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Car didnt start....bummer.

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Old June 22nd, 2010 | 07:13 PM
  #1  
FATRATMATT's Avatar
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
Car didnt start....bummer.

I was really up for the local cruise in tonight. I started my Delmont on sunday, except for a slower turning battery all went fine. Tonight however it was different story. The battery didnt have enough power to crank the motor over. The battery is not that old (under 4 years). Guess I know what I have to do tomorrow. I'll start with battery, I'll jump it and see if it will hold any charge. I hope that's all it is. If not, I'm open to suggestions.
Old June 22nd, 2010 | 07:16 PM
  #2  
olds425's Avatar
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You may have something draining the battery while it is sitting. I think it probably is something simple, like maybe a bad connection causing it not to charge. Good luck.
Old June 22nd, 2010 | 07:27 PM
  #3  
FATRATMATT's Avatar
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
I have in the past....(25+ years ago) would get the car running and then unhook the + battery terminal, if the car ran you could rule out an alternator, As I've grown older that practice sounds unwise. Also been told if the neg terminal is unhooked and it jumps an arc when you connect then you have a open circuit somewhere. Sparks and batterys scare me. Any thoughts? I myself think the Duralast Gold battery is a Didntlast Gold. Hoping for a simple fix.
Old June 22nd, 2010 | 07:57 PM
  #4  
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From: Annapolis Valley , Nova Scotia
All you can do is charge the battery and see if there is something draining the battery while it's sitting or it's the battery itself and will not take a full charge.
Old June 23rd, 2010 | 05:27 AM
  #5  
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From: Plano, TX
My bet is battery. I had them last anywhere from 1 day to 7 years.
Charge it overnight, let it sit unhooked for a couple days, and then take it up to your local parts house and they can test it under load and see how it recovers. The 2-day wait is optional but it does test self discharge. Now if the top is super dirty and grimey, then that can actually cause current leakage from terminal to terminal.

My "1 day" battery would be the $120 one I got for the bike a few weeks ago. Wont hold a charge since I got it - have to return it today. Old one lasted 5.5 years.
My "7 year" battery was a 45 month $27 cheapy I got for my Ford back int he early 90's.
See a trend of $ per lifespan???
Old June 23rd, 2010 | 05:32 AM
  #6  
Oldsguy's Avatar
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From: Rural Waxahachie Texas
June in Florida with a four year old battery?


It's the battery.
Old June 23rd, 2010 | 06:41 PM
  #7  
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In addition to fixing your problem which you already have advice, I recommend a battery disconnect switch. A quick twist and you don't have to worry about drain while it waits patiently for the next outing.
Old July 5th, 2010 | 05:40 PM
  #8  
FATRATMATT's Avatar
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
With FIRST Grand baby arriving last week, I haven't had time to look into my battery issue. Today I had time. Opened cap on battery...dry cell. It took a charge but wouldn't hold it. New battery tomorrow, should be good to go after that. thank everyone for the good advice.
Old July 7th, 2010 | 05:06 PM
  #9  
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Batteries now a days last about 2 years or less.There Junk. I promise its the Battery. I buy the best for both of my cars and it's always the same anyway. A few years and there junk. Just get the warranty.
Old July 9th, 2010 | 08:18 AM
  #10  
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Could possibly be the starter also, I have seen faulty starters act like dead batterys . The battery in my truck is 7 years old and still cranking..
Bill
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