Solar Trickle Chargers

[ibol123]

I've had several instances where I've had to jump start the RX400h having left it unused for 3 weeks. It's 2007 RX400h with the SatNav.

I've read various articles on the Battery drain flaw of the RX400h and came to a conclusion of 2 solution for me, 1) have a Battery jump starter in the boot or 2) install a solar panel trickle charger.

Has anyone here installed or use a solar trickle charger on their RX400h? What was the outcome? Would you recommend it?

I recently came across Maplins and they have a solar panel with 2.4 Watts for £14.99.

I understand that the cigarette lighter socket will not be of use in this situation because it's disconnected from the Battery when vehicle is off. Has anyone here modified the cigarette lighter socket? or perhaps run a wire to the inside of the car from the Battery? details please.

Many thanks for any replies.

[DanD]

This is a well documented topic. I suggest that you do a search on Battery charger, Battery problems, etc...

[Duncan Roberts]

I've had several instances where I've had to jump start the RX400h having left it unused for 3 weeks. It's 2007 RX400h with the SatNav.

I've read various articles on the battery drain flaw of the RX400h and came to a conclusion of 2 solution for me, 1) have a battery jump starter in the boot or 2) install a solar panel trickle charger.

Has anyone here installed or use a solar trickle charger on their RX400h? What was the outcome? Would you recommend it?

I recently came across Maplins and they have a solar panel with 2.4 Watts for £14.99.

I understand that the cigarette lighter socket will not be of use in this situation because it's disconnected from the battery when vehicle is off. Has anyone here modified the cigarette lighter socket? or perhaps run a wire to the inside of the car from the battery? details please.

Many thanks for any replies.

Use 'search', this subject has been covered MANY times as DanD rightly points out.

[ibol123]

Whilst I understand your point, I was looking for replies/opinions from people who have actually attempted to resolve the issue. I already know about the issues regarding the flat batteries.

[Duncan Roberts]

Whilst I understand your point, I was looking for replies/opinions from people who have actually attempted to resolve the issue. I already know about the issues regarding the flat batteries.

That too is well covered in the threads alongside the other elements of this problem

[ibol123]

just to update on anyone interested on here, if not then ignore this.

• i bought a solar trickle charger from maplins (on sale for £14.99) http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-12v-2.4w-battery-trickle-charger-223251
  
• OBD2 connector. found this item from e-bay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OBD2-OBDII-OBD-2-16-Pin-Male-Connector-Diagnostic-Adapter-/300847767552
  
• found this info to wire up the trickle charger http://www.justanswer.com/toyota/60gue-toyota-sienna-xle-cabin-connection-point.html
  

from the Solar trickle charger, connect/solder the positive cable to pin 16 of the OBD2 connector and the negative to pin 4 of the OBD2 connector.

no need to rewire.modify the cigarette socket.

yes this topic has been discussed so many times on here but not very specific and not very informative or helpful

[steve2006]

Although as mentioned the subject of solar chargers has been discussed previously I think ibol123 has made a great effort in providing the details on a method of connecting it to the car via the OBDII connector, this is certainly easier than converting the cigar lighter to a permanent live connection.

[johnmac1956]

I have an OBD2 trickle charger,which I use if I leave the car unused for any length of time. Purchased it online for approx £25,sorry cannot remember where,but it is a good quality unit.

It works very well but a couple of points should be mentioned.

1. I normally attach the solar panel via its vacuum suckers to the front windscreen,mount it as low as possible because if you mount it to high and the sucker system fails,the falling charger panel can set off the motion alarm system. It did happen to me.

2. If you park your car at an airport parking company where they park the car for you,it may not be possible to utilise the OBD charger,I explained it to 1 company but did not trust them to plug it in correctly.

I have left my car for over 20 days without using the charger and had no problems starting the car,but the added assurance of using the OBD charger when leaving the car for an extended period is beneficial.

Yes should not have to do this on a car that originally cost 43k,but that discussion has been discussed many times!!!!!

[ibol123]

I have an OBD2 trickle charger,which I use if I leave the car unused for any length of time. Purchased it online for approx £25,sorry cannot remember where,but it is a good quality unit.

It works very well but a couple of points should be mentioned.

1. I normally attach the solar panel via its vacuum suckers to the front windscreen,mount it as low as possible because if you mount it to high and the sucker system fails,the falling charger panel can set off the motion alarm system. It did happen to me.

2. If you park your car at an airport parking company where they park the car for you,it may not be possible to utilise the OBD charger,I explained it to 1 company but did not trust them to plug it in correctly.

I have left my car for over 20 days without using the charger and had no problems starting the car,but the added assurance of using the OBD charger when leaving the car for an extended period is beneficial.

Yes should not have to do this on a car that originally cost 43k,but that discussion has been discussed many times!!!!!

Thanks for the tip. Exactly the kind of response I was looking for. Very helpful.

[luckyduck]

I queried the Battery issue with my Lexus dealer today, and he referred me to the Owners Club forums for the solution. Thanks for your advice above - narked that I have spent good money on a luxury car that can't be left in an airport car park - but grateful for your solutions.