Dead Battery, Again.. Battery, Starter, Alternator – Normal
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dead Battery, Again.. Battery, Starter, Alternator – Normal
Hello,
I do not drive my 2001 RX 300/LTD much so it can sit for days at a time. I had it jumped mid-December and immediately drove it to an auto store, since this was not the first jump due to the dead battery.
Beforehand though, I did some online research for causes of a dead battery and had them check the alternator, starter, and battery (Diehard) installed early 2008. The tests produced these results.
Battery Test:
Volts: 12.67
Rating: 572 CCA
Starter Test:
Cranking Normal
Voltage: 11.08v
Charging System Test:
No problems
No load: 13.94v
Loaded: 13.92v
They charged the battery for 30 minutes after testing and sent me on my way a semi-happy camper . The consensus: I do not keep my battery charged which is why it dies after a week of non-use. Then last week, you guessed it--the battery died again, and now, once again it sits in the parking lot dead. So, before I have it jumped, yet again, I am desperately hoping you can provide some insight of your own.
It is inevitable that the car will sit for long periods; therefore, how can I stop the battery from discharging in the most cost-effective and efficient way?
a. Is Battery Tender a solution even if my car is not housed in a garage?
b. Disconnect the Negative Terminal when I get home?
c. Something else?
Thank you in advance.
I do not drive my 2001 RX 300/LTD much so it can sit for days at a time. I had it jumped mid-December and immediately drove it to an auto store, since this was not the first jump due to the dead battery.
Beforehand though, I did some online research for causes of a dead battery and had them check the alternator, starter, and battery (Diehard) installed early 2008. The tests produced these results.
Battery Test:
Volts: 12.67
Rating: 572 CCA
Starter Test:
Cranking Normal
Voltage: 11.08v
Charging System Test:
No problems
No load: 13.94v
Loaded: 13.92v
They charged the battery for 30 minutes after testing and sent me on my way a semi-happy camper . The consensus: I do not keep my battery charged which is why it dies after a week of non-use. Then last week, you guessed it--the battery died again, and now, once again it sits in the parking lot dead. So, before I have it jumped, yet again, I am desperately hoping you can provide some insight of your own.
It is inevitable that the car will sit for long periods; therefore, how can I stop the battery from discharging in the most cost-effective and efficient way?
a. Is Battery Tender a solution even if my car is not housed in a garage?
b. Disconnect the Negative Terminal when I get home?
c. Something else?
Thank you in advance.
#2
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Jefferson City MO.
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do you have a keyless entry? My battery was going dead and found out if the key is within 10 ft it will send out search signal and kill the battery. Just something to think about. Joe
#3
Moderator
If you dont drive enough, you should put a charger on it once a week. A new battery can sustain itself but past a year or two, it needs the overnight charge.
Disconnecting the battery might extend the time between charge, but it resets so many things and the aggravation of once a week to charge is relatively less.
Salim
Disconnecting the battery might extend the time between charge, but it resets so many things and the aggravation of once a week to charge is relatively less.
Salim
#4
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#5
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you dont drive enough, you should put a charger on it once a week. A new battery can sustain itself but past a year or two, it needs the overnight charge.
Disconnecting the battery might extend the time between charge, but it resets so many things and the aggravation of once a week to charge is relatively less.
Salim
Disconnecting the battery might extend the time between charge, but it resets so many things and the aggravation of once a week to charge is relatively less.
Salim
I can see how disconncting the battery can create it's own frustrations. Can you recommend a viable charger for my situation?
Thank you,
#7
Lead Lap
iTrader: (2)
Take it somewhere else to be checked. There's a problem somewhere! It's either a bad battery, bad charging system or a slow discharge in the car. Do you have any aftermarket electrical items installed? My bet is still the battery - I've gotten less than 3 years out of my last two (72 month) Diehard batteries. Luckily, the were exchanged under warranty. But they definitely don't make 'em like they used to.
