Edmunds Answers questions

I replaced my battery however I still jump it everyday. RDO/Batt fuse was bad. Would this drain battery?

shoe54 — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:51:28 GMT

We replaced the battery and the negative terminal. We still have to jump start the car almost every other day and especailly when it is cold. We replaced the RDO Batt Fuse because it was bad. Do you think this could have been the problem?

How can Ii be sure my alternator needs replacing?

raidersfan — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:25:30 GMT

sometimes after i shut off the car and lock it with key remote, when i re enter after unlocking it the car is dead. i then have to relock and unlock the car again and it will start up

something is draining my battery but the battery is fine and the alternater is good too?

jessixamarie22 — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:33:42 GMT

My keyless entery stopped working changed the batterys still didnt work then my latch stopped working and my passenger door. Now something is draining my battery and the battery is fine as long with my alternater. i hooked it up to a tech 2 and nothing showed up and we checked the fuses but something is still draining my battery.

Just to thank you and your answer for the Protege and the battery light

jazz483 — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:20:30 GMT

You were absolutely right the alternator was toast and because I didn't wait too long to replace it I saved the battery as well.

thanks
Jazz483

Can you start more than one vehicle with a single battery simultaneously?

saqib1 — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:33:46 GMT

Can you start more than one vehicle with a single battery? For instance, let’s say I’ve got a 180 AH battery and four cars each needing 45 AH.

Can these four cars be started simultaneously by a single 180 AH battery?

If yes, is there a physical limit to how many cars can be started simultaneously with a single battery, provided that it has sufficient amperes to crank all the cars at once?

Or will that depend upon the cold cranking rating?

Where can you buy a reconditioned auto battery in the Bronx, NY?

daimon — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:49:28 GMT

Just looking to buy a reconditioned auto battery in the Bronx, NY? That is, are there any reputable vendors that might sell them. I have an 89', Buick La Sabre. Thanks, Kevin

What caused my battery to blow up?

jerryjar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:31:27 GMT

my friend needed a boost but we had no booster cables,so he took my battery out of my car and tried to touch the positive to positive,my battery was a bit bigger than his so to make a full connection he held my battery upside down with the two positive post touching each other and to get the ground to touch he used a tire iron to touch off on the ground post and the engine,while another person was in the car holding the key on until it got a good connection to start,and it did,spark show galore,here's how it went,his battery in car my battery upside down touching positive post to positive post,negative post to tire iron on both batteries then tire iron to ground,it works,i put my battery back in my car and dim interior lights and my battery seemed dead,I'm thinking it reversed polarity,we turned on the headlights to see if there was juice,after about the third time of putting my terminals on my battery BOOMM IN THE FACE,we were OK after a splash down from the fire dept,but what caused it?is the real question,reverse polarity from being upside down?hm,never again,

Relays or Alternator or what?

ezell714 — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:59:30 GMT

I have an 01 SW2 that when i went out to go to work yesterday it wouldnt start. All the electrical stuff didnt work, digital clock, dome light, power locks, everything. I tried to jump it and got nothing. Not even the dash lights to come on. I took the battery out today and got it tested and AutoZone said it's still good, so would this be a bad Alternator, or could it be something else a little less expensinve? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Battery or alternator? 99 Pontiac Grand Am.

a90myers — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:31:06 GMT

I have a 99 Pontiac Grand Am with 43000 miles. Yestrday the battery light came on. Today the light was stil on and the radio quit working. I turned the radio off an left the dar run for 3-5 minutes. I went back to start the car and it was hard to start. The belt is good. Do i need an alteRNAOR OR BATTERY?

Anyone heard of DuoRegen for battery maintenance?

scottphys — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 15:40:45 GMT

This product has a chemical additive and an electric device that is supposed to help maintain and even regenerate a car battery. They provide good information and, without having found a review, it seems reasonable. My question is basic; anyone heard of it? If so (or not) what do you think? www.batterylifeplus.com Thanks in advance.

Anyone know where I can find Schumacher SE-2001 Battery Chargers?

rkbrentlaw — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:54:39 GMT

I need Schumacher SE-2001 Battery Chargers manufactured between 1990-2000. The date stamp on the machine should look like this: HO499. The last two digits indicate the year it was manufactured. If you know anywhere to get one, please reply.

What causes a build-up of blue gunk on the positive battery post and does it mean that the battery is nearing the end?

dmr20 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:12:16 GMT

Battery is Original Equipment with 44 months and 37k miles in a Midwestern climate. I cleaned off the post and terminals as directed by owners' manual and noticed that the copper on the cable terminal connector had corroded. I will replace the connector immediately but is the battery done for as well?

