yep so I'm pretty sure my battery is dead. I went out there tonight to start it up and I got nada. The stereo went on and all that, but nothin to start the engine. I was kinda expecting it, the startup was getting a little weaker lately, especially after I left it in the garage for a few weeks straight.
Anyways, you guys got any reccomendations for batteries? I know those optima red tops look awesome, but are they really worth the money?
...Also, is there a sure fire way I can check to see if it is my battery that is dead, and not my alt?
battery dead - I think - reccs and ideas?
If you've been experiencing sluggish turnover, and now no turnover, it sounds like the battery is pretty much dead.
Spend the extra money for the optima red top. You won't be disappointed.
I've used many, in several different vehicles. They'll last forever, they don't leak, you can mount em upside down, sideways, any which way you want. Most have sideposts, for multiple applications, which means you can use side posts for your aftermarket accessories, so you don't clutter up the two top posts with a big bundled bunch of wires. Keeps things neat and orderly.
They're compact, and will fit well in the 240 engine compartment. If, by some miracle, you manage to drain an Optima completely, you can recharge it... and it'll actually hold a charge, unlike most conventional batteries.
Optima usually comes with a very beefy warranty, and with good reason. They rarely if ever go bad. Buy one, and I'll bet you never replace it as long as you have your car (assuming you don't have a draw, draining juice from the battery)
Any shop that sells batteries better damn well have a diagnostic device to test for a draw. When you go to buy the Optima, ask if they can test the alternator for you.
Spend the extra money for the optima red top. You won't be disappointed.
I've used many, in several different vehicles. They'll last forever, they don't leak, you can mount em upside down, sideways, any which way you want. Most have sideposts, for multiple applications, which means you can use side posts for your aftermarket accessories, so you don't clutter up the two top posts with a big bundled bunch of wires. Keeps things neat and orderly. They're compact, and will fit well in the 240 engine compartment. If, by some miracle, you manage to drain an Optima completely, you can recharge it... and it'll actually hold a charge, unlike most conventional batteries.
Optima usually comes with a very beefy warranty, and with good reason. They rarely if ever go bad. Buy one, and I'll bet you never replace it as long as you have your car (assuming you don't have a draw, draining juice from the battery)
Any shop that sells batteries better damn well have a diagnostic device to test for a draw. When you go to buy the Optima, ask if they can test the alternator for you.
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spec-v5150
- Posts: 1043
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:24 pm
Here's my story. My upper radiator hose was leaking coolant onto my alternator pulley. This caused my alternator belt to prematurely breakdown and also caused it to slip. Not diagnosing the problem, I went and bought a new redtop optima.
That died (although it was a good battery), then I went and checked the alternator by pulling the - terminal after I got the car started via jumper. It died, so I bought a new alternator. But as I was changing the alternator, a drop of coolant lands in my eye. After much cussing and clutching my eye, I realized what had happened. A coolant leak was causing my alternator belt to deteriorate and was causing my belt to slip as well. A visit to my dealership parts dept then got me my new upper radiator hose and new belts.
after those two were installed, the car ran no problem. Although now it's beginning to not store as much charge as the + cable is beginning to show its age through corrosion as well.
Now for the advice. Check the battery terminals/posts first. If they're loose, tighten them up. If they're corroded, clean em off. If your car still dies, have the battery charged, while having your alternator tested (via my way or at a local parts store). Now if either of them are faulty, replace. It would also be a good idea to inspect your belts. If your belts are cracking or aren't uniform, it's time to replace those too. Don't make the same mistake I did and blow a few hundred bucks on crap you don't need yet. Do a logical and methodical study of your situation and remedy as necessary.
That died (although it was a good battery), then I went and checked the alternator by pulling the - terminal after I got the car started via jumper. It died, so I bought a new alternator. But as I was changing the alternator, a drop of coolant lands in my eye. After much cussing and clutching my eye, I realized what had happened. A coolant leak was causing my alternator belt to deteriorate and was causing my belt to slip as well. A visit to my dealership parts dept then got me my new upper radiator hose and new belts.
after those two were installed, the car ran no problem. Although now it's beginning to not store as much charge as the + cable is beginning to show its age through corrosion as well.
Now for the advice. Check the battery terminals/posts first. If they're loose, tighten them up. If they're corroded, clean em off. If your car still dies, have the battery charged, while having your alternator tested (via my way or at a local parts store). Now if either of them are faulty, replace. It would also be a good idea to inspect your belts. If your belts are cracking or aren't uniform, it's time to replace those too. Don't make the same mistake I did and blow a few hundred bucks on crap you don't need yet. Do a logical and methodical study of your situation and remedy as necessary.