Battery Maintenance Guidelines
Aston Martin Battery Maintenance Guidelines
A certain amount of battery drain is normal when you do not use your car. For example, the clock, security systems and stereo system continue to drain battery power even with the ignition switched OFF.
Battery charge can also be drained excessively in a number of ways:
· If the vehicle is unused for long periods of time
· If the vehicle is used regularly but only for short journeys of less than 30 miles
· If electrical systems are in use without the vehicle engine running
If the vehicle key is left in the ignition control for long periods of time without the engine running
There are two methods of maintaining battery charge at an acceptable level if the vehicle is unused for long periods of time.
· Battery Conditioner (120 volt wall power outlet required) *preferred
· Battery Disconnect Switch (BDS) *secondary
Battery Conditioner
If the vehicle is not going to be used for a period of time (AM recommends that if a vehicle is unused for ten days or more) and a wall outlet is available, use the battery conditioner to maintain the battery charge level. When connected the battery conditioner will maintain a small trickle charge to keep the battery in a fully charged state. The battery conditioner may be left in this state indefinitely.
To Connect the Battery Conditioner
1. Insert the battery conditioner accessory plug into the accessory socket
2. Insert the wall plug into the wall outlet
3. Gently close, but do not latch the trunk lid. This avoids possible damage to the trunk water seal from the battery conditioner power cable. Even with the trunk left open the doors can be locked and armed (The trunk light may stay on for 30 seconds and then turn off)
Battery Disconnect Switch
If the vehicle is not going to be used for a period of time and a wall outlet is not available, press the BDS button to shut down all electrical systems except: clock, alarm, window memory and vehicle access through the vehicle key. The light on the BDS button will not illuminate as it is a background light. This will allow your vehicle to remain unused for up to 70 days (Approximately depending on battery age and climate conditions) without any long term damage to the battery. Once the BDS is activated the glove box is locked and the owner’s manual will not be accessible.
To reactivate the electrical systems (2007 model year and onward) unlock the vehicle, open the driver’s door and insert the key into the ignition control. The radio preset stations will require reprogramming. For 2005 and 2006 models it is necessary to remove the rear passenger side seat bottom and press the yellow battery reconnect button to restore power before attempting to start the vehicle.
