hey guys, have a 02 sc430 with 80K+ miles in so calif....no probl. but decided to check the orig. batt. fluid level, (recently wife's s500 wouldn't start at the school and batt was low on fluid)

all six cells were dry and top of the batt elements were exposed; needed to add some 3oz of water to each cell....

one way to find out is when your car doesn't start...

jim R
02 sc430

 

Go with Gell-Cell Batteries, you'll never have to worry about fluids again. Last way longer then fluid batteries. Cost twice as much though (well worth it)!!!

 

Water level is important. Good job Jim in checking that out.
Just above the plates is where it should be to allow room for the gases. Some people just fill it to the top and blame the battery when it explodes or leaks everywhere.

Just an FYI, when a batteru explodes, it's a bomb. Seen it twice from overcharging. Acid everywhere, thankfully nobody hurt.

 

yeah, i left the water level just above the plate, and i trickle charged it afterward at 2amp/hr over night, just to 'top if off'....and i put a papertowel tightly over the caps; just in case...

i've had bad experiences with GMC/Chevy suburban batteries that have the post on the side, that breaks from vibration and the acid leaking would wreak havoc on the batt. tray and leak down and destroy things below, like the washer fluid reservoir and pump, etc... at least toyota doesn't use the side mounted post batteries....

lee, any luck on finding a good LED replacement for the amber turn signal?
i still have to order the parts; where's the best price at?


jim R
jjrho@adelphia.net

 

umm get an optima?

 

I always take the battery out of the car when charging. My next door neighbour left his battery in his car in the garage charging over night. Half way through the night car went up in flames and so did the garage. Luckly the garage was not near his house.

Car was a complete right off and garage had to be knocked down and rebuilt.

 

wow, wander what happened....so far, i've been lucky; i always charge batt. with it in the car; i try to charge at 2amp/hr or less; slow deep charge; altough i would do a short runs of 10amp charge if the batt is just completely drained ; like from kids leaving the door open or leaving dome light ON...
probably the gas discharge from the batt. ignited ?!?


j.rho