Hi guys,
I parked my mom's 96 q in the garage for a week (clay barring and the ongoing process of the 3-stage waxing, whenever i had free time) and last night when i tried to start it, it took a very long time to crank (with ac and radio on)... but it eventually started. Then later that night, i had to drop my friend off at her house to pick something up.... while i was waiting outside, i had the radio on (engine not running) for about 15min listening to the Angels game.
Then when i tried to start the car again (ac and radio on), nothing, didnt even crank, lights turned dim while i turned the key in the ignition. So i took the key out, waited a couple of minutes and tried to start it again.... this time with ac and radio off. It cranked for a period of time, but it eventually started (quicker than earlier that night).
Now... i searched a bit on this site about batteries and flipped through the electical section of the FSM. The FSM recommends that if the car is going to be stored a long period of time, i should disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Additionally (I never knew this!) even if the car is off, the battery still powers a list of components on the car... therefore, if the car sits for a while, the battery will slowly drain over time.
It has been a whole day since i last drove the Q and im pretty sure the battery is all drained again. I have no idea how old the battery is and when i first bought the Q, i noticed A LOT of corrossion around the positive battery terminal.
Do you suggest i change out the battery?
Im hoping its not the alternator because ive never had any electical problems with the car (no lights randomly dimming). The only electrical problems ive had was: the engine being difficult to start after it has been sitting for a while.
Thanx for you input,James
Parked Q for a week, now very hard to start, should i get a new battery?
When the alternator goes, your dashboard will light up like its christmas at the mall.
Change your battery, but BE SURE you charge the new one before putting it in! Batteries often do not come fully charged, and your alternator is only capable of maintaining a full charge, not making up for a weak one. Installing a half-charged battery will work at first, but after a couple days it'll die.
This would also be a good time to clean the terminals and if its really corroded, replace the negative cable that goes to the chassis and to the alternator.
NICO members strongly prefer Optima. (I use a $40 Everstart from Wal-Mart.)
Change your battery, but BE SURE you charge the new one before putting it in! Batteries often do not come fully charged, and your alternator is only capable of maintaining a full charge, not making up for a weak one. Installing a half-charged battery will work at first, but after a couple days it'll die.
This would also be a good time to clean the terminals and if its really corroded, replace the negative cable that goes to the chassis and to the alternator.
NICO members strongly prefer Optima. (I use a $40 Everstart from Wal-Mart.)
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maxnix
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Re: (Jesda)
Optima is great.
Don't abuse the alternator anymore by using a dead battery or you will be replacing it also.
Don't abuse the alternator anymore by using a dead battery or you will be replacing it also.
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AlabamaDan
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Re: Parked Q for a week, now very hard to start, should i ... (jedi_sol)
Jesda and Maxnix hit the nail on the head.
Too often people put off purchasing a new battery, and the "long term" cost is accelerated aging of the alt.
IMHO, Optima's a great batteries and worth the extra $$, but I'd rather see someone replace a battery early than wait to buy the Optima.
Too often people put off purchasing a new battery, and the "long term" cost is accelerated aging of the alt.
IMHO, Optima's a great batteries and worth the extra $$, but I'd rather see someone replace a battery early than wait to buy the Optima.
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AlabamaDan
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Q451990
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Re: (dannymchale)
I think it depends on how long it's sitting, and what kind of draw you're having. Alternators are good at "topping off" the battery - but not charging it from a low voltage. If it's just sitting there for a week with no activity (radio off, lights off, door closed) it should be fine. Any longer and a float charger wouldn't hurt things...dannymchale wrote:So would it make sense to periodically just charge up your battery with a charger overnight?
http://www.harborfreight.com/c...42292
Heath
Re: (Jesda)
Thanx for all of the replys guys.
I just ordered a couple knock sensors and the plenum hose kit, so cash is a tight right now. Ill prolly stop by walmart one of these days.
Hey Jesda, i just noticed your signature... be sure to add George Sr.'s new chicken dance:
ya-da-da-daaaa...ya-da-da-daaaaa
-James
I just ordered a couple knock sensors and the plenum hose kit, so cash is a tight right now. Ill prolly stop by walmart one of these days.
Hey Jesda, i just noticed your signature... be sure to add George Sr.'s new chicken dance:
ya-da-da-daaaa...ya-da-da-daaaaa
-James
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3Q Jay
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Re: (jedi_sol)
James- you might also try cleaning up your posts rel good in the meantime. not a replacement for a weak battery, but may help get more juice in and out of the battery.
i'm back in town now, e-mail if you still want to drop by with the Q.
i'm back in town now, e-mail if you still want to drop by with the Q.