Flat battery and odd "v12 box in boot"

Hi All - well I was going to take my 97 spider for my first drive (arrived in December) but the battery appears to be flat. I couldn't find the battery where the manual said it would be so cannot use the accumate I ordered. I have spotted something in the boot along front side of the compartment - a box with wires coming out of it labelled V12 - any idea what this is? It seems to have a red and black wire towards the top right hand side (as well as others) - I don't think this is standard from looking at images on google. Shall I call the RAC to come and charge it for me or is there a simple solution? I have read about the cover in the engine bay which can be removed to charge it but I am thinking this strange box in the boot is some sort of solution to battery draining (which clearly didn't work!) - any ideas or clues as to what this thing is gratefully received! All the best

 

Post a picture.

Is it an aftermarket audio amp?

You need to remove the right front wheel to get to the battery compartment which is in front if the wheel housing.

 

Lots of threads about 355 battery access

Your car should have been on the a trickle charger straight away - without it it will drain in 2-3 weeks depending how old the battery is

The engine bay points (see manual L4) can be used for emergency starts (eg get in RAC and then go for a drive)

 

Thanks both - will post a picture tomorrow.After market audio amp could well make sense as I see it had a new alpine stereo fitted Dec 2011 as part of a £11500 spend. The car has a comprehensive history - Germany to UAE to Wales! In fact its 1998 I see. Just had cambelts, clutch and new roof too so it appears everything sorted other than the silly battery issue. Who on earth places the battery there?! Will look forward to drive after home start tomorrow. All the best

 

Having searched google drbob is right - its an alpine amp! Silly me.

 

As an aside, check to see that the negative lead from the amp does not go to the negative pole of the battery but rather to the output side of the battery cut off switch.

I speak from experience on this. If they wired it direct to the battery , your battery cut off switch will be ineffective.