One of the first things that you may hear from a client when it comes to troubleshooting is the battery.
When our clients first get their ignition interlock, they are given training and given instructions on how to pass tests and keep them on the road safely and legally. But there are a few more things they should know to make sure that your ignition interlock program goes smoothly.
Occasionally an interlock user will have problems with a battery that seems to drain too fast. The fault could be a defective device, but 99 out of 100 times it's caused by an old battery or defective alternator. The problem might not have been noticed until the interlock was installed. Fortunately, the situation is easily avoidable.
Here's what you need to remember:
The Vehicle is Always Awake
Even when parked in the garage, the vehicle is using power. Most accessories (including the clock and radio) draw a tiny amount of electricity. Any alarm or GPS unit will also draw power. That means that eventually, the battery will die if not charged regularly by driving.
An Ignition Interlock is Just an Electronic Accessory
Just like a car alarm, an ignition interlock is an accessory wired into the car's electrical system The device draws about the same amount of power that a car radio does in order to keep your station settings. It's a tiny amount, but that amount is nonetheless vital.
The Vehicle Battery Needs to be “Good”
This is true whether or not you have an ignition interlock, but if you do, it's even more vital. Any new battery should give you four years. If you live in a very cold climate, replace it after that. If not, you should still keep an eye on it, because a failure can lead to hassles.
Your Alternator Needs to be Good Too
• If your starter isn't cranking as quickly as it should, or if battery power is down, it might be the alternator, the part of your car that charges the battery as it's running. Both the battery and the alternator have to be in great shape if you've got any extra electronic accessories in your car. Have the alternator checked.
• You Must Drive Your Vehicle 2-3 Times a Week
• Even if you haven't planned on driving, you'll need take a spin in your vehicle 2 or 3 times a week, to keep the battery topped up. This applies whether you have an ignition interlock or an inboard DVD player. Accessories use a little power and while your battery is up to the task, it must be charged regularly.
• That's it. Treat your interlock like any electronic accessory, keep your battery charged, and you'll never have a problem starting up.
Charging your Battery
Client may change or charge battery if needed. For a new battery advice client to buy new battery first, have new battery available when taking out the old one. Device will not record a disconnect if replaced within 1 minute. If device goes into SERVICE/ LOCKOUT client must make appointment for reset. The client is required to save the receipt to show Monitoring Authority and Service Center.
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