Trending Topics
#8
Lexus Champion
Take it somewhere else to be checked. There's a problem somewhere! It's either a bad battery, bad charging system or a slow discharge in the car. Do you have any aftermarket electrical items installed? My bet is still the battery - I've gotten less than 3 years out of my last two (72 month) Diehard batteries. Luckily, the were exchanged under warranty. But they definitely don't make 'em like they used to.
Last edited by code58; 01-27-10 at 11:25 PM.
#9
Lexus Champion
RD- I personally like to see the charge rate a little higher than that, unless it was done at idle, but there is certainly nothing wrong with those #'s. Even the charge rate is within most all manufacturers guidelines. At about 15-1600 RPM it makes me really happy to see about 14.2-14.3V.
#10
Moderator
There are 3 types of chargers[listed cheapest to most expensive]:
1. Float or trickle chargers. Do not have lots of oompf and can charge good batteries [can not charge a discharged battery].
2. Regular chargers. May have options for 6v or deep-cycle batteries. You have to let the battery charge up before attempting to start.
3. Chargers with boost. They can help you start with the charger.
Select one that suits your current and future needs.
Use the charger in ventilated area where there is NO spark or open flame. Connect the + at the battery.
Connect the - far away from battery.
Plug in the charger.
For removal reverse the procedure.
The above will ensure if there is any spark it is away from the battery.
Salim.
1. Float or trickle chargers. Do not have lots of oompf and can charge good batteries [can not charge a discharged battery].
2. Regular chargers. May have options for 6v or deep-cycle batteries. You have to let the battery charge up before attempting to start.
3. Chargers with boost. They can help you start with the charger.
Select one that suits your current and future needs.
Use the charger in ventilated area where there is NO spark or open flame. Connect the + at the battery.
Connect the - far away from battery.
Plug in the charger.
For removal reverse the procedure.
The above will ensure if there is any spark it is away from the battery.
Salim.
#11
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Take it somewhere else to be checked. There's a problem somewhere! It's either a bad battery, bad charging system or a slow discharge in the car. Do you have any aftermarket electrical items installed? My bet is still the battery - I've gotten less than 3 years out of my last two (72 month) Diehard batteries. Luckily, the were exchanged under warranty. But they definitely don't make 'em like they used to.
I was hoping that was not the case and I honestly do not have a lot of confidence in workmanship coming from shops in my area (too many horror stories), so I am at a loss as to where to take my truck; but, I will figure something out when and if the battery turns out not the be the problem. I haven't had enhancements done to the vehicle and coming to think of it, not one of my batteries have lasted it's warranty period in the Lexus.
Thank you,
Last edited by ReinyDey; 01-26-10 at 05:16 PM.
#12
This is exactly the same situation for me. I started a thread I think last week about getting a new battery, either a Lexus battery or a Toyota battery. My plan now is to charge the battery, bring it to a mechanic and perform a tune up, change brakes, resurface rotors, flush brake fluid, transmission fluid, etc., and while they're at it, check the battery charging system. When they're all done, I'll buy either a CostCo battery or a Toyota battery. I've heard stories of mechanics leaving the door open so the battery is dead the following day. I'd rather have that peace of mind that I have a new battery after all the mechanics are done to the car prior.
#13
Moderator
Either get a new (strong) battery that will be able to sustain more discharge than charge for a while, or make arrangements to charge the battery.
Once the new battery is not so new, you get in to the situation described above. Charging system checks out ok, and once the battery is charged it can start the vehicle. A quick load test can also check out ok. I am not sure if there is a repeat load test to check sustained supply capacity.
Salim
Once the new battery is not so new, you get in to the situation described above. Charging system checks out ok, and once the battery is charged it can start the vehicle. A quick load test can also check out ok. I am not sure if there is a repeat load test to check sustained supply capacity.
Salim
#14
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#15
Lexus Champion