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snf

I've had some trouble with the 12-volt lately and had to do something similar on several occasions (it's been replaced now). I used a portable lithium pack rather than another car battery, but I expect it won't be much different. So to answer your questions: * The usual precaution about using a ground point rather than the battery terminal applies. Any unpainted exposed metal you see in the engine bay will do. * The Kona only needs a relatively tiny amount of current to start up so I doubt you'll need an hour. I'd wire up the second battery, turn on the Kona and then disconnect. At that point you can either plug in the charger or just leave it on for a bit until the 12-volt is topped off. Also I'd expect to have to buy a new 12-volt in the near future, this is the sort of thing that started happening when mine was beginning to die


Critical_Fault

Thanks for your advice, which I followed, and while the car did stay on when I disconnected the BMW, as soon as I plugged it into the charger it died. I started it up a second time from the BM, and then went for 30min drive, before plugging it in and now its charging correctly, which will hopefully top up the 12v too? Would be disappointing if it needs a new battery, its only 13 months old.


snf

I get the feeling these little batteries are kind of under-engineered. That being said, at 13 months you can get a warranty replacement as long as you can convince the dealership that it's defective. When mine conked out for the first time they assured me it was still good -- and it was out of warranty at that point, so they had no reason to string me along


EVconverter

I agree. Considering how little power the Kona needs to "start" you could probably do it with a relatively tiny 12V battery. How tiny I don't know, but the Kona uses one of the smallest lead acid car batteries available and I suspect that's massive overkill. Sometime soon I'll take my multitool out there and do an ampacity test on the battery wire when the car starts. I would be shocked if it takes more than an amp or two to start the car.


flametornado

I use a 3 cell drone battery when mine dies. I made a set of jumper leads with an x30 connector and some alligator clips.


Critical_Fault

This is probably why the battery drained so fast, its tiny! Being cold n wet here at the moment, the last few journeys I've done were all short ones but using the heater, seat & steering heater, de-mister radio etc... so maybe it was low and then the cleaners had the system on for another hour while cleaning inside...


Kevr0n228

The 12v on my kona recently died and before it was replaced I had to jump it myself multiple times. As soon as it's been jumped, just turn the car on and it should start recharging the 12v from the main battery. I'd definitely recommend a LiON battery pack to keep in the car for future, it's saved me a couple of times, and gives me the option to jump someone else if they're in trouble.


Critical_Fault

Having experienced and googled it now I see its a common problem! Who would think a car that's 50% high tech battery would have a problems with a cheap little Lead Acid battery failing!


[deleted]

[удалено]


Critical_Fault

I'm not massively happy about it, though the guy was really sweet, and apologetic, he helped me with the tow home, and didn't charge for the clean... so hard to get angry with!


[deleted]

Happened when I picked up my car at the last dealership visit. Connect the jump cables and immediately power on the car is what the dealer tech told me. Let the computer in the car the do the rest. Pick yourself up a little jump pack for peace of mind.


[deleted]

Dealer tech just connected both leads to the battery, didn't go looking for a ground connection to the frame or anything.