Storing QX4

[BazookaJoe]

I'll be letting my '03 QX4 sit for about 3-4 months. Can someone please tell me if it's ok to let the battery be disconnected for an extended amount of time. I won't have access to an outlet for a battery tender.

I read that some vehicles, maybe newer ones, require the computer to have to "relearn" and it isn't advised to leave the battery disconnected. Don't want issues. Thanks.

[VStar650CL]

It shouldn't need to re-learn much besides vehicle preferences and window and sunroof timing. Critical engine and transmission operation data is all stored in non-volatile flash or EEPROM.

[04pathse]

I won't have access to an outlet for a battery tender.

I have seen solar powered battery tenders if that would work for you

[mdmellott]

The QX4 service manual indicates that you should disconnect the negative cable from the battery if the vehicle is not going to be used for a long period of time. https://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual ... 3%2FSC.pdf I could find no reference to any issues arising from doing this with regard to this causing problems with computer memory. Concerns you should be aware of are battery discharge over time that may require the battery to be recharged in order to start the engine. If this is necessary, a slow charge is recommended to avoid potentially wrecking the battery with a fast charge, if it can be brought back to life at all. This will depend on the age of the battery as well as the condition of and level of electrolyte in the battery when you leave it unattended for a long period. Another recommendation is to be sure the fuel tank is full before leaving the vehicle unattended for a long period. Doing this will avoid the potential for rust forming inside the fuel tank on the exposed bare metal surfaces if the tank is not full.

[PalmerWMD]

What they said,

plus (this is what I did prior to my deployments or multi month sea shipping of my vehicles):

-run it well before u shut it down for a long sleep; making sure all fluids come to full operating temp and stay there for a bit.
-Then top it off
-then add the correct amount for your fuel tank size of PRI-G or STABIL or Seafoam and then run the car for 4-5 miles minimum. This is to make sure all the fuel in the lines has the treatment in it.

Cheers,

[mdmellott]

I have seen solar powered battery tenders if that would work for you

That's a great idea! I didn't know that was a thing. Looked it up on Amazon and found many different brands, reasonably priced. Well worth the cost and peace of mind knowing you won't come home to a dead battery.

[BazookaJoe]

What they said,

plus (this is what I did prior to my deployments or multi month sea shipping of my vehicles):

-run it well before u shut it down for a long sleep; making sure all fluids come to full operating temp and stay there for a bit.
-Then top it off
-then add the correct amount for your fuel tank size of PRI-G or STABIL or Seafoam and then run the car for 4-5 miles minimum. This is to make sure all the fuel in the lines has the treatment in it.

Cheers,

Did you have to do anything to prevent flat spots on the tires? Put on jack stands or was it ok on the ground?

[BazookaJoe]

I have seen solar powered battery tenders if that would work for you

That's a great idea! I didn't know that was a thing. Looked it up on Amazon and found many different brands, reasonably priced. Well worth the cost and peace of mind knowing you won't come home to a dead battery.

I agree. I didn't know these existed. Thanks for suggesting this!

[VStar650CL]

Did you have to do anything to prevent flat spots on the tires? Put on jack stands or was it ok on the ground?

Flat spots won't generally be a problem in a 3~4 month timeframe, but you can minimize the chances of it by inflating all 4 to the max psi rating stamped on the sidewall.

[PalmerWMD]

What they said,

plus (this is what I did prior to my deployments or multi month sea shipping of my vehicles):

-run it well before u shut it down for a long sleep; making sure all fluids come to full operating temp and stay there for a bit.
-Then top it off
-then add the correct amount for your fuel tank size of PRI-G or STABIL or Seafoam and then run the car for 4-5 miles minimum. This is to make sure all the fuel in the lines has the treatment in it.

Cheers,

Did you have to do anything to prevent flat spots on the tires? Put on jack stands or was it ok on the ground?

I bumped up the tire pressure to as much as is allowed and take all junk out of the car to minimize weight on tires (including spare tire and tools which are heavy). Never had a problem, this was only foor 2 months on hard surfaces or 3 months on dirt surface.
But of course jack stands would be the best practices solution in lieu of extra pressure but in a shipping container thats not an option.

[Mike W.]

I've had lots of tires flat spot, but after a few miles they smooth out. Tires with a nylon cap seem especially suspectable, but again, it's always been temporary for me.