dead battery

[greenwood]

I put me 914 up on jack stands about 2 months ago to refinish the wheels and change the brake lines and now my battery is only putting out 5 volts(yeah I know, I should have disconnected the battery). The only thing that I can think of that would drain the power is the clock...is that enough to do it.
Thanks alot

jeremy

[campbellcj]

There is always a little background drain on the battery, but more likely the cold and old age may have just 'kilt it'.

If you have a stereo in the car, check that out. In particular make sure the "auto on/off" function on your amp is workin right!

[JP Noonan]

Also "no maintainence" batteries aren't exactly as they appear. The vents can be pried off carefully (PLEASE TRUST ME, WHERE A FULL FACE MASK NOT JUST GOGGLES. BLINDNESS LASTS A LOOOONG TIME) and if the cells are low on water you can add distilled water (tap water has bad minerals in it) to top off the cells. Then slow charge it and see if that cures it.

Personally, 914-4's take very little to turn them over and besides a sealed "Otmima" battery, any new, cheap battery will do, and is better than a "good" old battery.

$40 for a new cheap battery vs. time and effort trying to fix and old high amp battery.

My 1.5 cents.

[roadtrp204]

Batteries need to be discharged and charged on a regular basis (they need to be used) to maintain a 12+ volt charge. The shelf life of a new battery once the electrolite has been filled is only about six months.

The two major reasons sitting batteries die, excluding a draw from lights, etc., is: (1) sulferoxide builds up on the grid plates causing them to be less efficient and (2) the crud and electrolyte (acid) that builds up on top of the battery is conductive (also very bad for 914 chassis), causing a slow discharge. Connect a volt meter to one of the posts and the other to the top of the battery, you might be amazed at what you see.

Cranking batteries also do not like to be completely discharged or charged at high rates of amperage. These two condition can significantly shorten the life span. A small automatic trickle charger is ideal for cars that sit for long periods of time.

Check the date code when purchasing a new batter, most use a little circle sticker with a letter and a number in it. The letter represents the month and the number the year of when it was filled; ie. A1 = January 2001.



------------------
Chris
75 914 2.0L