Battery dead? Or alternator...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 805
Likes: 3
From: Waco TX
Battery dead? Or alternator...
It's been a LONG time since I have had either go out so I forgot the symptoms.
I got in my vette today and when I turned the key NOTHING happened whatsoever. Not even a clicking sound or anything. No eletrical stuff cut on whatsoever. The PKE didn't work or anything. Absolutely dead-a paperweight. That is a dead battery, right? I figured it it was just "weak" or on it's way out, they symptoms would be different. It hasn't been acting funny, hard starting or anything. I checked the battery connections and they are fine.
Good thing I have another car.
I got in my vette today and when I turned the key NOTHING happened whatsoever. Not even a clicking sound or anything. No eletrical stuff cut on whatsoever. The PKE didn't work or anything. Absolutely dead-a paperweight. That is a dead battery, right? I figured it it was just "weak" or on it's way out, they symptoms would be different. It hasn't been acting funny, hard starting or anything. I checked the battery connections and they are fine.
Good thing I have another car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 111
From: Cherokee National Forest TN
Two things to check:
First clean the battery terminals, corrosion can stop current flow.
When the battery is completely dead its normally caused by a constant current drain. Leaving the interior lights on is favorite.
After servicing the battery terminals hook up a battery charger then check the lights.
A completely dead battery needs to be recharged slowly, suggest a 10 amp charger over night.
There could be other electrical problems however the battery must be fully charged before the rest of the system can be checked.
First clean the battery terminals, corrosion can stop current flow.
When the battery is completely dead its normally caused by a constant current drain. Leaving the interior lights on is favorite.
After servicing the battery terminals hook up a battery charger then check the lights.
A completely dead battery needs to be recharged slowly, suggest a 10 amp charger over night.
There could be other electrical problems however the battery must be fully charged before the rest of the system can be checked.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 2
From: High Bridge New Jersey
Get it tested
a voltmeter across the terminals won't tell you much as it doesn't produce a load -- bring the battery to a reputable auto parts store and they can test it with equipment that will simulate a load to the battery
