Fuses? Help!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Fuses? Help!
I try to start my car weekly even though I am not really driving it during the winter months. I noticed my tires were low so I got my DC powered air pump and plugged it into the cigarette lighter. It turned on for a few seconds then shut off. I figured I just blew a fuse. When I got back in the car I noticed my interior lights were not working and the lights on my heater were not lit up. Radio was still on. I did not have time to pop open the fuse panel today. Does anyone with more knowledge than me know if these are on the same fuse or is it a more serious problem? Any help greatly appreciated.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
Once a month is fine for starting up, but you should run it at 2K RPM to help burn off condensation in exhaust and oil (as if you were driving on the road). Oil temps should get up to the temps you would normally see running on the road. Leave the hood open as well so that heat can dissipate since the car isn't moving. Also good idea to run A/C unit too using defrost and heat on high to help evaporate any moisture on the inside as well as lubricate internal A/C parts. Battery you should just disconnect, not necessary to use a trickle charge, but disconnecting will mean you'll lose memory in your radio.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
Once a month is fine for starting up, but you should run it at 2K RPM to help burn off condensation in exhaust and oil (as if you were driving on the road). Oil temps should get up to the temps you would normally see running on the road. Leave the hood open as well so that heat can dissipate since the car isn't moving. Also good idea to run A/C unit too using defrost and heat on high to help evaporate any moisture on the inside as well as lubricate internal A/C parts. Battery you should just disconnect, not necessary to use a trickle charge, but disconnecting will mean you'll lose memory in your radio.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
Been on this forum a long time and never once have I seen someone complain about a battery freezing and bursting! Modern car batteries are filled with a "gel" and unless you're in continuous -20 degree weather for a month straight and the battery completely discharges, that's not going to be a concern.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 109
From: Longmont Co
True, but at a much slower rate then connected up...even though we're only talking 30mA.
Been on this forum a long time and never once have I seen someone complain about a battery freezing and bursting! Modern car batteries are filled with a "gel" and unless you're in continuous -20 degree weather for a month straight and the battery completely discharges, that's not going to be a concern.
Been on this forum a long time and never once have I seen someone complain about a battery freezing and bursting! Modern car batteries are filled with a "gel" and unless you're in continuous -20 degree weather for a month straight and the battery completely discharges, that's not going to be a concern.
I have seen batteries freeze and burst, but now that i think about it, not for a long time now. I thought it was because I was careful to keep them charged up now, but maybe it is because they make them better. Back in the "day", it seems like a few days below zero was enough to freeze one, at least if it had been sitting for a while already.