Hardwired V1, Now Battery Dead

[wf758]

I hardwired my V1 three weeks ago following these instructions (V1 Install in a 2005 Federal Elise). After the install, but before putting the start button panel back on, I tested things. The blinkers had the rapid blink. Once I reinstalled the start panel, no more rapid blink (don't know if that has to do with anything, but wanted to include any potential relevant details). I did not leave the V1 in the car, but the hardwire kit is installed and all the cables are in place. Went to take the car out for a drive last night and battery was completely dead (its been 3 weeks since i've driven the car). I've left it for 3 weeks before without driving and haven't had any battery draining problems.

So, did I short something out that is now draining my battery? Any way to trouble shoot such a short?

Thanks.

[xeeeejme]

What battery do you have?

I have an aftermarket battery (smaller). If I leave it without driving or charging for 3 weeks in warm weather, the battery might not die. 3 weeks in cold weather? Definitely dead. When you left it sitting for 3 weeks before, was it warm or cold?

[SIIK2NR]

Originally Posted by wf758

So, did I short something out
Thanks.

That would be my guess. Check the grounding wire didn't come lose and that the hardwire is seated in the right fuse slot which should be with the ignition so that turns on when you start up and off when you shut down.

[TheViper]

I am not sure about the wire colors referred to in those instruction. There are two positive radio wires, a Purple (always live) and a Red/Green (switched), this is the one you needed. Wiring to the purple will drain the battery.
Michael

[wf758]

Thanks.

I've got the stock battery. I just got the car in June, so this is the first cold period (it is all relative...but cold for Texas), so that very well may be it.

I didn't use her color codes as I have an Exige and a different stereo. However, I checked the stereo manual and am 99.9% sure I've plugged in to the correct wire, which allows everything to shut off when the key comes out.

I guess a trickle charger is in my future!

[wf758]

Originally Posted by SIIK2NR

That would be my guess. Check the grounding wire didn't come lose and that the hardwire is seated in the right fuse slot which should be with the ignition so that turns on when you start up and off when you shut down.

Sorry for dumb question. the Stereo grounding wire? do you know where its termination point is?

[TheViper]

Make sure you get a battery maintainer which will monitor the battery charge as opposed to a maintainer which is "dumb" and can overcharge.

Originally Posted by wf758

I guess a trickle charger is in my future!

[codymac]

Originally Posted by wf758

Thanks.

I've got the stock battery. I just got the car in June, so this is the first cold period (it is all relative...but cold for Texas), so that very well may be it.

I didn't use his color codes as I have an Exige and a different stereo. However, I checked the stereo manual and am 99.9% sure I've plugged in to the correct wire, which allows everything to shut off when the key comes out.

I guess a trickle charger is in my future!

Her color codes.


Then even if you've managed to add a draw or a short somewhere, the circuit shouldn't be powered when you pull the key out.

I suspect the V1 install is merely a coincidence to the battery going flat.

Mine is wired to the fuse block in the passenger footwell.

[wf758]

Originally Posted by TheViper

Make sure you get a battery maintainer which will monitor the battery charge as opposed to a maintainer which is "dumb" and can overcharge.

any specific recommendations? TIA

[TheViper]

I don't have a specific one, but do a search, as a lot ha been posted. Inidentally, if you are in the market for a smart updated battery charger, they come with a "maintainer" mode, I have one and it works well.

[JnC]

Originally Posted by codymac

Then even if you've managed to add a draw or a short somewhere, the circuit shouldn't be powered when you pull the key out.

FWIW, I've noticed if I leave the key in the ignition (in the off position), my Braille battery will be dead in about 3 days. If I remove the key, the battery can last indefinitely. I also have the V1 hardwired to the switched circuit to the radio.

With respect to the original poster, if only the action of moving the start panel caused a rapid blink, it suggests that a wire was pinched.

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by wf758

and battery was completely dead (its been 3 weeks since i've driven the car). I've left it for 3 weeks before without driving and haven't had any battery draining problems.

Three weeks is probably past the limit of a battery in good condition. If it was a bit drained prior to parking the car, or the battery isn't in top notch condition, then I suspect that it is the battery.

As for the possibility that the V1 is wired to the wrong power source (the radio "always live" instead of the switched circuit), it's fairly easy to test (after the battery is re-charged). Turn on the key. The V1 should be turned on. Then turn off and remove the key, and the V1 should turn off. If it remains powered on, then you have it connected to the wrong wire and need to switch it to the other.

