Limey

I bought a 7watt solar trickle charger and it's stuck to the inside of the windshield and connected to the cigarette lighter. I leave my car outside for up to two weeks at a time. With one week it's hit and miss as to whether it has enough power to open the door, depends how hot it's been. After two weeks it's always dead. I look forward to the first long trip test to see of the trickle charge works. Hopefully the cigarette lighter doesn't shut down when the door is locked (or opened to leave, with the stereo going off) - I have not idea, didn't check. I guess I'll see - it was only $19

I left my car outside for two weeks with a full charge. The 12V battery died at some point and I was not able to use my battery pack to start the car, it just beeped an error. I used a really old jump start unit after an hour charge and the car came right back to life and strangely has been fine since. I think the battery is still on its way out though, seems to be the original Ford part with "Motorcraft" brand. Would be nice if the car could still start when the high voltage battery is charged, but the 12V drains itself.

I just had this happen to me, got back from working on the opposite coast and the car is completely dead, yet I left the high voltage battery fully charged. It has me wondering if the 12V is dead, or if it just wasn't getting any charge from the engine not being on as I've done about 200 miles on charges alone since buying it last month. Having to buy a battery for a month old (used) car is annoying, especially since I already need a tire, alignment and balancing. That's the last time I go to carmax. Bait and switch!