'97 J30t sits for five days and drains battery?

[shortlid]

Ok, my bros '97 J30t in mint condition no previous electrical problems. He left it at the KC airport for five days. When he returns it will not start. A lot attendant helps him jump start it and it dies at the booth to pay for parking. Gets it jumped again this time he makes sure everything is off and makes it home? What is the likely cause, running to many assc. while the battery needs to recharge? Or is the battery or worse the alternator on it's way south?

[J30Guy612]

I always thought that after the vehicle was started, the alternator took over but maybe the battery has something to do with it.

If you have a voltage meter, test the voltage at the battery and at the alternator and see which isn't doing it's job

[shortlid]

Can't most autoparts stores like Autozone or Pep Boys do a charging system and battery test for free?

[J30Guy612]

Yep they definately can

I just do it myself, because I don't trust some of those guys installing windshield wipers, nevermind testing voltage

Let us know how everything works out!

[driverdriver]

Does the J have any aftermarket accessories (i.e. foglights, headrest screens) that where left on when the car was turned off?

I've seen cars where aftermarket accessories where not turned off when the vehicle was turned off and that was the root cause for draining a new battery.

[J30Guy612]

Here are a few things you can try to narrow down the problem your brother is having:

Fire up the J30 now, and see if it fires up the first shot. If not, and you need to jump the car then the problem is most likely the battery.

If it does start up, see if it starts sluggish or takes a little while to turn over. This is a sign of a weak battery.

What I'm thinking is your battery is on it's way out, and the original jump wasn't long enough to keep the car going. After the car had been running for a few minutes, it stayed running because the alternator was cranking out juice.

Just a few things you can do in your driveway and have a better idea about what's going on.

[shortlid]

The car is stock no aftermarket bits. I was thinking the first jump was not enough as well if the battery was completely flat.

[J30Guy612]

I'm willing to bet thats your problem, let us know how everything turns out!

[94J30]

Ok, my bros '97 J30t in mint condition no previous electrical problems. He left it at the KC airport for five days. When he returns it will not start. A lot attendant helps him jump start it and it dies at the booth to pay for parking. Gets it jumped again this time he makes sure everything is off and makes it home? What is the likely cause, running to many assc. while the battery needs to recharge? Or is the battery or worse the alternator on it's way south?

Check the terminals for corrosion, also is the battery sealed or will it take distilled water?? If so, it may be low on water. Just a thought.

[Skapunk4everr]

Check the terminals for corrosion, also is the battery sealed or will it take distilled water?? If so, it may be low on water. Just a thought.

Yes, I had this exact same problem with my 95 j30. if the terminals do have any corrosion on them at all, the j may hesitate startup, you can get a terminal brush at places such as Ace hardware, and the auto parts stores. Takes about 3 min to clean them off and the jshould fire right up.

That is, if your battery has a full charge, so if you have a battery charger just put it on for a few hours.

[shortlid]

It is not sealed, so he should top off with distilled water.