Standing car

[markeyszoo]

I will shortly be leaving UK for several weeks and expect the alarm’s flashing light in that time to flatten the Battery.My question is, which is better, to let that happen and then put a Battery charger on OR to disconnect the Battery before I go. Which is likely to cause least problems or will neither?

[Herbie]

Disconnect the Battery.

You may have to reset one or two things but at least the Battery won't be damaged, which might happen if it goes flat and is left flattened for any length of time.

[Scotlex]

Best option would be to connect an optimate Battery charger.

If this is not possible not sure if a similar solar powered charger would work.

Good luck 😃

[Texas]

Only reset required will be the windows ( and Moonroof if fitted) nothing required for audio system, but car may relearn its engine perimeters when next used for a few miles, might get high idle for example.

[NemesisUK]

22 hours ago, markeyszoo said:

My question is, which is better, to let that happen and then put a battery charger on OR to disconnect the battery before I go

Best option would be connect a maintenance charger (like a CTEK) that would keep the Battery optimally charged and all the alarm and entry systems operational.

Letting the Battery go flat will degrade it's function over time.

Disconnecting the Battery will save the Battery but maybe put you at odds with your insurer, as the security systems will be off (deliberately off, not failed because of a flat battery)

[normski2]

3 hours ago, NemesisUK said:

Best option would be connect a maintenance charger (like a CTEK) that would keep the battery optimally charged and all the alarm and entry systems operational.

That’s exactly what I’d do. I have a Ring maintenance charger and it works a treat. In fact mine is on my neighbour’s IS250 right now whilst he’s in Hong Kong for 3 weeks 😀

[Texas]

+1 here for the CTek MXS_5.0 if you have the facility. eBay item ( not my listing!) No 276723821014👍

[Linas.P]

I would imagine is that is asked as a question then perhaps OP, can't connect the charger... or maybe car is left in Airport Long Stay. 

In which case disconnecting Battery is best option, leaving Battery to drain can (likely will) damage it. That is not without its own issues. 

In terms of resetting thing - windows will obviously need to be reset. But there are other things - gearbox memory will be reset, so car will need to re-learn the patterns, could be jerky at first, which may be good thing. Also if you have memory seats and keys assigned to memory seat position - this will need to be all set. I know it sounds like first world problem, but I hate when seats loses memory and after that it always feels like something is wrong with adjustment, I know it is palcebo, but it always irks me as I feel like it is not in the same position as it was before. 

[Lexusjim]

I can envisage insurance problems should the car be damaged at, or stolen from,  the airport, as the owner has deliberately disconnected the alarm and the immobiliser