83 SC --- No start; battery?

[83_Silberpfeil]

This morning, the Silver Arrwow did not start. No headlights, no door/dome lights, no clicks, dashboard lights --- nothing.

First start attempt in about 3-4 wks. Everything was normal/perfect in the last start/drive.

Had to leave for work so, took the DD (E91 Wagon).

I'm thinking it's probably just a drained battery (X my fingers). Or, maybe the terminal at the battery got loose --- I had to disconn then reconn when installing a new head unit about 6 months back.

Anyway --- if it's just a drained battery, I'll just jump start it. QUESTION: anything to lookout for or any special precautions on jump starting the SC?

Then --- if it comes down to replacing the battery, what's a good suggestion? I'm usually practical and just go with something that works ---- nothing fancy like OPTIMA.

Thanks --- look forward to replies/suggestions.

[JJ 911SC]

I would not jump start it.

If it's drain, just put it on a trickle charger and see what it does.

Most garage (to get your business) will load test it for free.

You can get a Bosch from Pepboy or even Costco (their own brand).

Its a 49 Group size, over 13" long and quite heavy.

[Joe Bob]

No jump...charge it....

[83_Silberpfeil]

JB & JJ ---

Much thanks both for chiming in.

Can you help me understand why I shouldn't jump start it? Perhaps there's a chance of shorting somehting?

[Joe Bob]

Jump starting is for an emergency. The alt is not designed to charge a battery but maintain a battery. Plus there is always the chance of an arc or some idjut reversing polarity. Alts are not cheap and the labor isn't either.

Components can and have been fried.

If anyone ever offers to help...YOU do the connecting. That way if'n y'all fuch up, you are to blame....

[teenerted1]

why not an optima? you can get one for @ $80 at costco and you get to take advantage of their return policy

[JJ 911SC]

Right now, we don't really know what is wrong.

If its a case that the battery is drained, once you jump start it, you are now asking your alternator to charge a dead battery which is not good for the alternator.

The battery needs to be fully charge first and we'll take it from there.

Take a bit of time, charge her up and see what it say.

If you are anxious (like lots of us), installed a charge battery and avoid to jump start.

How old is the old battery and what voltage it is at?

[83_Silberpfeil]

JJ --- thanks for the clarification. I'll stop by at HF tonight and by a voltmeter and a charger.

I'll report tomorrow.

JC

[Joe Bob]

Battery should be at 12.5-13 at rest......

Where in So Ca are you?

[JJ 911SC]

and if you are charging in situ, disconnect one side of the battery.

If you got time, take/record a voltage reading before charging and every hour until bedtime and restart tomorrow morning.

We'll all be here following you progress

[83_Silberpfeil]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Battery should be at 12.5-13 at rest......

Where in So Ca are you?

Thanks for the datapoints.

I'm in Pasadena/SanGabrielVal area.

[Joe Bob]

Well, if I was closer, I'd help.....

[83_Silberpfeil]

JB --- no doubt, if I was close, you'll be knock'n on my garage door ;-).

Alright --- got the HF $40 charger and the $6.99 multimeter. Believe it or not, this is first time I've used a multimeter --- I'm 40+ yrs.

Anyway --- set multimeter dial at the 20V setting, turned it on and placed the tips on the battery terminal. It read 0.5. I take it that means the battery is drained down to 0.5V?

I didn't disconn the battery terminal connectors because I didn't want to charge it yet. I wanted to report the finding to this panel of experts and get your prescription of next steps first.

So, all you experienced folks? What should I do?

JC

[richard003@wind]

Try cleaning your terminals first then charge it. Cant get a good reading through dirty terminals.. even if they look ok.

[83_Silberpfeil]

Hmmm, great suggestion. But, how to clean?

Originally Posted by richard003@wind

Try cleaning your terminals first then charge it. Cant get a good reading through dirty terminals.. even if they look ok.

[83_Silberpfeil]

Just to clarify --- the battery looks vey good/clean/new. Terminals look very clean also, no residue or discoloring at all.

[JJ 911SC]

JC

When you were at HF you probably walked by a little tool that is for cleaning post and the connectors. Usually less then $3.

You don't really need to go back but next time you are there... Right now you can use a small brass brush or a 120 or higher sand paper.

Disconnect one side or both (usually the negative side is the easiest), brush them up and wipe clean.

Your charger probably got 2 setting (2Amp & 6 Amp). Set it on the lowest one and charge her over nigh. Take/record the reading once a while, have a beer and go to bed

Tomorrow, post your finding and we'll take it from there.

At .5 volt, I'm suspecting that either a light or radio stayed on (or maybe not) but you would not be the first one it happened to.

[JJ 911SC]

For your next trip, less then $3 each;

Battery Terminal Cleaner

6 Piece Detail Brush Set

[83_Silberpfeil]

Cannot disconn the + side. What to do? Can I charge by hooking up charger over the battery connector on the + side?

[83_Silberpfeil]

Thanks for sandpaper suggestiin. After a few passes w 150 then 220, now measuring @ 4.77 V.

Got the + side off finally. Ready to charge!