Recently for various reasons I havent been able to use the S as often as I would like - and learned the hard way that the alarm does drain the battery quickly!

Having experienced the joy of calling the AA when the S wouldnt start I researched a solution for similar periods of infrequent use. Previous threads referred to a suitable product - the optimate III. I emailed the manufacturer (www.accumate.co.uk) and I've copied their reply here. I have ordered one of these for next winter.

Thought it might be of interest to someone else out there.

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Thanks for your Email. The accessory plug lead can be used to charge via the car

 

Recently I went away for 6.x weeks - the S started first press of the button. I'm suprised that others have had similar problems with the battery running down within a few weeks. I travel 40+ miles daily, so the battery does get a regular charging.

 

Chris, it's the continual current consumption of a self-checking/self-operating alarm system such as Tracker which drains the battery over a 3-week period. From your comment, I assume you don't have one fitted? I have found the Optimate to be the best solution, using its battery post connector lead plus the extension lead taped across the bulkhead/scuttle (whatever it's called nowadays) to the offside rear of the bonnet (USA=hood) opening. A simple matter to connect the Optimate lead to the shielded plug without having to open up the bonnet.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S200 VMC
[B]Chris, it's the continual current consumption of a self-checking/self-operating alarm system such as Tracker which drains the battery over a 3-week period.