Battery Question

[Ducst4]

Happy Healthy New Year to all my Pelican friends.
May 2008 bring everyone a problem free year!

Now my question, after just 1 month of storage, my battery is completely dead.
I did not disconnect it and I forgot to install my tickle charge. I have an alarm system that might have drained it.

I don't know how old the battery is, I bought the car 2 years ago. (89 3.2 cab)

Sears Die Hard International
D28 M50749 50749 No. 49/93 Group size
800 CCA 145 Reserve Capacity

I have charge it and it seems ok now. Do I have to check the acid level in this type of battery? It says do not open on the battery.



Thanks

[billybek]

If the top doesn't come off the battery, pull it and look at the electrolyte level in each of the cells.
Maintenance free batteries are not really maintenance free. If the top is removable, pull it and check the levels. You can use distilled water to top up, I just use Calgary tap water.
If the level is up and it holds a charge don't worry about it..
If it was frozen look for bulged sides on the battery... That does happen up here in Canada, eh?

[rgdalacrity]

Just for the hell of it, make sure your window will not go down once you open the drivers side door as you exit the car. This is often the cause of battery draining. It may be a long shot, but worth checking.

[RickM]

Once a lead acid battery fully discharges some damage has been done.
In all the years that I've topped off batteries with distilled water I have not once seen a benefit. In fact it seems that in one or two instances I hastened the end of service by topping off.

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by RickM

Once a lead acid battery fully discharges some damage has been done.
In all the years that I've topped off batteries with distilled water I have not once seen a benefit. In fact it seems that in one or two instances I hastened the end of service by topping off.

I agree with the first sentence, but not your second point. Putting fluid in doesn't hurt, particularly if it needs it. I've seen results with distilled water.

[Hugh R]

Adding water to a partially discharged battery will weaken it. Your diluting the electrolyte, but it should charge up again unless fully scaled out with sludge in the bottom.

[billybek]

On the other hand, having a cell only half full isn't going to do anything for the life of the battery either! I am sure he won't replace a battery on pure speculation, I know I wouldn't.
Check the levels, charge it up, see what happens...