Spyder battery finally died!

From various reports here on FChat, it seems like 2.5 weeks idle, without the battery tender, is about the life limit for the battery in the 360. I don't leave my car sitting that long so it's still good.

What about just starting the car every 2-3 days? I think that might help.

 

Just starting it won't charge the battery. Actually, that will draw down power. Best bet is to start her and drive it.

 

Oh, yeah. Forgot about that. I guess the best solution would be to use a battery tender then.

 

Andrew reviewed the F-chat archives and said that it may be a combination of the current draw of the 360 while sitting idle (parked, turned off) and the so-so quality of the Fiamm factory battery. So, either use the battery tender, or get a Optima battery. Or do both. Or as Willis does, drive regularly.

 

Doesn't anyone just turn off the master battery switch as per the manual? I assume you'd lose the radio presets, but so what. The manual just says to let the ECUs calibrate for 10 seconds after turning everything back on. It seems simple and a great solution for another month or so of shutdown (if needed)?? - Tim

 

Searching the Fchat archives I noticed that several people have recommended Optima Red Top batteries over the OEM Fiamm. However, Optima has confirmed that they don't make a battery that will correctly fit the 360 as the car's specs require a shorter battery. FWIW, FoS recommends using Interstate batteries for two reasons... proper fit and longevity over the OEM and Optima batteries.

 

Doubtful, other than the hassle of waiting 10 plus minutes and resetting the clock and radio presets. Can't you run an extension cord for the battery tender?

 

You need to punch in the code from the radio manual package. That's about it. I didn't bother doing that after I turned the power off up at Whistler. Don't use the radio anyway.

 

definitely remember to have your radio security code handy before disconnecting power.

 

*seconds*

The only other thing was that the intake temp had to be above 41 degrees or thereabouts. Not normally a concern, but given the recent weather! ;-}

 

Wow, 10 seconds is way better than the earlier cars...which require 10 minutes or so.

 

When we go to Ca we leave the mini cooper S hooked up to a trickle charger.(for 2 mo).The 575 came (for $850-duh) with a battery charger and attachment in the engine compartment and I have it attached all winter here in the NW.The 360 batteries are notoriously weak.
Kuzt-That battery compartment in the passenger footwell in your 360 opens up in a few sec's (2 screws).You should buy a trickle charger ($35-$60) and leave it attached especially during this cold spell.
Just running the engine will do zilch.

 

Kuzi's spyder does have a trickle charger. Probably not a bad idea to run an extension cord and to the charger to maintain battery life. Otherwise we may be using the Rover to do a lot of jumping.

 

Let us know if you get the Optima to fit in the 360. According to Optima their batteries are too tall to properly fit. Will be interesting to find out.

 

Sure, just go get yourself an Audi RS6 or S4 or you can always wait for the RS4 to come out.

 

RS4's have already landed. I have a friend that got one last year.

 

That must be a B5 RS4 you are referring to since the new B6 RS4 does not exist just yet. The B5 RS4 were never Federalized for US market, heck of a car tho. I believe an Audi tuner here in Seattle had somehow imported a couple of them into the States a little while back.

 

You're right, it was a B5 RS4. My friend, Josh, who owns Actuning! in Redmond imported a couple last year. Not sabby for a grocery getter.

 

My battery died about two weeks ago. Ron Tonkin recommends a Interstate battery as well--noting that it is cheaper, vented, and fits easily. They only keep the stock FIAMM on hand for warranty claims. FWIW I took the FIAMM into GI Joes and physically compared it to all of the Optimas--nothing is the same size, and further the shape of the case (due to plastic molding around the terminals) would seem to make it a difficult fit (and more difficult to secure) in the stock battery holdown. I'm sure there are creative solutions to make it work, but I'm going for the Interstate. (Optimas are sealed, so the vent tube issue isn't a problem). Of course, RTGT hasn't seen the Interstate delivery truck all week, thanks to the weather. Bummer.