Electric Doors depleting battery when engine off? anyone?

[brennyb]

Has anyone had any issues with their car battery running low after several uses of the motorised doors when the engine is off?

 

I am trying to eliminate any potential problems of power draw when inactive....?

[Rojie]

53 minutes ago, brennyb said:

Has anyone had any issues with their car battery running low after several uses of the motorised doors when the engine is off?

 

I am trying to eliminate any potential problems of power draw when inactive....?

 

Hello Brendan,

 

If your (starter) battery if not kept in fully charged condition, at all times, you are likely to see issues.

 

Vehicles will draw current whilst idle, as not all circuits are isolated by the ignition.

 

You could disconnect the negative terminal, and / or, fit a high current switch in the negative lead.

 

In my opinion, neither is necessary if you keep your battery fully charged.

 

If your battery is being discharged by several door operations you should get your battery tested under load.

[brennyb]

Many thanks for the quick reply Rojie I will test it under load and investigate.

[Chris.ac]

I bought a battery monitor (search for bm2 or bm6, online) 

 

It record the cranking voltage/current at each start, and the charging rate and state of charge. 

 

It will notify you if abnormal discharging occurs. 

 

Connects via bluetooth, or you can buy a version that has a solar powered display to sit on the dash/windscreen

 

Useful to keep tabs on the condition of the battery.