dead battery
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,607
Likes: 167
From: sylvania ohio
dead battery
took the 2000 out of garage to access attic this morning and got in it to put it back and got click,click ,,,,and thats all . pushed it back into garage and later hooked up battery charger . we picked it up mar. 17 and have put about 1100 miles on since ,550 of those bringing it home . most driving is about '5 miles there,5 miles back' . i feel the dead battery is from the way we drive the car,do i here anyone in agreement or does anyone have a constructive suggestion ? i'd appreciate any comments please even humorous ones . thanks for your time . . .peace . . .bc oh,the battery is after market with a red top .
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 16,507
Likes: 84
From: Southern Indiana
The dead battery has nothing to do with how you drive the car. If you left a load on the battery (e.g. left the lights on) or had it stored for a long time since you last drove it, then you just drained the battery. More likely is that the battery is merely dead, and ready to be replaced.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,743
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From: Omaha Nebraska
St. Jude Donor '06
Wait.. Looks like you have a C2, not a C5.... If it was a C5, two-three weeks and you're done...She'll be plenty dead but you can recharge it... I've read often if you don't keep the red top charged, it will die a premature death...
However, since you have an older car that should NOT drain the battery like the modern Vettes do, then I'd say yeah, the very short drives are not enough to recharge it like it needs and that MAYBE you can bring it back by charging it for a day or two... It's worth a try... check to see what it's putting out for volts after you charge it.. should be at least 12.7 or so...
I'm no expert on Red Tops.. see what others have to say...
Good luck...
However, since you have an older car that should NOT drain the battery like the modern Vettes do, then I'd say yeah, the very short drives are not enough to recharge it like it needs and that MAYBE you can bring it back by charging it for a day or two... It's worth a try... check to see what it's putting out for volts after you charge it.. should be at least 12.7 or so...
I'm no expert on Red Tops.. see what others have to say...
Good luck...
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
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From: Mustang OK
Have the battery tested to determine if it is good. Here's a good link that speaks to the proper way to test a battery:
CAR BATTERY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Good luck!
CAR BATTERY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
I believe 5 mile drives may not be enough to fully charge the battery. On the other hand, there have been many reported Optima failures, so I wouldn't be surprised if the battery is permanently dead. Still, it is worth giving it a 10 amp charge to see if it accepts it. Wait until it's fully charged and give it a try.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Last edited by Dave68; Oct 10, 2006 at 03:01 PM.
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How old is the battery in the car? That could be a factor in the battery not holding the charge too. I have a five year old Red Top in mine, but when I am not driving the car, I keep a Battery Tender on it. So far, so good.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 529
Likes: 1
From: Princeton Texas
If it started when you backed it up then would only click a short time later you may have a poor connection at the batt. cable or the ground. I would agree with those that say it may just need a charge. That is the cheapest first thing to try.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
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My own view is that many failures are caused by the drain on the battery. My Red Tops have been great but mines a DD. Theres a 3 year warranty so if you bought it take it back to the dealer. If I was leaving mine for 3 weeks at a time I'd consider a battery tender.
You may want to look at this poll out of interest:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
You may want to look at this poll out of interest:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1469503
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
Check the terminals at your battery. They might be corroded or simply loose. Some have reported their side terminal batteries were corroded on the inside and when tightened one or the other literally broke off from corrosion.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 349
From: Layton Utah
If the battery is under 3 years old, you should have a full warranty. I would have it load tested to see if there is a bad cell. That is what happened to my original AC Delco and it was replaced free under the 3 year warr. If the battery does not show a weak cell, then you should also have it checked for a drain that is occuring.