Hi all - Let me start by saying I am in no way mechanically minded so this type of car maintenance can go right over me. It's probably made worse by the design of this car internally though.

I have a 2008 Focus Titanium and I continually have issues with dead batteries (Made worse by the lockdown when it started). I had to get the AA out in March-April and they had to fit a new battery (Bosch S4004/075). That cost me a pretty penny considering AA charged double the retail cost of the battery but I was literally in dire need there and then...

Anyway, because we still were in lockdown the battery drained again after minimal use of the car. About 6-8 weeks after it was replaced. They said the battery was good so gave it a boost and off they went.

Because of this I decided to buy an Arteck A7 Booster after reading reviews of these devices and felt confident that should this happen again, I would be covered without the need for the AA... Cue tonight after 3-4 days of not being used I went to start it and the battery was dead again. The thing I find incredibly annoying about this car is when the battery dies it completely kills all the car. If I turn the key it doesn't try ticking over, it is just complete dead. No lights, no central locking (Meaning everything stays locked - ala the boot).

Alas, I put the Arteck A7 to the test. I connected the red cable to Positive - However the issue I have had which separately annoys me is there is absolutely no way to (Easily?) get to the negative terminal on the battery because it's tucked under the ledge under the wipers/window.So as I figure I have to use a metal part of the car to connect the negative connector I connect it to the only place in reach (Short negative cable) which is a metal trim above the headlight/below positive.

So all connected I then plug the connector into the Arteck A7. The green light STAYS green which is good. In the videos I have watched (As well as the reviews) they can immediately jump start their vehicle and disconnect accordingly. Not for me. No, this fails continually. I repeated the process several times leaving it several minutes at a time. On only one (Out of about ten) I ended up getting some life on the car dashboard. Sadly as soon as I turned the ignition it pitifully died once more. That was it then no more luck.

I don't know if I should (But I have) - I have left it effectively connected overnight and I will check it tomorrow morning. I had a solid green on the Arteck A7 though so I am hoping it is doing something. My only concern is should I really be connecting th negative cable to the actual battery itself or will be metal plate be sufficient. If it does not work I am going to have to get AA out again I fear.

Can your smart charger be connected through your cig/aux port?Usually an additional adapter can be purchased.Once your new battery is fully charged  you can then use the trickle charge to maintain a fully charged battery.Your underlying problem that is draining your battery remains and will have to be fixed👍

I too got irritated at the relative lack of access to the terminal hidden under the window ledge. Now solved with a permanent 'jump lead' (supplied with my charger but can be obtained separately) bolted to the terminals which I can then attach to my battery charger with 100% easier access. Though as said, just a temporary solution till you get whatever is draining your battery fixed.

My advice is to get a proper auto electrician to diagnose your parasitic drain. Battery drains have a 101 causes, and with all best wishes, any suggestions on here as to the actual cause in your particular car will be very hit & miss.

 

Hi all! I just had another quick go and managed to squeeze the negative cable on to the terminal. Immediately on doing that the Arteck A7 jumpstarted straight away! So I lucked out there! Just letting it run for an hour or so now to get some charge in it.

Also yes, I do suspect there is something more underlying which is causing these issues. I know one of the first times I left my lights on and more recently the radio drained it, but this time as well as some others there have been no particular reason other than the car standing for a small number of days.

I sometimes can hear a clicking from the window wipers when they're operating, but also now the colder weather is coming in I am also affected by the "50% windscreen not demisting" issue which I have seen reported several times. Not had them fixed or investigated mind.

Sounds like you have a parasitic current draw on the battery. A new Bosch battery should not drain that quickly. You need to get it sorted or you will just keep killing batteries.

1 minute ago, VFR800 said:

Sounds like you have a parasitic current draw on the battery. A new Bosch battery should not drain that quickly. You need to get it sorted or you will just keep killing batteries.

Good point, wish I'd have said that LOL

3 hours ago, StephenFord said:

My advice is to get a proper auto electrician to diagnose your parasitic drain.

You did.😀

Also you just need to remove one screw to move the skuttle up slightly to gain better access.