Dead Battery Question ??
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
Dead Battery Question ??
I was excited to get home yesturday with the good weather and pull out my baby for the first time.
DEAD Battery :mad
I just bought it in October, new Exide.
I pulled the neg cable, car stored in my garage, non-heated but stayed 35F or higher, never tried to start it.
Should it have gone so dead I didn't even have dome lights?
How long did your battery last ?
I knoiw next winter I will get one of those trickle chargers.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Re: Dead Battery Question ?? (corvette-pilot)
How long do batteries last ?..
Invest in a battery charger that has multiple amperage settings: 2 - 10 - 60, with automatic shut-off.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
Re: Dead Battery Question ?? (Oldman)
I'm headed to Sears right after work :thumbs:
I just figured it would have stayed a little charged over the winter with no load?
I just figured it would have stayed a little charged over the winter with no load?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Dead Battery Question ?? (corvette-pilot)
I have posted this info on lead acid batteries many many times. Lets do it again. Lead acid batteries self discharge about 1% every day even if disconnected. Lead acid batteries do not like sitting for long periods doing nothing and the plates collect lead sulphate which is a good insulator which turns the battery into a door stop. If you store your car for longer than 4 weeks, I recommend you use an automatic battery charger that turns itself off when the battery is charged. If you already have a battery charger, then buy an interval timer and have it turn your charger on for its minimum interval each day (usually 15 min) and this will keep your battery charged and in good condition.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
Re: Dead Battery Question ?? (jfb)
If you already have a battery charger, then buy an interval timer and have it turn your charger on for its minimum interval each day (usually 15 min) and this will keep your battery charged and in good condition.
I happen to have a couple that I have no use for until now
Thanks for the tip
:flag :flag :flag :flag :flag
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 6,272
Likes: 2
From: Chino Valley AZ
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Currently Corvette-less
Re: Dead Battery Question ?? (corvette-pilot)
I also have an Exide Battery in my 92 Coupe. After a few intervals that extended for a period of greater than 4 weeks with no activity ~ My battery bit the dust. The battery was 2 years old at the time.
I agree with jfb that innactivity without periodic charge will eventually turn your battery into a doorstop. The Manager at the local Checker Auto didn't give me any grief. He adjusted the price and sent me on my way.
I would also like to add that making a carte-blanc statement that a battery should last 5 to 7 years doesn't always hold true. The extreme heat here in Phoenix makes it near impossible to get more than 2 years life out of the best of batteries.
~ Purp :yesnod:
[Modified by PurpleC4, 2:20 PM 3/27/2003]
I agree with jfb that innactivity without periodic charge will eventually turn your battery into a doorstop. The Manager at the local Checker Auto didn't give me any grief. He adjusted the price and sent me on my way.
I would also like to add that making a carte-blanc statement that a battery should last 5 to 7 years doesn't always hold true. The extreme heat here in Phoenix makes it near impossible to get more than 2 years life out of the best of batteries.
~ Purp :yesnod:
[Modified by PurpleC4, 2:20 PM 3/27/2003]
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Kingsport TN
Re: Dead Battery Question ?? (corvette-pilot)
Hi corvette-pilot, really a somewhat difficult question. But on a daily driver the battery should last 3 years or longer depending on your climate and the quality of battery. However when in storage and even with the cable disconnected, then this is not considered really a normal condition. So longevity is hard to answer. But...why not take it back to where you bought it and exchange it? I had a similar thing happen to me and the battery had a 4 year full replacement which I took advantage of.
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Pitman NJ
Re: Dead Battery Question ?? (corvette-pilot)
Every car that I've bedded down for the winter months have their batteries die. I've come to the conclusion that I'll buy a cheap battery every couple of years because cheap or expensive they will die at the same rate. As it starts to get warmer I will charge it for a day and I'm good for the summer. That's my 2cents.
