Drained battery after car storage...

Luster · 03-05-03, 11:34

My car has been sitting in storage for about 1-1/2 months. I had the wisdom to not disconnect the battery and not start the car periodically.

The car & battery are about 28 months old. GM/Delco batteries are notorious for crapping out before their 36 month life expectancy.

I can't think of anything on the car that would drain the battery in it's stored state.

Question:

Is it normal for a car in storage to have a battery drain?

2wheelsx2 · 03-05-03, 11:41

It's normal for any vehicle battery to lose charge in storage. However, 1.5 months is a very short time. I regularly store 3 motorcyles in my garage, and I will charge them once a month if I remember. However, I have left one as long as 6 months without recharging and it was a bit weak, but still turned the engine over. Maybe you have a short somewhere.

bizzy928 · 03-05-03, 11:47

Every drop in temp. causes your battery loose its charge.

You have nothing to worry about. Most batteries will last four years at least.

If you have a trickle charger, leave it on over night. Or else take it to your local Pep Boys and have them put it on their diagnostic. That machine will check your battery to see if its still good and give it a full charge in about 1/2 an hour.

CharlesW · 03-05-03, 12:38

Quote:

Originally posted by Luster
The car & battery are about 28 months old. GM/Delco batteries are notorious for crapping out before their 36 month life expectancy.

The Delco batteries are also famous for leaking at the positive terminal.
Both my 2000 GTP and my 1998 Tran Sport van leaked acid at the positive terminal. Makes a heck of a mess. Check thoroughly. There is a sponge type of material alongside the battery that absorbs the leaking acid, making it hard to find.