Radio

[Oldun]

Hi folks,

 Well after another high mileage year (1300 ) I have a couple of queries that I hope someone can answer.

The radio started to play up last summer ,it refused to switch on ,if I kept at it it eventually did power up but with a station of its choice not mine and refused to change. Eventually it would not power up at all,I left it switched on and after about a month or so it frightened me to death by blaring our radio 1!!  Now before I replace the whole thing,is there a fix?

Second problem, the car went in for MOT and Oil a filter change a few weeks ago ,now the car does sit unused for more than it should and lately having stood for a week or so ,when I start up I am greeted with a loud cheeping that only lasts a couple of seconds then stops,no warnings on the dash that I have seen.Any ideas ?

Cheers Mike

[Leo]

My first thought would be battery condition. Do you keep the car on a CTEK or other decent battery conditioner when it is not being used?

Even a new battery will quickly discharge if the car is left for long periods without a good long run. A 20 mile return trip on a weekly basis will not maintain battery condition.

[Oldun]

I cannot keep the charger on all the time but stick it on for a few hours whenever I get the chance.

[Leo]

Fair enough, but how long is “a few hours”, and how often do you get the chance?

I would say that a continuous 12 hour charge once a week should be what you aim for: 3 or 4 hours once a week really wouldn’t be enough to maintain battery condition.

[Oldun]

A few hours means until the battery is fully charged,if I hav'nt used the car for a week then I will run it until fully warm , I try to charge at least once every three weeks. However I think you are on the right lines and a lot more use is called for. 

Thanks Mike

[Leo]

Cheers Mike,

My XK only does around 3000 to 4000 miles a year, mostly from two 40 mile return runs a week. Admittedly more than you, but still very few miles indeed!

I put it on a CTEK charger most weeks, leaving it charging until I next use it. That is usually two or three days later in the summer, but can be a couple of months in the winter, because I don’t take it out on salty roads.

It is easy for me, since the car is garaged, but I have to say that this procedure has worked perfectly for nearly four years now: It gives great peace of mind knowing that the battery is in peak condition every time I start the car.

[Oldun]

My car is also garaged but charging involves two cable reels across a friends allotment and 40' of rear garden,so not really practical to leave connected all winter !! But we do try.

[O.T.H]

 Hi Mike I have a friend in the same position as you with his garage well away from his power point and he found that a---- Solar Powered Trickle Battery Charger was the answer you can get one for as little as £20 from -Amason-.

Frank