Replace or Recharge Battery

[jmatta]

Don't disconnect the battery. Every time the car sits without power, the DME resets to default and you will need to drive the car for approximately a week before all DME systems are "ready". I'd park it and bring along a new battery when you are ready to remove the car from storage. Your current battery is toast.
But do remember, the car will need to be cycled to get all systems ready again (a real problem if you need emissions testing).

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by jmatta

Don't disconnect the battery. Every time the car sits without power, the DME resets to default and you will need to drive the car for approximately a week before all DME systems are "ready". I'd park it and bring along a new battery when you are ready to remove the car from storage. Your current battery is toast.
But do remember, the car will need to be cycled to get all systems ready again (a real problem if you need emissions testing).

There's no harm at all in letting the DME reset.

[KevinH1990]

We don't have emissions testing in our area, so that isn't an issue.

The contractor has completed the foundation work, so I'm hoping that the worst of the construction mess is behind me. At least I can get up and down the driveway without encountering huge ruts. I still can't leave a car on the property while they are working, but I may be able to work out an arrangement where I can drive the car two or three days a week.

Removing and reinstalling the battery when I won't be able to drive the car for an extended period looks like the only option I have. The only problem is that the battery is in an awkward location for lifting. The best technique I have been able to develop is to put one foot in the front trunk and then lift it straight up. Leaning in from one side or the other looks like a recipe for a back injury.

[ddb]

Kevin,

I'm probably jinxing myself by saying this, but oh well.

My battery is older than 4 years and it isn't unusual for my car to sit for 2-3 weeks at a time without being touched. Thus far I haven't had any issues with the battery and I've never used a trickle charger.

If you get a new, fully charged battery it should be fine sitting unattended for a week or two based on my experience. Of course there is a chance that you have an alternator issue or something draining the battery that is causing your problem.

Best of luck and enjoy the new garage.

Derek

On the subject of battery disconnection does doing so change the ignition key in any way? Just the radio codes to contend with and the lapse in DME acquisition of driving data, is that correct?

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by EE3racing

On the subject of battery disconnection does doing so change the ignition key in any way? Just the radio codes to contend with and the lapse in DME acquisition of driving data, is that correct?

Yes, disconnecting the battery does not harm the car. Mine is disconnected 5-6 mos. every year for the past 10 yrs. with no ill effects. I remove it from the car and sit it on my bench on a tender (garage is semi-heated but above freezing and stays 35-40 degrees all winter). Spring startup takes the DME 1 drive cycle to re-adapt.