I left my 2012 with a full charge and went to Germany for 2 months, I disconnected the 12 V also. When I returned everything was up and ready to go. To deplete any charge and then leave it for months is not logical, science or not! Sounds more like Black Magic. Have fun in FL Bisco. You got that right! ( referring to 2nd. para. )
Agreed. The manual specifically says to not leave a full charge in the battery for long periods. There's no point in them saying to not have it at 100% SOC since it's not possible to get it to 100%. Full charge simply means all the system will put into the battery. And I have personally verified that the traction battery charger only trickle charges the 12V while it is charging the traction battery. If it's done or it's waiting on the timer for permission to start, there is no trickle charge happening.
thanks andy, we hope too! why do you say a li-on battery left at the percentage after the wall charge is used up is not logical?
Why not plug the car in the 120v and put the cord on a timer? Set the timer to go on for 5 minutes every day. Start with the traction battery at about 0.0 miles. The PIP takes about 150 minutes or so to fully charge...so after 30 days it will just be about at full charge, except for some losses. Mike
interesting idea. would this be to keep the 12v topped up? a battery tender might be easier. but I'm in full on experiment mode now. i want to see how much it drains after 68 days in the cold. going to be single digits next week.
Dual purpose. 12v stays charged. Car is fully charged when you return. Doesn't stay at full charge the whole time. Li-ion batteries are supposed to self discharge a few percentage per month. But the car is also consuming some to check for key FOB. Mike
i'm fully prepared to replace the 12v when i get home if necessary, it's 7 years old anyway. but i'm feeling lucky
Pretty much. Did you notice my second foray at checking your pop-the-hood-the-night-before rule, for checking voltage. This time I did leave the hood ajar, then night before, so no need to open any doors. Battery voltage before any door opening: 12.99 And after opening driver's door (triggering the brake pressurizing or whatever): 12.62 Have to grudgingly admit: quite a difference.
It's an optima yellow top installed sept 2015. I've gradually come full circle from periodic driving to keep it charged, to just keeping it on CTEK life support. How long will a battery last if it's constantly one of two things: being used or on a smart charger? Guess that's my science experiement lol. Basically if the car's been driven I'll let it sit overnight, but the next morning on goes the CTEK, and stays thus till the next drive. Quick connect makes it easy, just need to pop the hood and the connector is there.