Battery died again, WTF!
03-12-2009, 08:47 AM
#13
Founding Member
Join Date: 11-23-2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 8,210
Document ID: 1530089
Battery Description and Operation
Caution: Batteries produce explosive gases, contain corrosive acid, and supply levels of electrical current high enough to cause burns. Therefore, to reduce the risk of personal injury when working near a battery:
• Always shield your eyes and avoid leaning over the battery whenever possible.
• Do not expose the battery to open flames or sparks.
• Do not allow the battery electrolyte to contact the eyes or the skin. Flush immediately and thoroughly any contacted areas with water and get medical help.
• Follow each step of the jump starting procedure
Important: Because of the materials used in the manufacture of automotive lead-acid batteries, dealers and service shops that handle them are subject to various regulations issued by OSHA, EPA, DOT, and various state or local agencies. Other regulations may also apply in other locations. Always know and follow these regulations when handling batteries.
Batteries that are no longer wanted must be disposed of by an approved battery recycler and must never be thrown in the trash or sent to a landfill.
Batteries that are not part of the vehicle itself, not the battery under the hood, must only be transported on public streets for business purposes via approved hazardous material transportation procedures.
Battery storage, charging, and testing facilities in repair shops must meet various requirements for ventilation, safety equipment, material segregation, etc.
The maintenance-free battery is standard. There are no vent plugs in the cover. The battery is completely sealed except for 2 small vent holes in the side. These vent holes allow the small amount of gas that is produced in the battery to escape.
03-12-2009, 11:30 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: 10-15-2007
Location: Yukon
Posts: 199
Yeah, so the last time it happened I was sitting in the car for about an hour with the radio on, IPOD plugged in, and cell phone plugged in, while I was waiting to go into work. No surprise, I actually thought to myself before I went into work, "I wonder if my battery would die from letting it sit that long with everything plugged in like that?" lol This time, I let it sit and idle for a while (about half an hour) as I was listening to the radio, had the IPOD plugged in, and the heater on. After the first half hour I turned it off and immediately unplugged the IPOD, but left the radio on (BTW, all lights off, cell phone was not plugged in, etc...) for less than another half hour, and when I locked it I could swear it sounded weak when the locks came down, but thought nothing of it. When I got out there 9hrs later it was dead. Now, I'm sure this plays into it, but my commute to work is less than a mile, seriously, yes I drive, lol, but it is literally less than a mile, as in my ODO sometimes doesn't even change. I'm thinking that the fact it is street driving and the RPMs don't get very high for very long might play into it. Either way, it is really getting on my nerves and I'm sure my supervisor is getting sick of driving over to where I park to jump my car. I wouldn't drive at all, but I live in the ghetto, I leave for work at 5am, and I have exactly 30min from the time I get off of work ( I work on a shipyard mind you, so it's not out the door and into the car, it's get off the ship, out of the yard, walk 1/2 a mile to my car, get in, and drive another mile or 2 also on city streets) to pick my son up from school.
As stated in the Owners Manual, idling and short trips will drain down the battery. If you can, get a trickle charger and leave it in the vehicle. You should be able to top-up overnight, once or twice a week, with a connection into any 12 v power outlet - rather than messing around at the battery. (I'm not positive on this. Comments welcome.)
I've got a 3 amp automatic charger permanently connected to the battery with O-ring connectors. I routinely plug it in in winter - otherwise a drained battery is predictable with short low-speed trips.
03-12-2009, 01:12 PM
#17
Founding Member
Join Date: 11-23-2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 8,210
03-12-2009, 02:48 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: 10-19-2005
Location: Miami
Posts: 20,687
In the summer of 06, my battery had died (of all things, it was sitting for 2 weeks). No amount of jump starting/idling/running 100 miles would enable the battery to have enough charge to start it the next day. Went to the nearest dealer and the battery was replaced at no charge since it was still within warranty. Maybe your local dealer will help you the same way.