Velfire 2009 battery draining overnight

[GregBoxall]

Kia Ora,

 

My partner and I have recently converted a 2009 Velfire into a camper and are currently touring NZ. We're having issues with the battery and have had to jump start the car three times this week. Is there anything that could be causing the battery to drain overnight? Wanted to make sure we're not doing something stupid before fitting a new battery.

 

Many thanks, Greg

[Rojie]

11 hours ago, GregBoxall said:

Kia Ora,

 

My partner and I have recently converted a 2009 Velfire into a camper and are currently touring NZ. We're having issues with the battery and have had to jump start the car three times this week. Is there anything that could be causing the battery to drain overnight? Wanted to make sure we're not doing something stupid before fitting a new battery.

 

Many thanks, Greg

 

Hello Greg,

 

Welcome from afar to the Forum.

 

Check your 'mood' lighting is switched off.

It is very easy to leave it on low, which will not be noticeable unless pitch dark.

 

Get a smart charger and ensure you keep your battery fully charged at all times (especially when your winter months arrive).

Some, mine, will indicate a faulty alternator too.

 

Even a new battery will need toping up if your journeys are all short, so the purchase of a charger is an investment, not an expense.

[GregBoxall]

On 12/23/2024 at 1:33 AM, Rojie said:

 

Hello Greg,

 

Welcome from afar to the Forum.

 

Check your 'mood' lighting is switched off.

It is very easy to leave it on low, which will not be noticeable unless pitch dark.

 

Get a smart charger and ensure you keep your battery fully charged at all times (especially when your winter months arrive).

Some, mine, will indicate a faulty alternator too.

 

Even a new battery will need toping up if your journeys are all short, so the purchase of a charger is an investment, not an expense.

Hi Rojie,

 

Thanks for your thoughts on this, found another post with a way to turn off the lights permanently by disconnecting the door closure sensors. Hopefully this will do the trick. Also going to get the battery tested by the garage we purchased it from, and if it's not holding the charge they'll replace it for us.

 

Thanks again!

[Rojie]

17 hours ago, GregBoxall said:

Hi Rojie,

 

Thanks for your thoughts on this, found another post with a way to turn off the lights permanently by disconnecting the door closure sensors. Hopefully this will do the trick. Also going to get the battery tested by the garage we purchased it from, and if it's not holding the charge they'll replace it for us.

 

Thanks again!

 

Good approach.

 

I have another vehicle on which the starting could be marginal; but the vehicle ran OK otherwise.

 

Eventually, despite knowing the battery was (showing) fully charged I still had charging issues.

 

I went to Kwik Fit for a (free) battery test; result was a low performing cell but only on cold cranking.

 

I fitted  new battery; result ? No issues.