Battery charging problem
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Centerport NY
Battery charging problem
I want to trickle charge my battery which has been sitting in my car for months without any use (I had medical problems).
I attach the chager to the battery and the underhood light starts to flash. Is this OK?
I attach the chager to the battery and the underhood light starts to flash. Is this OK?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Battery charging problem (jriordan)
No. You can charge the battery in the car, but it seems to me that a better way is to take it out. At least disconnect it before attaching the charger leads. Be sure to do a slow charge; quick charges are not supposed to be good for our batteries. Think about a Battery Tender, if you are going to let the car sit for more that a week or two at a time. They aork great and save time and temper in the long run. :D
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 901
Likes: 2
From: Deptford, NJ
Re: Battery charging problem (jriordan)
My 2001 sits in the garage for months at a time. After (2) dead Delco's, I got the Battery Tender. They are about $40.00 and work excellent. I plug it into the wall, sit the charged on the driver's side tire and fish the cables under the hood. The hood will even close tight with a gentle push.
Get one ASAP.
-Chuck
Get one ASAP.
-Chuck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
Re: Battery charging problem (jriordan)
If this battery has been sitting long time, most likely it cannot be saved anymore. Trickle charging an entirely flat battery ( 0 volt) while the car electronics are connected might damage some parts since the voltage gets build up very slowly and crucial parts remain in an undefined state way too long.
Disconnect the battery and use a normal battery charger to charge it while keeping a close eye on charging currents, temperatures etc...
When you're sure that the battery has at least 12 Volt, then hook up the car.
Hope this helps
Roger
Disconnect the battery and use a normal battery charger to charge it while keeping a close eye on charging currents, temperatures etc...
When you're sure that the battery has at least 12 Volt, then hook up the car.
Hope this helps
Roger
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: Battery charging problem (jriordan)
According to ACDelco, the AGM battery preferred charging rate is 20 amps. If you can't charge at that level, I'd go with 10 amps. And as others have mentioned, disconnect your battery first.
