GoldGS3

iTrader: (1)

I didn't drive the LS for 6 days, and battery died.

I'll be out of town again soon. What should I do to prevent battery drainage?

Thank you for information.

caddyowner

Two possible solutions:

I use a battery tender on my garden tractor in the winter between snows and on the battery pulled from my Allante: http://batterytender.com/automotive.html . It keeps the battery at full charge, but you have to remember to connect / disconnect it.

A number of Allante owners use the PriorityStart because their cars develop higher parasitic current draw over time: http://www.prioritystart.com/ . It automatically disconnects the battery if the voltage drops below 11.7V. It automatically reconnects when you turn the key. However, if it engages, you'll lose memory settings and use of keyless remotes.

Another option is tracking down all the current drains when the key is off, repairing them, and installing a new battery.

DNC

A battery should not die in 6 days. You either have a drain or it's time to replace the battery.

V8_Fan

Owner's manual says to disable the smart key (if you have this feature) by pushing the button above the driver's right knee area (look up from the bottom). If you don't have smart keys, then run a trickle charger to the battery. I run a 3A trickle charger to my battery if I don't drive it for more than a few days. It takes a lot of driving (like an entire day) to fully charge a depleted battery. An hour, although it might provide sufficient charge to start the engine, won't give a full charge. There's just a ton of electronics that run on the LS when it's off. Also, when you lock the doors, the vehicle is constantly searching for the master key (if you have the smart key).

AlexusAnja

I would say your battery is probably not fresh. I have the SA on my LS and I've gone for some times two weeks without driving the vehicle and it starts up each time fine. Some times a little longer than usual crank, but battery was not dead.

Are you keeping your keys close to the vehicle when you don't drive it. I think when your keys are close enough where the SA detects it, then you'll be draining the battery.

caddyowner

Can you define how close is too close? Also, can you observe something in the car to identify that the car has detected the SA? I ask because when I get my car, my key hook is about 8-10' from the back bumper with a wall in between.

GoldGS3

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Jim and everyone else who provided information.

My battery was drained too much, so replaced it.

Hopefully I'll remember to disable the smart key before going out-of town.

Kohinoor

iTrader: (22)

disconnect the negative terminal on your battery and buy an intelligent battery charger ($100 black & decker from walmart is what i use on my performance batteries)

V8_Fan

I like the Odyssey batteries...military spec and used by law enforcement. They are both deep cycle and starting batteries in one. I like them better than the Optimas (have had the red top & blue top). The blue top (marine deep cycle) battery would progressively start the engine slower and slower over a period of several weeks (like when it's really cold outside), but it was during the summertime. Nice thing about this was I had prior warning that the battery was on its last legs. I believe it's because the battery was a deep cycle. Normal starter batteries can work one day and are dead the next.

stock_sc

iTrader: (2)

how about a solar trickle charger? thats if you dont garage you ls.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

According to the manual, around 15 feet or so.

The car will actively search for a key for a few days, after which it will turn it off this tracking service on its own. During this process, a weak battery will give out.

However, if the key is within range, the car will continue to make contact with the key and wait for you to touch the handle.

jayclapp

I just went to my car (04 LS430 UL) t0 physically check the distance that the car would connect with the key. My bedroom is adjacent to the garage and my key is located approximately 8 feet from the front bumper but separated by a wall of course. Never have had a battery drain problem.

Here's what I found. I locked the car and found that the key actually has a red light that will blink when it makes connection with the car! Mine makes connection when about 4 feet from any door. Interestingly, there is no signal shown from the rear of the car, but the trunk button will unlock on touch.

This car never ceases to amaze me with all it's little wonders.

caddyowner

Thanks for the info.