488 Trying to understand the portable power pack for 488 batteries

The issue is that when it fails it fails very fast. I used a bluetooth battery monitor to keep an eye on things. The minute I got a low cranking voltage alert to my phone I knew failure was not far away. I use this one from Matson... https://www.ebay.com/itm/293699725583?epid=25037756608&hash=item4461de290f:g:Q8AAAOSw4a9gRxLg

saved me.

Is an option instead of carrying around a portable power pack.

 

The main reading that indicates you have a problem is the cranking voltage test. Each time you start the car the monitor looks at the voltage while cranking. I got an alert to my phone when the cranking voltage was 9.2V. Here is a screen shot from the monitor app. Cranking alert was on 2nd April. Battery failed on the 21st. Looking back through the monitor history though, there is a warning as far back as Feb.


Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I’d suggest you replace battery at second or third abnormal crank. I remember getting an abnormal crank message once when I only half depressed the starter button and car ticked over but didn’t start.

as for your question on green days between red, there are other factors at play. Starting a warm car for example is easier than starting a cold one.

 

Image Unavailable, Please Login I was concerned about having battery failure on my 488 so I bought a portable power pack (jump box). I also was sure that if it happened I would be somewhere, dressed up, at night (probably on the rain) and I did not want the work of uncovering the battery (try it, it is not that easy) and connecting the alligator clips. So I took the leads from my new jump box (center of picture) and cut off the clips (left side of picture). I purchased 3 plugs intended for high amperage starter loads and some 8AWG copper cable. I made an extension pig tail (right side of picture) which I installed on to the distribution device mounted on top of the battery and had the plug come out under the dash. Now to use the jump box I only need to take it out of the glove box and lean over and plug it in. I also put a connector onto the old clips (stowed under the hood) so I could do a good samaritan start on another car if that was ever needed. I recharge the jump box every 3-6 months to keep it fresh.

Does it work? I am confident it will but I have yet to have the battery fail and it has now been 3 years. Sort of like carrying an umbrella to insure it is unlikely to rain.

 

Nice project!

 

Well I feel your concern. My 2022 F8 that I have had less than 4 moths did not start today. It has been on the factory trickle charger every second that it is not driven. Now I have to figure out when to jump it and get it back to the dealer that is 90 minutes away.

 

Wow, that’s really disappointing. Please return to this thread when it’s been diagnosed…

 

Photo of the matson monitor installed on a 488


Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Best thing is just replace your battery with an Antigravity and you won’t have to worry.