GuyFromLeMans

So I replaced the battery on my 05 Z51, then got inside to index windows, and nothing. Inside lights are on, dash is on but engine not cranking and window not moving.
Checked voltage and it was low (10 something) so I thought maybe the battery been on the shelf a while, give it a deep maintenance charge at 2 amps for about 3 hours, and it got right up to 13.3, but still nothing happening inside the cabin.....

What am I missing?

timd38

13.3 was a surface charge. A 55 amp battery at 10V needs about 20 hours at 2amps to charge.

GuyFromLeMans

And that would be the reason why the window wouldn't even budge?
Thanks, I'll try to do a quick 50A charge to see if it's a charge issue.

JetstreamGS

I would take the battery back and exchange it. A new battery should not be discharged whatsoever. If that doesn't fix it you have other issues.

timd38

A fully charged battery is the key to finding issues, so until you have a fully charged battery, you don't know anything.

As state in the above post, they should not have sold you a discharged battery. I would return it and get another one.

GuyFromLeMans

I do.
Battery is now fully charged.Headlights come on strong, just can't put the car on Access. mode or crank it, and windows don't move..... weird.

I even tried with a 50Amp jump from the charger, nothing.
Can it be a fuse?

Getting really annoyed. Thanks for the help....

Bill Dearborn

Have you removed the battery cable ends from the battery and inspected them to make sure they are in good condition? A fair number of battery issues are due to improper maintenance of the cables. Make sure they fit tightly on the battery and are making good contact with the battery. Then check the other ends of the cables. Check the ground connection on the frame and the hot connection on the starter.

Bill

GuyFromLeMans

Will check again, but I have a feeling it's not a battery / charge issue (unfortunately as that would be too easy...)
When I hooked the charger clamps on the terminals I got a good sparking discharge, indicative of a fully charged battery...
Thanks Bill

Pitufina

Make sure is not in acc mode when reconnect the battery. I had a similar issue after my battery died and was recharged. I had to make sure to turn the switch back to the off position before attempting to start the engine.

GuyFromLeMans

All is well now.... Bill was the closest on the diagnosis (as often is the case) but thanks to all!

Damn terminals.... I thought I was going to break them as I overtightened them, but that's all it took.
Cranked right up.
How can they be tight enough for lights and dash to work but not the windows or starter motor? Resistance I guess....

Hopefully I'm good for another 5 years at least.

timd38

Great!

GuyFromLeMans

Funny thing is the car now runs better than it ever has..... Can a healthy battery have that much of an impact on overall performance?... or am I just happy to have a new battery.....

timd38

Everything revolves around providing enough electrical power. My bet is that the cable issue had more to do with it than the battery!