[RubiFan]

Prior to starting this thread I did check to see if that question had been asked and found similar threads but not quite the same. So I apologize for yet another battery question.

Regarding a 355 F1...
I have heard about the battery going dead and perhaps losing engine control settings. My question is:

1) I live in a condo complex and the car would be parked inside a common parking lot but with no power outlets so a trickler would not help. Can I simply turn the car on every now and then for about 10 minutes? If so how often would I need to do this?

2) If I did loss battery how critical are the engine control settings and how would I fix that situation?

Thanks.

[tazandjan]

Rubi- Some hints on batteries. Never jump a late model Ferrari. If the battery is flat, use the disconnect switch, remove the battery to charge it and replace it if you cannot get an extension cord down there to put a real charger on it. If you can get an extension cord and charger to her, you might consider an absorbed glass matt (AGM) battery that can be deep discharged hundreds of times without degradation.

Losing the ECU memory for the Motronic ECUs is not a big deal. We have run cycle procedures we can pass to you when it comes to that. Sometimes they even run better after what is a defacto ECU reset when you disconnect the battery.

It would be best if you drove the car for 20 minutes rather than start and let idle for 10. Idling tends to build up moisture which does not evaporate unless the engine oil temperature gets up to 158 degrees or higher. Driving the car also warms up and exercises the other parts of the car.

Best if the car is driven weekly with no trickle charger. Mine will go two weeks, but I try not to press it. With an AGM battery, you can let her run down and recharge with no ill effects. That will kill a lead acid battery quickly.

[RubiFan]

Hi Tazandjan,

Someone mentioned that if sitting longer I could just use the battery cutoff switch - is that true? But also would that also diasble the alarm?

[tazandjan]

Rubi- On most of the cars, there is a hot wire to the siren, which has its own rechargeable battery, around the disconnect switch. So no, you will not lose alarm protection. Someone would have to tow it off, though, to steal it. Be advised if you shut off the switch, then close the lid and doors, you might not be able to get back in and might have difficulty opening the doors. Leaving the lid propped open under a cover would work.

[RubiFan]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Rubi- On most of the cars, there is a hot wire to the siren, which has its own rechargeable battery, around the disconnect switch. So no, you will not lose alarm protection. Someone would have to tow it off, though, to steal it. Be advised if you shut off the switch, then close the lid and doors, you might not be able to get back in and might have difficulty opening the doors. Leaving the lid propped open under a cover would work.

Great info. especially since it will be in a public garage, leaving the lid open under the cover would work. Thanks Tanzandjan.