Ferrari California without a battery tender? | FerrariChat
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Ferrari California without a battery tender?

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by 1002C, Aug 26, 2023.

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  1. 1002C

    1002C Rookie

    Aug 25, 2023
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    Alex
    #1 1002C, Aug 26, 2023
    I'm considering a California, but will not be able to leave it on a battery tender generally.

    Based on the video below, I was thinking I'd basically NEED to purchase an antigravity lithium battery:



    However, based on further research, perhaps the creator of that video is basically "Bluesteel" from: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/ferrari-california-battery-life.562438/ (i.e. this experience was a result of a wrong battery being installed).

    For how long can a california sit, assuming there isn't a parasitic battery drain problem (i.e. the car is in good shape)?

    Thanks all!
     
  2. FrancisK

    FrancisK Formula 3
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    Oct 22, 2021
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    Midwest
    #2 FrancisK, Aug 26, 2023

    Can you start it up and let it run a couple times a week?
     
  3. 1002C

    1002C Rookie

    Aug 25, 2023
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    Alex
    #3 1002C, Aug 26, 2023
    Oh I intend to daily drive, so I don't think there's a problem while I'm not on holiday... (say, two weeks to a month)...
     
  4. Snewton94024

    Snewton94024 Formula Junior

    Apr 24, 2015
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    Steve Newton
    #4 Snewton94024, Aug 26, 2023
    There is always a parasitic drain. So, not sure what you mean by no problem with that? I think two weeks would be a problem. Can you have a friend come over and start it for you every three or four days?
     
    alex likes this.
  5. 1002C

    1002C Rookie

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    Alex
    #5 1002C, Aug 26, 2023
    Ah, I just meant no parasitic drain in the sense of a car where nothing is wrong with it.

    So I surmise from your answer that having a cali last for two weeks or longer without being started is an issue, so I basically NEED an antigravity battery (or to arrange for a battery tender)?
     
  6. Snewton94024

    Snewton94024 Formula Junior

    Apr 24, 2015
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    Steve Newton
    #6 Snewton94024, Aug 26, 2023
    Yes, I think it is an issue. A battery tender would solve it.
     
    1002C likes this.
  7. Redneck Slim

    Redneck Slim Formula 3
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    Walt Kimball
    #7 Redneck Slim, Aug 27, 2023
    I have a 2019 Portofino. When coming off the tender or after driving,the dash shows 12.0 volts. I doubt that the car would start if I let it sit for two weeks without a tender.

    I recently got a Braille lithium battery. Now the dash shows 13.0 volts. As an experiment,I let the car sit for two weeks without the lithium-specific tender. Voltage slowly went from 13.0 to 12.6.

    The stock battery isn't supposed to be used to operate the top; it is too hard on the battery. A tech at Braille assured me that the Braille can handle it easily.

    Based on my reading and experience,Braille and Antigravity make excellent lithium batteries.
     
    tomc likes this.
  8. usmc_0311

    usmc_0311 Karting

    Aug 20, 2022
    63
    Coral Gables FL
    #8 usmc_0311, Aug 27, 2023
    Even with an antigravity battery the California needs a tender. I speak from experience.
     
  9. SVCalifornia

    SVCalifornia F1 Rookie
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    #9 SVCalifornia, Aug 27, 2023
    Please describe your experience.

    SV
     
  10. 1002C

    1002C Rookie

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    #10 1002C, Aug 27, 2023
    Very interested in hearing about this!
     
  11. usmc_0311

    usmc_0311 Karting

    Aug 20, 2022
    63
    Coral Gables FL
    #11 usmc_0311, Aug 27, 2023
    On our 2014 California with 10k miles (obsessively maintained at F Car dealer ) and 1 year-old antigravity battery installed by the local F Car dealer, if the car is off the tender for more than overnight, it tends to throw error codes at start-up. it's favorite code to throw is right front low tire pressure (but it's not low and displays the same # as the left front tire), second is low washer fluid (but the tank is full), and third is when closing the top - the final sequence, the boot will not latch shut (and throws an error). However, when kept on the tender, these 3 things never happen. This has been very consistent behavior for the last year with the antigravity battery, and of course, no error codes the dealer can find.
     
  12. tomc

    tomc Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #12 tomc, Aug 27, 2023
    Yikes.

    @1002C - how old is your battery? If you're going to daily the Cali, then that might be the best case scenario is the battery was new.

    Personally, I wouldn't be brave enough to try it. F cars are notoriously sensitive to low voltage and battery issues.

    Maybe as a backup, look into a battery jump kit. I'm not sure if they make them specifically for Li batteries, but may be worth looking into.

    T
     
  13. 1002C

    1002C Rookie

    Aug 25, 2023
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    #13 1002C, Aug 28, 2023
    Eep. I will definitely get a new battery, but the battery won't always be new.

    I guess I need to find a solution.

    On the original California, can the trunk be closed and locked with the battery tender attached?
     
  14. usmc_0311

    usmc_0311 Karting

    Aug 20, 2022
    63
    Coral Gables FL
    #14 usmc_0311, Aug 28, 2023
    Yes, you can close the truck with the tender attached. There is a notch between the carpet and trim where the tender cable rests nicely. Also I would get a NOCO Boost GB70 (my local F Car Dealers use this) to keep in the boot up by the back seat rest. I got one (with the storage case) and Velcro'd it to the carpet. Keeps it in place and will easily jump the car if there is a battery issue while out and about.
     
    1002C and tomc like this.

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