Doors ajar

[DualActionDetail]

I couldn't come across this topic in searching, I apologize if it has been addressed.

When doing interior work with the doors ajar: does anyone worry about the battery dying due to interior lights burning? Obviously this would only come about if the interior was a pigsty, but the last thing I would want to do after a detail is jump the customer's car. Does anyone disconnect the battery? In doing so, I would also worry about the driver losing some info: what about radio codes, presets, etc.?

Thanks

[Nyholm]

Re: Doors ajar

To me you can do three things:

1: Disconnect the battery
2: Just pop out the glass and take out the bulb/-s.
3: Use some ducktape or whetever and push in the contact in the door so the car "thinks" its door is closed.

I dont know if pulling out a fuse can do the job or if it disconnects more than just the light and potential loosing some drivers info.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Doors ajar

I wouldn't worry about it. If it did happen then likely the battery or alternator needs to be looked at and you did the customer a favor by letting them know ahead of time.

I wouldn't even consider disconnecting the battery on a newer vehicle. I'd look at pulling a fuse for the door circuit or tricking the door sensor into thinking it was closed. Another option would be to put a trickle charger on the battery.

Best bet... leave well enough alone. Don't create issues for yourself. If the battery dies, the battery dies.

[DualActionDetail]

Re: Doors ajar

Makes me feel better. Thanks!

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Doors ajar

One other thing... most new cars are getting so smart that if you leave interior lights on etc. they turn off on their own, after a period of time. I know mine does (even if it was turn on manually with the switch). I'd have to do a test with the door being left open. I hadn't considered it until now.

[CieraSL]

Re: Doors ajar

Here ya' go: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37301

[DualActionDetail]

Re: Doors ajar

Thanks Shane.

[BlackScreaminMachine]

Re: Doors ajar

If a car is going dead due to the doors being open then that battery was on it's way out, as it could not hold a charge.

[roushstage2]

Re: Doors ajar

I killed my very first battery while detailing a couple of weeks ago...though the car sat for extended periods. It makes more of a difference if the car is driven regularly or an "once-in-a-while" car.