Dead battery

Intercooled · 08-07-05, 07:12

I have an alarm in my car which I dont use. It has a constant red LED which I believe draws from the battery. If I dont start the car at least once every two weeks the battery dies. I just recently replaced my battery in March. I havnt used the Queen in about 3 weeks and as of right now she is dead!!

I have jumper cables on her and she wont turn over. I just find it hard to believe that this battery is completely dead.

Usually a car will turn over with in 10 minutes of jumping. I'm getting the starter to click and the fuel pump to engage but she wont turn over. I'm going to let the cables sit for another 15 minutes then I guess I'll have to go get another battery!

Any other suggestion?

(yes, I'm going to have remove that LED.)

az57chevy · 08-07-05, 07:37

I would first check the output of your alternator and make sure that you are getting 13+ volts. I'm guessing that you leave it running for at least five - ten minutes each week. Next check your battery ground and positive cables and make sure they are tight and in good condition at both ends. Finally you should methodically check the battery voltage while you pull each and every fuse in your fuse block. I'm guessing something OTHER than your alarm is draining the battery. One alarm system (including the LED) should draw minimal power. After all some folks park their cars for weeks at the airport without any problem.

I'm voting for a bad alternator personally. Post if you need more help

Intercooled · 08-07-05, 07:45

Well jumping did nothing. The lights are dim but she still wont start.

I have no Voltage gage but it dawned on me that I have a scan master ( which is on board digital read-out of various engine functions). Which came with the car I really dont understand all of it. But I was able to see the Bat voltage on it and it read 7.4
So I'm assuming that its the battery?
Maybe the alternator? ( I dont have a low voltage tester) (Alternator is about 3 years old)
I think your right, something else in the car must be drawing.
I Havn't started the car in about 3 weeks.

az57chevy · 08-07-05, 07:58

That won't be near enough juice. Take the battery back and have them test it for you. If it will hold a charge for them then we are still back to seeking your draining problem. Most parts places will charge/check your battery for free. The other option is put a battery charger on it and wait a good 4-6 hours if you have drained half your battery power already. I use the red cell Optimum battery and they still die in the AZ heat after a few years

tom p. · 08-07-05, 08:02

you might want to consider getting a "battery tender" type of device if the car sits for extended periods of time. OTOH, you may have gotten a bad battery - - there really shouldn't be any problem letting the car sit for 3 weeks w/o starting.

If you can't jump it, you're not getting a good connection with the jumper cables. Light duty jumper cables are worthless when you need good current draw.

Intercooled · 08-07-05, 08:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom p.

you might want to consider getting a "battery tender" type of device if the car sits for extended periods of time. OTOH, you may have gotten a bad battery - - there really shouldn't be any problem letting the car sit for 3 weeks w/o starting.

If you can't jump it, you're not getting a good connection with the jumper cables. Light duty jumper cables are worthless when you need good current draw.

Good point, the cables are kind -of cheap. It's AC Delco battery, I'll take it back tommorrow and see what happens. I do have a trickle charger that I keep on for the winter but Usually I drive the car at least once a week during the spring, summer. Just the past 3 weeks have gone by and havn't thought about it much until today.

Thanks for your help guys. I know enough to trouble shoot a bit but I'm no mechanic.