General GM Chat When starting new posts, please specify YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE type, and whatever modifications you have made. Chat about all things GM (and related cars). Off-topic stuff should be in the Lounge, and all Model specific mechanical problems should be posted in the proper forum.

Signs of a Dead Battery

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-21-2007, 01:20 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
 
mstrwolfgang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
mstrwolfgang is on a distinguished road
Default Signs of a Dead Battery

Wouldn't you know it... Just as things start turning for the good on the ole girl, tonight when going to take my girlfriend home, there'* about a half-second of crank when I turn the key and then.... nothing.

Yep, looks like the battery has finally had it. Well, being that it'* the same battery that came with the car, I'm actually pleased that I got a good couple of years out of it, judging by the state I got the car in.

Off to O'Reilly in the morning to get it tested first, then probably off to buy a new one.

Just so this has a pertinent reason to be in GC rather than the lounge, when it completely stopped doing anything at a turn of the key, I suspected the battery, alt, or solenoid. Well, my neighbor hooks up the cables, we charge, and turn the key... The solenoid'* kickin but no cranking, and I never got a light, so I'm sure it'* not the alternator. The interior lights slowly come on when I turn the key back to the off position and go completely out when I try to crank it. This leads me to believe that the battery has a couple dead cells, as it seems I've got enough voltage, but I'm lacking the amperage I need. Keep in mind I am no expert.

Just wanted to update you all on the joy that is my life!
Old 08-21-2007, 02:03 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
Posts like a Northstar
 
bastard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
bastard is on a distinguished road
Default

It sounds like what happens when the battery terminals are corroded. I would try cleaning them and then see if it starts. Or the cables may be deteriorated. It may be time for a battery as well, but if that one is still good, you might be able to clean things up and keep using it for a while.
Old 08-21-2007, 02:16 AM
  #3  
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
 
mstrwolfgang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
mstrwolfgang is on a distinguished road
Default

That'* actually the funny story... I forgot to mention I just cleaned the cables and connections about a week ago.

I guess the battery had a heart attack when it discovered it was so clean!
Old 08-21-2007, 06:44 AM
  #4  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

Check your battery connection for tightness.

When you have this kind of issue, because you didn't get a light is honestly not a good indicator of a good alternator.

If you alternator is failing and not fully charging..you might not get a light.

Run it down and have it tested. When they test the battery a load is applied to test the alternator, if the alternator keeps up to a satisfactory level then they suggest a battery only. If it doesn't and you are not holding a charge..they suggest both.
Old 08-21-2007, 12:51 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
 
mstrwolfgang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
mstrwolfgang is on a distinguished road
Default

Well, case closed, dead cell on the battery.

Got a new battery, and we're off and running again.

I think Boosty just enjoys problems that have more than one solution... gives him something to solve.
Old 08-21-2007, 01:19 PM
  #6  
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
BillBoost37's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Enfield, CT
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

If I said there was only one solution to each problem..I'd be wrong frequently.

Always try and prep you folks for all the possibilities.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wjcollier07
Lounge
24
02-20-2007 06:47 PM
bonkjmma
2000-2005
4
05-28-2005 08:57 PM
79ford
Audio (and aftermarket electronics)
24
02-22-2004 12:55 PM
bonneville 00
General GM Chat
3
05-22-2003 08:45 PM
Mayhem_3
1987-1991
0
03-31-2003 01:29 AM



Quick Reply: Signs of a Dead Battery



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:33 PM.