Dead Battery Tips?

[Pstallo]

I recently installed the JWest headlight relay kit, new lamps, 80/100 bulbs, etc. I follwed the installation guide step by step and it was easier than I thought it would be.

Then, I went out of town for a month, came back, and the battery was dead as a doornail. I couldn't find any switches I had left on that could have drained the battery.

I put the battery on a charger as was off and running in a matter of hours.

The JWest kit has a line that goes directly to the red terminal of the battery. Could that have slowly drained the battery or do you think I may have bad battery?

[Oh Haha]

Test the draw on the battery with a multimeter tool. Your battery may be getting weak and the relay kit was just enough draw over time to kill it.

How old is the battery?

Did you disconnect the cables when you were installing the kit? How long did you have the front hood open?

[Pstallo]

I did disconnect the battery cables during installation. The hood was open about 3 hours, but the light wasn't on since the battery was disconnected.

The battery is probably 5-6 years old.

I initially thought that I left the lights on and the parking lights were lit all month, but the headlight switch was definitely turned off.

[wwest]

It's not altogether when using relays that a "ghost" circuit comes about, just enough current to hold the relays engaged but not enough to activate them initially.

[Pstallo]

Originally Posted by wwest

It's not altogether when using relays that a "ghost" circuit comes about, just enough current to hold the relays engaged but not enough to activate them initially.

If that's the case, I wonder how hard it would be to install a battery 'shut-off' switch so I wouldn't have to remove a battery cable every time I left the car for a while (it's a pain to get to them to tighten/loosen)

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by Pstallo

If that's the case, I wonder how hard it would be to install a battery 'shut-off' switch so I wouldn't have to remove a battery cable every time I left the car for a while (it's a pain to get to them to tighten/loosen)

I installed a simple lever style shutoff on the negative terminal of my battery. I park my SC in the winter months so it is very useful. It also comes in handy as an anti-theft device.

[Rodek]

I use a cutoff switch similar to this one:

Amazon.com: NOCO ID220S 6V-24V 125 Amp Battery Disconnect Switch: Automotive


It does a good job and like Oh Haha said, it's also a good anti theft device.

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by Pstallo

If that's the case, I wonder how hard it would be to install a battery 'shut-off' switch so I wouldn't have to remove a battery cable every time I left the car for a while (it's a pain to get to them to tighten/loosen)

When I leave my car in the garage even for a week or so I just pull the battery ground cable off. When I drive the car I just push it back on with a slight twist. Never tightened or loosened the clamp with a wrench. Remember, even the clock always draws some current and can weaken the battery.

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by Pstallo

I recently installed the JWest headlight relay kit, new lamps, 80/100 bulbs, etc. I follwed the installation guide step by step and it was easier than I thought it would be.

Then, I went out of town for a month, came back, and the battery was dead as a doornail. I couldn't find any switches I had left on that could have drained the battery.

I put the battery on a charger as was off and running in a matter of hours.

The JWest kit has a line that goes directly to the red terminal of the battery. Could that have slowly drained the battery or do you think I may have bad battery?

I don't think the J.West relays drain any current from the battery when the lights are off. They are not wired like that. They only use electricity when the lights are turned on.

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by Pstallo

I did disconnect the battery cables during installation. The hood was open about 3 hours, but the light wasn't on since the battery was disconnected.

The battery is probably 5-6 years old..............

Depending on the quality of the battery and whether it has been sitting empty for long times, 5-6 years can be the life time of a good battery. Pep Boys will check the health of a battery for free.

[Erich Stahler]

Might I suggest a Battery Tender PLUS sold by our host?

[DRACO A5OG]

We get about 6% draw per day. 30 days storage may be too long. Just disconnect the battery or get a battery tender with maintenance cycle like the C-tek 3000

[wildturkey]

Disconnect the battery then put your ear up against the relay as you reconnect it. If the relay clicks in with nothing else turned on review your wiring.

5 years is a fairly good run out of a battery. Lack of use, excessive discharge and cold temperatures can shorten their life's.

Checking current draw is simple with a cheap multimeter. I'm sure somebody has a youtube video.

[Joe Bob]

When my ride was getting painted they ignored my request to use the Battery Tender. Dead when I picked it up. Drove home after a jump. Hooked up now.......looks like it's coming back up. Dipsihts.....