Does a newer (2005) car need to be started on a regular basis?

Question

I've had to get my 2005 Mustang jumped at least four times in 1.5 years. A couple of guys have told me that it should started regulary (how often?) because it has so much electronic components. So I can't let it sit for more than a week without it going COMPLETELY dead. Been to the dealership twice and they can find nothing wrong. Thoughts?

Some more info: I normally don't drive the car except on Fridays, but then it's for about 40-50 minutes. It will be fine for say 2-3 months and then one day it won't start (no turn over - nothing!). I've had it jumped twice and it will start up then with no issues and be good for another 2-3 months on this schedule. I'm loathe to call the dealership again since they've had it twice for like two weeks each time and STILL found nothing wrong. The triple AAA guy said the there doesn't seem to be an issue with the battery from what he could tell. How much am I looking at to take it to a non-FORD mechanic? Since it's still under warranty I prefer the dealer, but I don't know.

Thanks!

Answer 1

If you are going to let the car sit for extended periods of time, you should disconnect the battery or put a trickle charger on it at all times. The reason is to save the battery life... your car electronics are not a issue (other then always programing the radio). Batteries loose efficiency the more often they are fully discharged, meaning you will need a battery every few years. The biggest thing that kills a battery is being frozen, when the battery is dead only water is left inside the battery.

If you plan to let your car sit for more then a few weeks... additional items should be done to preserve your vehicle.
- Put it on stands (wheels off the ground)
- Fill the gas tank and add stabilizer
- Do a oil change shortly before storage
- Use a breathable tarp
- etc...

Answer 2

After a Week hmmm.. you should be able to go 3 or 4 weeks on a single charge. even with all the digital equipment on the car. I have a 2005 Chrysler 300M that I have not driven for over a month and I drove it 2 days ago and it started right up. there is a drain on the battery somewhere. Now it is possible that when you are driving the car the battery is not getting to a full charge before you park it again. that will have some effect on it. Take it for a good drive (longer then 30 minutes) and then see how long she will sit for. Short drives tend to not give the battery a good chance to charge. Also if you have Deep Cycled the battery a few times you may have killed it.

Answer 3

in order to maintian the battery it should be started regularly. If you are not driving the car that much and are just keeping it for collectors sake...then remove the battery or at least disconnect it. The only problem with this is that you will have to reset your radio and clock. It also could be that the battery is just no good...take it to your parts dealer and have them check it for you...the battery that is. I have an old truck and it don't move but maybe a couple times a year...and the battery normally keeps a charge even though I don't do what I told you...so probably the battery is bad or you are leaving something on which is draining your battery. Also....if you leave it sit for that long...the clock is still working...the car maintains some instruments such as the clock...this will eventually drain the battery.

Answer 4

Somebody's giving you a line! A 2005 with a factory battery should have no problem what-so-ever starting after sitting for a week or for that matter a month! If that thing is going dead you have a drain on the battery! Could be a short, incorrectly installed after market accessories, or a defective battery, or the alternator is not recharging the system properly! Could also be a defective starter that is drawing too many amps! Whatever the case, you definitely have a problem!

Answer 5

I have an 86 Ford pickup that sits for weeks at a time and starts when I get in it. It sounds like you have a voltage drain somewhere. They also sell a devise called a battery tender that keeps a check on your battery when it sits and will charge it when needed. Check with your local parts store. Also, have you replaced the battery, they will develop bad cells and won't start even though they have a charge. Again, local parts stores will check them for free.

Answer 6

my first thought is that there must be something wrong no matter how much electronics there are in a modern car they all turn themselves off when you turn the car off....so you shouldnt have to start it every week...if it was left for 6 or more months then ya but after a quick spin the battery would recharge..get it checked again or go to a different gararge maybe an auto elec would be better..

Answer 7

yes do to the maze of electronic components that need to have battery power for memory you should not only start your car on a regular basis but also let it come up tp operating tempurature when you do start it. the other option is to hook up a battery tender that will keep your battery charged correctly. if your not going to drive the vehicle on a regular basis maybe you should check into storing it properly. just a thought

Answer 8

Dealerships aren't always right. That's not normal, have you replaced the battery to see if it makes a difference yet? Cars do need to be started regularly, but one week should not kill your battery. Who knows, what it could be, take it to a shop that specializes in electric work and see what they say.

Answer 9

I don't care if it's a brand new car. If it sets along enough, it won't run, and you'll have all kinds of problems. Hoses dry out, lines rust, ect.... Batteries don't cost that much. Get a new one, Then you'll know.

Answer 10

Any car should be turned on once in a while! Every two days or so. Keeps everything running smootly. Besides, FORD's suck! Have fun!