Car storage
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 160
Likes: 1
Car storage
Will it hurt my car to leave battery unhooked while it sits for 3 to 4 months,I do not have the maintainer device that people are saying I should use.My concern is will it cause any issues with the on-board computer if I just leave the negative side unhooked.
Thanks Donnie B.
Thanks Donnie B.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
I agree, except I recommend you have it charged before trying to start the car. Low voltage can cause issues. I would NOT charge it in the car with the battery fully connected if it is dead.
Chargers have too much AC ripple in their DC output and a dead battery will NOT filter that out. You can fry your electronics trying to do that. I would also never jump start the car. Remove the battery and charge it.
If I were you, just remove the battery and buy a cheap trickle charger to maintain the battery correctly. I recommend removal so if it somehow overcharges, your car is still safe. The PCM is right below the battery and it does NOT like acid. Even a top line trickle charger is only about $35-$40 dollars. Harbor Freight ones can be had for about $15. Only the cost of a few beers.
PS: Trickle chargers are not designed to charge batteries, just maintain a charge.
Chargers have too much AC ripple in their DC output and a dead battery will NOT filter that out. You can fry your electronics trying to do that. I would also never jump start the car. Remove the battery and charge it.
If I were you, just remove the battery and buy a cheap trickle charger to maintain the battery correctly. I recommend removal so if it somehow overcharges, your car is still safe. The PCM is right below the battery and it does NOT like acid. Even a top line trickle charger is only about $35-$40 dollars. Harbor Freight ones can be had for about $15. Only the cost of a few beers.
PS: Trickle chargers are not designed to charge batteries, just maintain a charge.
