Battery Draining/Alarm Rewiring

leadfootlen · 20th November 2008, 11:29 PM

Hi All,

Ive had a problem with my Supra for a while and was wondering if anybody may have some advice.

I have a clifford alarm fitted and have noticed for some time that the battery seems to be draining very quickly. If im away for a week the car wont start when I return. The battery was replaced a few months ago and its still doing the same thing. I have noticed the alarm has 2 wires going onto the positive battery connecter with an inline fuse in each. I have taken the fuses out and the battery doesnt drain so im guessing it must be the alarm draining it.

I was thinkint to reconnect the alarm to an ignition feed so it will only be draining the curretn (charging its batter I assume) when the ignition is on. The alarm battery when not connected to the main battery seems to last a long time so im hoping that only charging it when I drive it should be enough to keep it topped up.

Does this sound like a do-able idea or am i overlooking something? Also any ideas where I can find a good ignition live feed to attach the alarm to?

Many thanks for any help

Cheers,

James

Martin F · 21st November 2008, 10:31 AM

I wouldn't do that, as the two wires are most likely connected to the permanent live of the battery for a good reason. Most alarms need permanent power as well as switched power.

You've done some good elimination so far, and the only thing further you could do is to measure the current being drawn by the alarm to see if it is indeed excessive. However I suspect from what you have done already it probably will be.

I think the best thing to do would be to speak to an authorised Clifford engineer and ask him to take a look for you. It may be that part of the alarm has gone faulty.

SUNNY TT · 22nd November 2008, 05:50 PM

Hi,

I had this problem a couple of years ago. Check how long ago the alarm was installed. In my case the clifford engineer said that the Siren has a battery in it so the alarm continues to sound if someone chops the wire after it has gone off. After a period of time (i think it had been installed for about 5 years in my car at that time) the battery inside gets knackered and cannot hold its charge and so it constantly trys to recharge, which is why the car battery drains.

He advised me that when you set the alarm (or disable it) you should hear a 'chirp' frim the siren. If you dont then the siren may need to be replaced.

Since the siren was replaced I have had no problems.

Cass · 22nd November 2008, 08:10 PM

I was going to say does the siren work as if it does not work the car may be alarming without you hearing it which would be draining the battery?

chiefgroover · 23rd November 2008, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUNNY TT

Hi,

I had this problem a couple of years ago. Check how long ago the alarm was installed. In my case the clifford engineer said that the Siren has a battery in it so the alarm continues to sound if someone chops the wire after it has gone off. After a period of time (i think it had been installed for about 5 years in my car at that time) the battery inside gets knackered and cannot hold its charge and so it constantly trys to recharge, which is why the car battery drains.

He advised me that when you set the alarm (or disable it) you should hear a 'chirp' frim the siren. If you dont then the siren may need to be replaced.

Since the siren was replaced I have had no problems.

Good info

20th November 2008, 11:29 PM	#1
leadfootlen Junior Member Jap Spec GZ - Auto (TT) Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Kingston Upon Thames Posts: 23	Battery Draining/Alarm Rewiring Hi All, Ive had a problem with my Supra for a while and was wondering if anybody may have some advice. I have a clifford alarm fitted and have noticed for some time that the battery seems to be draining very quickly. If im away for a week the car wont start when I return. The battery was replaced a few months ago and its still doing the same thing. I have noticed the alarm has 2 wires going onto the positive battery connecter with an inline fuse in each. I have taken the fuses out and the battery doesnt drain so im guessing it must be the alarm draining it. I was thinkint to reconnect the alarm to an ignition feed so it will only be draining the curretn (charging its batter I assume) when the ignition is on. The alarm battery when not connected to the main battery seems to last a long time so im hoping that only charging it when I drive it should be enough to keep it topped up. Does this sound like a do-able idea or am i overlooking something? Also any ideas where I can find a good ignition live feed to attach the alarm to? Many thanks for any help Cheers, James __________________ May The Force Not See You

21st November 2008, 10:31 AM	#2
Martin F Administrator UK Spec - Manual Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Essex, UK Posts: 10,226	I wouldn't do that, as the two wires are most likely connected to the permanent live of the battery for a good reason. Most alarms need permanent power as well as switched power. You've done some good elimination so far, and the only thing further you could do is to measure the current being drawn by the alarm to see if it is indeed excessive. However I suspect from what you have done already it probably will be. I think the best thing to do would be to speak to an authorised Clifford engineer and ask him to take a look for you. It may be that part of the alarm has gone faulty. __________________ Martin UK6TT + Bits & Bobs 'Remember folks, the inside lane isn't just for Xmas' MSOC FAQ MSOC Members Discounts MSOC Resources

22nd November 2008, 08:10 PM	#4
Cass Beer and more Beer Single Turbo - Auto Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Inverness / Scotland Posts: 3,610	I was going to say does the siren work as if it does not work the car may be alarming without you hearing it which would be draining the battery? __________________ "Freezing worms makes them easier to sharpen!"

22nd November 2008, 05:50 PM	#3
SUNNY TT Member UK Spec - Auto Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Coventry Posts: 98	Hi, I had this problem a couple of years ago. Check how long ago the alarm was installed. In my case the clifford engineer said that the Siren has a battery in it so the alarm continues to sound if someone chops the wire after it has gone off. After a period of time (i think it had been installed for about 5 years in my car at that time) the battery inside gets knackered and cannot hold its charge and so it constantly trys to recharge, which is why the car battery drains. He advised me that when you set the alarm (or disable it) you should hear a 'chirp' frim the siren. If you dont then the siren may need to be replaced. Since the siren was replaced I have had no problems.

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