Should I Get a Solar Battery Charger for Car ?

Lsneakydean on 21/08/2017 - 15:41

My car (1999 Ssangyong Musso) Has a battery drain issue where after just 3/4 Days unused there's not enough power for the engine to turn over.
This happens intermediately sometimes after a week it works ……. sometimes after 72 Hrs it wont.

So my question is as opposed to spending a few hundred to get this problem diagnosed (have been quoted between $300-400) should I just get a solar charger and hook it up

was looking at this with the ebay offer
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MEGAVOLT-12v-40W-Mono-Solar-Panel…

???

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2017 - 15:53

    How old is your battery? Can you get the battery checked?

  • Euphemistic on 21/08/2017 - 15:59
    +1

    How old is the battery? getting a battery tested is quite cheap (often free). Once you've had it tested, then work out how to combat the battery drain. A solar panel should work fine.

    Were you thinking of permanently attaching it, or hooking it up every time you park the car?

  • JIMB0 on 21/08/2017 - 16:09
    +1

    Why don't you track down where the power is going?

  • TheBilly on 21/08/2017 - 16:12
    +1

    New battery will be needed if the battery is dying - eventually your solar won't be effective anyway.

  • npc on 21/08/2017 - 16:22
    +1

    Instead of spending $400 for the diagnostics - buy a $10 multimeter and spend the evening with it, youtube and your car in garage:) it's not that complex. You will find the circuit that is draining your battery - aftermarket alarm, radio and cabin fan power resistors are the most common issues.

    But even more likely that your battery simply needs to be replaced. This can be diagnosed with the help of the multimeter too.

    • sneakydean on 21/08/2017 - 17:54

      will look into this option.I have a multimeter …….. somewhere…. probably with some eneloops IO was testing a while back

      • D C on 22/08/2017 - 15:36

        To test a battery you connect the multimeter to the terminal and look at the voltage.

        Should be 12v-13v just sitting there.

        Start the engine (preferably with a cold engine) while watching the meter. The voltage will drop under the load of the starter. 9v-ish is ok, if it drops lower than that your battery is stuffed.

        Once the engine is running it should show 14v or more, that means it's charging (alternator works etc).

  • Youfah Mizzum on 21/08/2017 - 16:33
    +4

    This happens intermediately

    ??
    Either it happens immediately or intermittently. But I like it - think I might start using it too.

    • sneakydean on 21/08/2017 - 17:46

      Was what auto-correct did on my phone for intermittently.

  • sneakydean on 21/08/2017 - 17:48

    Battery was replaced in feb so brand new battery
    2 weeks later the alternator was also replaced

    Both done on advice of roadside assist mechanic

  • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2017 - 18:30

    If you inclined to investigate get a clamp meter that can read DC.
    It will help you identify the problem as you can see the charge current from the alternator, if there is any current when the car is off.

    Alternatively check the voltage with your multimeter. If you can't be bothered get something like this will help you understand what is going on.

    https://www.gearbest.com/car-gadgets/pp_235591.html

  • supnigs super skids on 21/08/2017 - 19:00

    Yes u can buy one and put inn rear window for charging

  • Draxxx on 21/08/2017 - 22:14

    If it was only replaced in Feb, it should be under warranty. Get a new one.
    Also, might be worth while getting an auto electrician to check out your car.
    I've bought these in the past: trickle charger for the car.
    https://www.bunnings.com.au/projecta-12v-1-5w-portable-solar…
    Actually a very good performer for it's size. Dash mounted, just plug it into your 12v cig.

    Had a similar issue with a battery I'd just left stagnate too long. No amount of
    drive recharging or battery conditioning on a 12V charger worked. Just had to
    replace it.

    • Euphemistic on 22/08/2017 - 10:47
      +1

      Genuine question: Assuming the cigarette lighter is only powered while the key in on accessories, how does it charge the battery while the car is locked up? The earth will still be connected, but the positive?

      • Draxxx on 22/08/2017 - 20:12

        Don't know! One way diode maybe?

    • Gracey on 23/08/2017 - 12:53

      The plug would need to be wired into the constant power supply rather than the one thats cut when the ignition goes off.

      There will be a constant power supply in the dash to the stereo somewhere

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