Boot lid to be left open

[ClivoA]

Hi all,

Due to various reasons, I probably need to winter store my Daimler XJ8 this time, professional
storage found.

Question is, they generally tend to vehicles rather than just left, including trickle charge battery,
so a good idea to leave the boot lid ajar for exit any vapour, but leaving car locked, any ideas?

It is possible, of course, to leave the car unlocked as in really safe, secure environment, but had in the back of my mind locking takes place automatically after a length of time? Obviously with boot ajar this would not happen, but would security system then become 'confused'?

I also vaguely remember a video I found online (can't find it now), that outlined all the intricacies of the security system. Is it the case that with locking set, the key in the boot lock is turned to the left (to disengage boot lid from security system), rather than turning to the right?

The booklet states that opening the boot with a key and the locking set, will trigger an alarm within a time if the key is turned to the right. It does not mention a possible left hand option.

I am loathe to experiment with the system, just in case.

Advice welcome,

Clive.

[davidr]

I keep my cars on a trickle charger all of the time and locked with the boot closed. Systems are so complex ( especially with the 350) that the car needs to be locked to put them all to sleep. My concern otherwise is that the current draw of the "awake" system may be more than the trickle charger is happy to continuously provide.
Have never knowingly had an issue with vapours.
Hope that helps
David

[J44EAG]

I agree with David.

Most modern car security systems need to be double locked ie two presses on the key fob to properly put the car into the lowest hibernation state. Even then a very small current draw takes place which can eventually discharge a battery given a long enough period.

I do not consider that battery cell out-gasing and build up of hydrogen to be a problem with the boot closed. High gas build up should only be a problem due to excessively high charging often caused by a defective cell in a battery, the use of a cheap non intelligent crudely made charger or a charging system that is defective and overcharges because internal circuitry has failed. Such instances are very rare. Old batteries or ones known to be "iffy" should never be charged when unattended.

If a power source is not available to supply a small CTEK type intelligent charger and no natural light is available to feed a small solar cell, I would be considering removing the battery from the car completely and taking it home for storage and continued upkeep via a CTEK or similar unit. Obviously when reconnecting the battery to the car, the radio code would have to be re entered and the clock reset. That process is no different from replacing a worn out battery.

A good tip here to help a stored battery. Never store on a cold concrete floor. That will kill a battery very quickly. I store batteries on a workbench and sit them on a couple of pieces of cardboard on a piece of polystyrene foam with a layer of carpet between battery and foam. No one likes a cold bottom and neither does a lead acid battery. Use a maintenance charger as above and every three or four months just check to see electrolyte levels are above the plates and that heavy sulphatation or plate distortion is not present.

Bad time expired batteries can often be detected by the bulging of the ends of the battery case. This is due to plates buckling and expanding along the length of the battery. I`d not continue to maintain a battery in that condition and would bin it. (Metaphorically speaking)

Just my humble views on the matter.

Mike K.

[Brakebuster]

i can't remember if my old 308 did it , the i do know the XJS can be trickle charged through the cigar lighter rather than running cables into the boot , and you don't have to leave your keys in her

they even sold an adaptor for the cigar lighter to put your charger on

possible ?

BB

[ptjs1]

Clive,

I have a slightly different view. I have viewed a number of these storage facilities recently as I am looking for a temporary home for my part-restored long-term project TR6.

All of those facilities have the cars hooked up to battery conditioners. In addition, they start up all the cars on a weekly basis and run them up to temperature and move them to ensure that the engine and drivetrain are exercised etc and that the tyres avoid flatspots This is all unless owners specifically requests otherwise.

If I were you, I wouldn't lock the car at all if the facility is secure and insured. It can cause more problems if the car is locked and fob battery runs out etc etc. Leave the car unlocked (which I suspect may well be the preferred option of the facility) with battery conditioner in place with window cracked open a bit as well to prevent any dampness etc. Don't leave too much petrol in it as it may go stale. And if possible, keep an indoor cover on it. Keep one fob and key at home and leave one with the storage facility. In addition try and get to the car every now and again, take some fresh petrol and just move it yourself for peace of mind and just to remind yourself what a nice place it is to sit in! Also run the aircon each time to avoid the seals drying out

The x308 won't automatically lock if left for any period of time so no risk there anyway.

Just my thoughts. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Paul

[oldtimer]

Hi BB,
I've had my old 73YM XJ on a charger via the Cigar lighter for years. Jolly annoying having the Cigar lighter being ignition switch controlled. Just pondering when the change over took place.
This of course was not a Jaguar thing, it happened across all manufacturers. I'm guessing, but it could have been a change to the construction and use regulation in connection with safety.

I think it could have been in the mid eighties - to late to do any checking

Oldtimer

[ClivoA]

Hi all,

Thank you to everyone posting most helpful advice and comments. The facility uses CTEK battery conditioners, stands cars on mats not concrete, inflate tyres to manufacturer's advice regarding avoiding flatspots, starts them, run them around large yard in the dry.

I think car left unlocked but with boot lid shut, seems the best, unless facility says otherwise I guess. I suppose the facility would not want to deal with alarms going off anyway. I have full set keys too, so would have a spare.

Good advice regarding visiting now and then, will add a post as time goes on regarding progress. I keep a/c on, so would be in use when car started.

Clive.

[phirouyer]

When I have to store my XJ308 for some time, with the charger on, I undo the rear light (no tools needed, it takes a couple of minutes) and I have the wires running through the opening. The car may be locked, all windows shut, i even put the dust cover.