Winter Storage??? LoJack??

[Black 04]

Hey Guys I need some help. My MM is going to sleep for the winter or for at least 5 months and I would like to know if I can disconnect the battery without causing any problems? Also I have LoJack, would the battery disconnected effect the LoJack ???

[Warpath]

I can't answer about LoJack. But, you are better off removing the battery and keeping it in a warm, dry space off the concrete floor. I store mine in my basement on a piece of wood. Its better for the battery to be stored indoors and prevents any fires from being created by shorts (such as a critter chewing through a wire).

[Marauder2005]

The LoJack has its OWN battery. You will be fine if you disconnect it.

[Bigdogjim]

If your storing the car outside it should be driven at least one day a week to reach normal engine temps.

[Black 04]

With disconnecting the battery for that amount of time screw up my computer?

[martyo]

With disconnecting the battery for that amount of time screw up my computer?

No, but it will have to "relearn" a few things on start up but a few miles of driving will fix that right up.

[CRUZTAKER]

As I have done for years with my other cars and tractors...including the last three winters with my MM...

I do not remove my battery...what a PITA especially if you want to start the car occationally or move it every so often over the 4-5 winter months. I use a SEARS trickle charger. I have the quick disconnect on the battery terminals. I still have my OEM battery and all is well. Like I said, I do this to all my parked vehicles, even the ones that sit for only a week or two at a time in these cold months.

The small trickle charger at sears is fully automatic, and as little as $29.

A little GAS-STABIL in the tank, fresh oil in the pan, wheels covered, car covered, and moving blankets over the entire car.

[Hotrauder]

You forgot the mouse trap in the trunk!:beer:

[Warpath]

If your storing the car outside it should be driven at least one day a week to reach normal engine temps.

Its not necessary to start it that often. I start mine every month or two. I talked to some Ford engine engineers and they told me I would probably be OK without starting the engine all winter. But, that's too long for my liking. I also don't drive it either. I let it idle until its at the normal temp.

[DEFYANT]

While have never stored a car, I have stored boats. Fuel preservative is a must in the tank and remove the battery. You do not have to start the engine. I have never had a problem. Consider that in boats w/ inboard engines, it is recommended you do not run the engines in dry dock.

With a car, if possible, I would (and plan to) start the car periodically to allow it to attain running temps. The only problem I foresee it resistance to driving it!

[03SILVERSTREAK]

Pm me on that question.

[michael ward]

this is my 3rd year storing my marauder and i never touched my battery and i started my car 4 times in 5 months and never had a problem with my battery or engine when you start driveing your marauder again in spring the computer will learn your driveing habits all over again witch is no big deal..:cool:

[Black 04]

Thanks for all the updates Guys.. I called LoJack they don't recommend disconnecting the battery.They said that LoJack has a internal battery and it will go dead in 72 hours, when you reconnect the car battery the internal battery will not take the charge and I will have to purchase a new one. So I guess I will leave the battery connected and start the car once a month.

[BK_GrandMarquis]

Thanks for all the updates Guys.. I called LoJack they don't recommend disconnecting the battery.They said that LoJack has a internal battery and it will go dead in 72 hours, when you reconnect the car battery the internal battery will not take the charge and I will have to purchase a new one. So I guess I will leave the battery connected and start the car once a month.

Is there a way to connect the Lojack to a smaller auxilliary battery? I've had my battery go dead in a couple of weeks in cold weather if I left it hooked up. During the summer the battery holds a charge longer.

[MENINBLK]

Its not necessary to start it that often. I start mine every month or two. I talked to some Ford engine engineers and they told me I would probably be OK without starting the engine all winter. But, that's too long for my liking. I also don't drive it either. I let it idle until its at the normal temp.


Ford Engineers ???
What do THEY know ???

They only BUILD them, not MAINTAIN them... :rolleyes:

[MENINBLK]

Thanks for all the updates Guys.. I called LoJack they don't recommend disconnecting the battery.They said that LoJack has a internal battery and it will go dead in 72 hours, when you reconnect the car battery the internal battery will not take the charge and I will have to purchase a new one. So I guess I will leave the battery connected and start the car once a month.

How do you replace the battery on something that is installed
in a location that you aren't aware of ?

[pantheroc]

I've killed batteries overcharging with a standard 2A/6A charger over the winter.

Check one of these out: can be had for $8, seen on sale recently for $4.99 through 12/19/2005. Not sure if I can post the vendor name here, someone let me know, please. Got one on tractor and two for cars.



<CENTER>AUTOMATIC BATTERY FLOAT CHARGER <!-- PHOTO --><TABLE border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/42200-42299/42292.gif </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</CENTER>

Skip the aggravation of a jump-start by keeping your vehicle's battery fully charged. Use on 12V batteries while in storage or during cold weather. The floating circuit maintains a full charge without overcharging. Includes automatic safety shut off.

Leads: 10 ft. overall length

[Warpath]

Ford Engineers ???
What do THEY know ???

They only BUILD them, not MAINTAIN them... :rolleyes:

I trust someone who know the intricacies of these engines than anything I read on the internet. If they know the design and how it works, they will know how to maintain it.