New guy...Dash and stereo display issues
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
New guy...Dash and stereo display issues
First off.... Howdy!
I have a 40 anniversary Ruby rag top with only 7400 original miles... unmolested right down to the original tires. Show room condition.
I didnt drive the car at all last year because of money issues. Things are looking up this year so I will be doing a little cruising and a couple shows after I get the new tags and full Ins. Only have fire and theft right now.
I just took it off the stands and pulled it out of the garage today and drove up the street and back. Im out in the country, so what the heck right? Anyway, as I was backing her back in the garage, I noticed that the dash and stereo displays were kind of flickering a bit. My battery tender must have quit working because I had to jump it, and after I parked it I tried to restart it, but no go. Ill pick up a new battery this week, but is it possible that dead battery could be the culprit even though the volt meter showed almost 15 or 16 volts?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.....
I have a 40 anniversary Ruby rag top with only 7400 original miles... unmolested right down to the original tires. Show room condition.
I didnt drive the car at all last year because of money issues. Things are looking up this year so I will be doing a little cruising and a couple shows after I get the new tags and full Ins. Only have fire and theft right now.
I just took it off the stands and pulled it out of the garage today and drove up the street and back. Im out in the country, so what the heck right? Anyway, as I was backing her back in the garage, I noticed that the dash and stereo displays were kind of flickering a bit. My battery tender must have quit working because I had to jump it, and after I parked it I tried to restart it, but no go. Ill pick up a new battery this week, but is it possible that dead battery could be the culprit even though the volt meter showed almost 15 or 16 volts?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.....
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,770
Likes: 175
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
I would think it is possible.
With a low battery, you should see a "SYS" message flash every minute or so in the speedo display (with the car running).
A low battery can cause lots of weird behavior.
With a low battery, you should see a "SYS" message flash every minute or so in the speedo display (with the car running).
A low battery can cause lots of weird behavior.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks... I guess I'll just have to wait and see what a new battery does for it. But I didnt get any SYS messages in the short drive I took... it was only maybe a mile or so though.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
If it has 20 year old tires I wouldnt be cruising too much especially at highway speeds. The old tires will have damage not obvious to the eye. A typical tire life would be 5-7 years, maybe 10 if climate controlled out of the sunlight.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Are you saying that I could blow one on the freeway even though they look like the day they was made? .... well almost like the day they was made. I drive her easy, but have had it on the freeway for very short periods. It has seen 100+ MPH a couple times
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 855
Likes: 36
From: Crystal Springs MS
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,060
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
You generally don't want to do that, modern suspension systems are not designed to float for long periods of time. And definitely don't ride on those tires...you're very lucky they haven't blown out yet!
Last edited by bac22; Mar 27, 2012 at 09:52 AM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 28
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Even in the old days, putting a car on blocks (or stands) was not meant to take the weight of the carr off of the suspension. On all cars (old or new) the suspension should always remain loaded by the weight of the body. Cars were lifted to take the weight off of the tires and bearings only. Not the springs and shocks.
Therefore, blocks or stands should be placed under an appropriate part of the suspension.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Take your original wheels and tires off and store them in your garage out of the heat, cold and sunlight. Use them only for special shows and NCRS judging. Then purchase a set of wheels that you like and add some new tires for daily driving. This way you will preserve your OEM wheels and tires for possible future judging and still be safe driving on public roads or Interstates.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Thanks guys, I do appreciate the tire info. I had planed on doing exactly what you suggested on the after market wheels and tires for the preservation reasons. I never gave a thought to the originals giving out, I was only worried about wearing down the tread and loosing points. Money is tight and if anyone has suggestions on some affordable wheels and tires I would appreciate some info. I would like to go with something like 18s in front and 19s in the back... possibly in black.
I do put the front stands under the A-arms as far out as I can and in back I place them under the shocks. I thought I was good, but you have me worried about that as well.
I do put the front stands under the A-arms as far out as I can and in back I place them under the shocks. I thought I was good, but you have me worried about that as well.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Use this guide as you do not want to bend or break any of your aluminum suspension parts OR put a jack through your floor boards.
Last edited by pmihaltian; Mar 28, 2012 at 09:54 AM.