Battery Stamina - How long without use?

Randyjim · 15th April 2019, 08:40

My ZT190 was left stood for about 3 weeks recently and when I came back to it the battery was flat. Does this seem normal for residual drain from security systems, or does it indicate the battery is on its way out?

It started fine with a jump from mum's Golf, and had enough juice in it again for a restart after a fuel stop about 30 miles later. Its normally used as my daily and I've never had battery issues before so I don't think it's an immediate issue, but perhaps one to plan for.

HarryM1BYT · 15th April 2019, 09:38

It could be either residual drain, or a battery on its way out - the only way to be sure is the check the battery drain.

I had a problem with discharge and explained how I tracked my problem down in the forum - https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=167111

Certainly, a good battery, fully charged, with a normal level of discharge, should be able to be left parked for at least 6 weeks.

maxi_crawf · 15th April 2019, 13:56

Mine clicked but refused to start after 5 weeks of standing, a 190 also.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

steve-45 · 15th April 2019, 16:35

My diesel struggled to turn the engine over after 4 weeks of non-use.

marinabrian · 15th April 2019, 16:41

My 1800 didn't struggle after three months

Brian

P-Nut · 15th April 2019, 16:55

I've left mine for 3 weeks no problem

marinabrian · 15th April 2019, 18:41

Assuming a good battery which is fully charged......

96Ah battery, that will still start the car at a 50% charge level, and the car electronics that correctly go to sleep leaving a quiescent current of 45mA.

This level of discharge will allow for about 1080 hours, or 45 days......six weeks give or take

Brian

SD1too · 16th April 2019, 09:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randyjim

My ZT190 was left stood for about 3 weeks recently and when I came back to it the battery was flat.

It needs charging Jim. Car batteries like to be fully charged at all times and few are. Buy a smart maintenance charger (I recommend the C-tek range) to ensure that it is and do so immediately. If you leave it in a semi discharged state the chances of terminal failure increase as time passes.

Quote:

Its normally used as my daily ...

Think about how it's used daily:

Do you travel short distances frequently, i.e. lots of starter motor use?
Do you start the engine just to move it on and off a drive?
Below 10 degrees ambient temperature, do you cancel the automatic heated rear window timer as soon as it activates if not needed?

The above will contribute to any battery's level of charge steadily decreasing until one day .....

To answer your original question clearly, a fully charged battery will last three weeks.

Simon

Rp61973 · 16th April 2019, 10:16

After 3 days standing last week due to illness (off work). The battery could only make the starter motor click and the indicators flash a dark amber. The car had been cranking slowly for some time, so the battery (at least 5 years old) was on borrowed time.

A nice new Varta ordered from Tayna last week and she now starts nice and swiftly.

15th April 2019, 08:40	#1
Randyjim Regular poster MG ZT 190 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Gloucester Posts: 83 Thanks: 30 Thanked 25 Times in 21 Posts	Battery Stamina - How long without use? My ZT190 was left stood for about 3 weeks recently and when I came back to it the battery was flat. Does this seem normal for residual drain from security systems, or does it indicate the battery is on its way out? It started fine with a jump from mum's Golf, and had enough juice in it again for a restart after a fuel stop about 30 miles later. Its normally used as my daily and I've never had battery issues before so I don't think it's an immediate issue, but perhaps one to plan for.

15th April 2019, 09:38	#2
HarryM1BYT This is my second home 75 Contemporary SE Mk II 2004 Man. Sal. CDTi 135ps, FBH on red diesel, WinCE6 DD Join Date: May 2010 Location: Leeds Posts: 17,273 Thanks: 2,160 Thanked 2,061 Times in 1,586 Posts	It could be either residual drain, or a battery on its way out - the only way to be sure is the check the battery drain. I had a problem with discharge and explained how I tracked my problem down in the forum - https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=167111 Certainly, a good battery, fully charged, with a normal level of discharge, should be able to be left parked for at least 6 weeks. __________________ Harry How To's and items I offer for free, or just to cover the cost of my expenses... http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...40#post1764540 Fix a poor handbrake; DIY ABS diagnostic unit; Loan of the spanner needed to change the CDT belts; free OBD diagnostics +MAF; Correct Bosch MAF cheap; DVB-T install in an ex-hi-line system; DD install with a HK amp; FBH servicing. I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money. Last edited by HarryM1BYT; 15th April 2019 at 09:41..

15th April 2019, 16:55	#6
P-Nut Gets stuck in MG ZT 190+ Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Shields Posts: 561 Thanks: 143 Thanked 170 Times in 103 Posts	I've left mine for 3 weeks no problem __________________ Approved food eater

16th April 2019, 10:16	#9
Rp61973 Loves to post Rover 75 CDTI Classic Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Galleywood Posts: 374 Thanks: 80 Thanked 67 Times in 45 Posts	After 3 days standing last week due to illness (off work). The battery could only make the starter motor click and the indicators flash a dark amber. The car had been cranking slowly for some time, so the battery (at least 5 years old) was on borrowed time. A nice new Varta ordered from Tayna last week and she now starts nice and swiftly. __________________ 2006 Rover 75 CDTI in Starlight Silver 1973 Rover P6 3500 in Monza Red

15th April 2019, 13:56	#3
maxi_crawf Posted a thing or two R75 Saloon Conn CDT SE, MG ZT190+ Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kingston-upon-Hull Posts: 1,960 Thanks: 823 Thanked 426 Times in 274 Posts	Mine clicked but refused to start after 5 weeks of standing, a 190 also. Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

15th April 2019, 16:35	#4
steve-45 This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon CDTi Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Belvedere Posts: 4,076 Thanks: 108 Thanked 1,089 Times in 774 Posts	My diesel struggled to turn the engine over after 4 weeks of non-use.

15th April 2019, 16:41	#5
marinabrian MG ZT Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 20,151 Thanks: 3,565 Thanked 10,837 Times in 5,718 Posts	My 1800 didn't struggle after three months Brian

15th April 2019, 18:41	#7
marinabrian MG ZT Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne Posts: 20,151 Thanks: 3,565 Thanked 10,837 Times in 5,718 Posts	Assuming a good battery which is fully charged...... 96Ah battery, that will still start the car at a 50% charge level, and the car electronics that correctly go to sleep leaving a quiescent current of 45mA. This level of discharge will allow for about 1080 hours, or 45 days......six weeks give or take Brian