Trouble comes in 3's
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 118
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From: Swanton Ohio
Trouble comes in 3's
OK so today it finally got warm here in the frigid north and I tried to get the car out. I put a brand new battery in it last fall and ran it a couple times over the winter, but of course it wouldn't start. I jumped the car to get it going and went around the block (that's 4 miles here in God's Country). About half way around I heard ding-ding-ding and saw RR tire flat on the DIC. So since I still have run flats I limped home (so why don't you guys like these??). I checked the tire and had picked up a sheet metal screw (I guess I just don't see the fun in dropping screws out of your truck). I shut off the car to wash it and when I tried to start it - no go. Jumped it again and then the damn Column Locked!
Sorry about the whine - but what a way to start the season!!!
Sorry about the whine - but what a way to start the season!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
OK so today it finally got warm here in the frigid north and I tried to get the car out. I put a brand new battery in it last fall and ran it a couple times over the winter, but of course it wouldn't start. I jumped the car to get it going and went around the block (that's 4 miles here in God's Country). About half way around I heard ding-ding-ding and saw RR tire flat on the DIC. So since I still have run flats I limped home (so why don't you guys like these??). I checked the tire and had picked up a sheet metal screw (I guess I just don't see the fun in dropping screws out of your truck). I shut off the car to wash it and when I tried to start it - no go. Jumped it again and then the damn Column Locked!
Sorry about the whine - but what a way to start the season!!!
Sorry about the whine - but what a way to start the season!!!
Put a slow chg on the batt, I have 4 diff batt tenders on all my cars to keep from this. Run flats or great on a 100% stock car, I love them on the BMW that the wifes drives.The column lock is a pain also to get.
Just hope for you that this is your full year of problems.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
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From: San Diego CA
You should never just jump the engine if your car is at home. Charge the battery, fully before driving off. A 4-mile drive is insufficient to charge the battery.
And regarding runflats: Most often, a nail or screw will cause a slow leak and thus allow plenty of time to get home or to a tire shop. The difference between runflats and non-runflats is like night and day. Some of the new runflats are better, but my nons are 6+ lbs lighter than the OEM runflats and the ride is superior in every way except steering response, which is a bit quicker.
By the way, your column lock message may very well be because of low voltage. Get that battery fully charged, ASAP.
And regarding runflats: Most often, a nail or screw will cause a slow leak and thus allow plenty of time to get home or to a tire shop. The difference between runflats and non-runflats is like night and day. Some of the new runflats are better, but my nons are 6+ lbs lighter than the OEM runflats and the ride is superior in every way except steering response, which is a bit quicker.
By the way, your column lock message may very well be because of low voltage. Get that battery fully charged, ASAP.
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And for the next time you store the car, get yourself a battery tender - will keep your battery fully charged for when you want to get in and drive the car after an extended period of non-driving.
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From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Gulf Coast Mississippi
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Yep, battery tender is the bomb, I don't store my car and I still keep a trickle charger hooked up when I plan on parking it for more than a few days, they are pretty inexpensive and worth every dime. Hopefully you just had all the bad luck your going to have for the year 
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Lompoc California
Picked up a solar cell at Autozone for around 26 bucks. I drive daily but not very far. Had to jump it like 3 times before I got the cell. It has suction cups so it is on the glass behind my head. Haven't had a problem since.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
I've had the battery that's currently in my car for 6-7 years. I started it and took it out after 5 1/2 months of storage this past week. All I've ever done is disconnect the negative battery terminal. It's always fired right up in the spring.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: CT
Interesting DD. you didnt charge the battery while in storage at all?
Race Director
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From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
