electronically condition your battery for a day or so OR try to source a new one ready for when this one gives in. If you don’t (as it IS a gamble with the solar panel version) then you may find yourself calling jag assist to help you out soon.

Hope that helps.

Below not intended for OP:
It’s amazing how many different recommended battery threads I see. Everyone’s bought a luxury (not cheap) car but a lot look for alternative cheap ways in which to charge the car if any at all.
I’m on my second F type and been using them for over 5 years now. My first one had the same dash display OP mentions which is quickly followed by affecting other electronic functions. I bought the Jag conditioner which may well be a ctek but it comes as a one box solution with the neatest/most discreet connection points I’ve seen, along with warranty and clear fitting instructions and if you search (as mentioned on a previous thread) you can get them in some cases cheaper than the ctek which requires bundling with the connector kit etc. Everyone’s different I guess 🙄

My current F Type is left on a jag conditioner when not used. No problems.


You will find these modern batteries are not as good as the older generation batteries and don’t last as long. Cold winters affect also (which we haven’t had this year). If you catch it now with a battery conditioner you may have a chance to revive it. Sooner or later everyone’s battery will need to be replaced. Better using a conditioner (if you can).
 
Elementad said:
Below not intended for OP:
It’s amazing how many different recommended battery threads I see. Everyone’s bought a luxury (not cheap) car but a lot look for alternative cheap ways in which to charge the car if any at all.
Click to expand...

Was just a suggestion to consider solar based on OP not having access to mains power. I agree there is a gold standard to this topic but in this case, I believe an alternative solution could be worthwhile. Doubt it would be viable in the winter or long term but possibly useful while we are currently in lockdown.
 
ianp said:
I have just done a weekly shop with my F type. The car hasn't been used since last Thursday. When I returned to the car after shopping, I got the warning Battery Low, Start Engine. I live in a block of flats, have off road parking but no power points to charge the battery if it becomes dead. Is it advisable to start the car each day for say 30 minutes too keep the battery charged. Thanks for your advise.
Click to expand...

No it is not.

Have a SEARCH on the forums, this has been discussed before.
 
I used to use a cheap solar panel inside the windscreen on my mum's car, which often didn't move for a month. Although very small charging current, it did stop the battery going flat.
 
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