Disconnecting the battery on a new car - will it cause problems? | Ask Honest John

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Disconnecting the battery on a new car - will it cause problems?

My previous car, a 1996 Fiat Punto, had the battery disconnected and left outside many times for periods up to 12 weeks and no problems starting up on my return.

I am planning to go to Spain for 12 weeks and want to do the same with my new Ford Fiesta. Can I just disconnect the battery or will this complicated things with the electrics? I am unable to trickle charge and can not get anybody to drive the car whilst I'm away.

Asked on 14 October 2014 by Alan Bell

Answered by Honest John

No, you can't disconnect the battery of your Fiesta without losing various codes, particularly the radio code. If you drive the car 20 miles before you leave it, and make sure you switch everything off at the unit (radio, heater fan, interior light, etc), then you will minimise the chances of coming back to a flat battery. Works for me.

Tags: batteries technical issues storing cars

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