As for it being an Exige instead of the Elise, or having a different radio, the wiring harness in the car should be the same, no matter what the radio is. The wring between the radio and the harness connector to the rest of the wiring harness may be different, but the main wiring harness of the car should all be the same (the only difference should be the addition of the speed sensor line that wasn't there for the '05s - but the rest should be the same).

[wf758]

help...Jump Starting Questions

[Bleu Omdurman]

WF,

I have an Exige and Hardwired the V1 in myself. I have no issues and the car can sit for at least 3 weeks and still start right up. Just so you know.

With that said, I tapped into a switched wire and the battery does not drain. If your V1 turns off, then the wire you tapped is not the problem.

My guess is a short somewhere. I'd pull the battery and take it to your FLAPS to have them check it.

[wf758]

Originally Posted by TimMullen

Three weeks is probably past the limit of a battery in good condition. If it was a bit drained prior to parking the car, or the battery isn't in top notch condition, then I suspect that it is the battery.

I'm thinking the battery wasn't in good condition as I had the interior light on while doing the install, which took me a few hours. Then I installed a bracket for V1 (more light usage). Started the car a couple of times to be sure it had juice, but never ran it to really recharge the battery. So i'm hopeful it just got low and then with the cold snap and sitting for a few weeks, that is the problem.

Have been swamped so haven't gotten to it. Unfortunately, b/c I haven't had time to work on it, I'm missing a track weekend this weekend. That REALLY has me steamed!

Thanks for the help.

[wf758]

Originally Posted by TimMullen

As for the possibility that the V1 is wired to the wrong power source (the radio "always live" instead of the switched circuit), it's fairly easy to test (after the battery is re-charged). Turn on the key. The V1 should be turned on. Then turn off and remove the key, and the V1 should turn off. If it remains powered on, then you have it connected to the wrong wire and need to switch it to the other.

Got the battery charged and the car started again. I tried the V1 and it definitely turns off when I turn the car off and remove the key. (So, I think my wiring handy work was ok). Usually, I pull the key out (to shut everything down) and then push it back in and leave it in the garage. I have a feeling I forgot to pull it out last time and that is what led to the power drain. Anyway.........thanks for all the help.

By the way, see Post 41 of my other thread on Jump Starting. If anyone has any ideas as to what would have caused an Engine Malfunction Indicator Light, I'd appreciate your insight.

Will

[TimMullen]

Originally Posted by wf758

Usually, I pull the key out (to shut everything down) and then push it back in and leave it in the garage. I have a feeling I forgot to pull it out last time and that is what led to the power drain.

I don't know if they are all like that, but my early 05 has a "quirk" with the radio. When you turn off the car, the radio stays active (on) until you remove the key. Pull it out, and the radio displays "Good bye" and shuts off. But if you leave the key in, the radio stays on. If you had the volume turned down or muted or something, that could have easily caused the battery drain.

[JnC]

Originally Posted by TimMullen

I don't know if they are all like that... When you turn off the car, the radio stays active (on) until you remove the key.

I think most euro cars are like that. My VW and Porsche are/were the same way.

[TheViper]

Yes, it appears to be normal on our cars, although the first I have experienced. Fuses denote "C3 key in". I am used to turning the key to "auxiliary" to keep the radio on after the engine is turned off.

Originally Posted by TimMullen

I don't know if they are all like that, but my early 05 has a "quirk" with the radio. When you turn off the car, the radio stays active (on) until you remove the key. Pull it out, and the radio displays "Good bye" and shuts off. But if you leave the key in, the radio stays on. If you had the volume turned down or muted or something, that could have easily caused the battery drain.

[wf758]

Originally Posted by TimMullen

I don't know if they are all like that, but my early 05 has a "quirk" with the radio. When you turn off the car, the radio stays active (on) until you remove the key. Pull it out, and the radio displays "Good bye" and shuts off. But if you leave the key in, the radio stays on. If you had the volume turned down or muted or something, that could have easily caused the battery drain.

Yeah, my 911 is similar. I'm used to it when driving. I pull key out and then put back in. I'm thinking b/c I was working on the car, I wasn't in my normal rhythm and accidentally just left it in. Radio wasn't on, so I guess I didn't notice.