My new ‘03 SC had a Pioneer radio installed with Bluetooth. Works great. Was trying to understand system while in garage on battery only, all of a sudden everything went out except lights. When I tried to start the engine, it did nothing. Finally after a bit I could hear the sound as if the battery died and would not start, yet still dash lights still showing. I asked my husband to go jump the car about 30 minutes later and it started right up. Does that mean I need a new battery as it was strong enough to pull the lights, but not the engine, yet somehow revived itself? What happened?

 

....it sounds like you may have a weak or bad cell. I would take the battery to a local auto store (Autozone, O'Reilly, etc...) and have it tested, if it happens to be the battery, they should be able to tell you

 

Thank you very much for your input. I will do that today!

 

Make sure cables are all clean and tight on battery

 

We did do that! What my husband did not check was whether the battery was one where you add water to it, It has been a long time since I have seen one of those, but I will check snd see if one cell is empty also.

 

check the date on the battery. It might have a sticker but it for sure has a date coded stamped in the plastic.

Click on the link below...this website will help you read and understand the date code.
http://carbatteryhelp.com/what-you-s.../#.Wg8CErhOmhA

 

I'd take it to Walmart - they do free battery test and also have very well rated batteries at reasonable prices. Get a battery with a minimum 3 year full no cost replacement warranty. Paying extra for long prorated warranties on batteries at most other vendors/parts stores is a bad plan prorated warranties are generally worthless. btw - I use Walmart for batteries only. Not saying they are bad but normally would not take my cars there for anything else.

 

I would go to Costco to have the battery tested. If it’s bad, buy the Interstate battery from Costco. Good battery and good warranty.