I have a 6/12 volt Western Auto battery charger, zero to eight scale, D.C. amperes. Is zero full charge?

elenisong — Mon, 26 May 2008 03:31:08 GMT

I need to know if this is the type of battery charger that indicates full charged at zero. EVeryone kept telling me "12" is full, but the range is zero to eight, in increments of 2, i.e. 2-4-6-8. When I hook it up, it goes to 4, and then started going down. I'm assuming that means it is charging. If not, I have a problem, hehe. Please confirm.

98 Subaru battery died. Replaced with new battery. Now parking lights are blinking.

camcase — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:54:23 GMT

When I jumped it to start blinking happened thenm too. Did not hold charge so replaced but blinking persists.

2003 Cadillac battery location?

jongraham — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:25:30 GMT

where is the battery located?

Have a 2000 Jeep with the L6. Voltmeter pegs 19 volts. What is the matter?

electraman87 — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:10:51 GMT

jeep would not start this morning. I jumped it. it started just fine.let it run for a while volt meter pegged 19 volts. turned it off ,it would not start.jumed it againit started just fine then pegged 19 volts. Is it the alternator or the battery?

Audi battery drain

nitpicky — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:10:48 GMT

My girlfriend has an Audi A4 2000 and something is draining the battery. If she leaves it for 2-3 days, the battery is dead. I replaced the battery a few months ago, so it's not the battery. What needs to be checked?

How do you remove the battery from a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix?

deelite — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:18:10 GMT

How do you remove the battery from a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix? There isn't much room to get it out without removing the fender.

2005 Buick Rendezvous won't start

bogusman — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 16:39:01 GMT

The lights work and the windows roll down, so I don't think it's the battery but it won't start and it won't let me jump start it. I can't figure how to get it cranked if jumping it won't work. ????

Battery drain on an Infiniti G35?

nitpicky — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 08:30:39 GMT

I am trying to locate a battery slow drain (65mA) in the BCM on my friend's 2003 Infiniti G35 sedan. Any idea which components connect to the BCM (50A) fuse and prospective failure that causes the 65mA (slow) drain?

Chevy Venture security code after battery replacement?

kfl9000 — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:41:48 GMT

is a 2001 chevy venture it has 121,000 miles on it.i put another battery in it and it wouldn't turn over,buz or anything

replaced the battery in jeep 2005 cherokee remote key,it doesn't work-is there a way to ulock door w/out horn honk

madamford — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:27:42 GMT

i replaced the battery (2005 jeep grand cherokee) when my remote unlock wouldn't work, now it still doesn't work, so when i unlock the driver door with the key, the alarm goes off...shouldn't i be able to unlock with the key? the nearby dealer says i need a new key--only 3 yrs old---which is $150, plus cutting the key, plus labor...any cheaper suggestions?

Is it safe to give someone a jump start with my Chrysler Town & Country Caravan? Can I damage my car if I do?thanx

frantique — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:12:19 GMT

Battery Jump starting another car. - Is it safe to give someone a jump start with my Chrysler Town & Country Caravan? Can I damage my car if I do? thanx

bought 2 alternators still have problems with battery keeping charge I don't know what to do. whats wrong?

victorrono — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:38:40 GMT

Dodge daytona 1985

well I have bought 2 alternators and I still have problems with my battery keeping charge. I go to work in the morning and by the time I get there I have to switch my battery to get back home because it has no charge. My work is only 25 miles away and I don't have anything else on but the essentials. Like I said I replaced the alternator, I don't know if its the computer near the battery. I don't know what to do. Please give me a few examples of what problems it might be and the solutions. I am very desperate. Thank you.

My G-35 battery was completely dead

saig35 — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:15:22 GMT

For some reason, one fine morning when I wanted to start my G-35 2006 model, I realised that my battery was completely dead, I dont know the reason, so how to make it alive again any suggestions pls.

How do you replace a battery on a 2002 ford explorer sportrac with an alarm on it.

sjfriedman — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 22:59:37 GMT

How do you replace a battery on a 2002 ford explorer sportrac with an alarm on it.

My 2004 GMC Envoy XUV draws the battery dead overnight with nothing on. The draw is about 3000 amps. Any ideas?

larscasale — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:24:18 GMT

The dealer can not find what is causing the draw on the battery.

2003 Honda Accord 4dr, EX V6 battery died so after recharged I couldn't start the car. Alternator works

leeshonda — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:26:43 GMT

Hi,I have 03 accord:4dr, EX,V6. My battery died, so after recharged I couldn't start the car. The altenater works greate but it's not starting. One guy told me it's a security sensor. Is that possible?

hello i have a 03 honda accord the battery die now the radio now says code what do i have to do can somone help me

72gto4me — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:03:27 GMT

Hello my name is John one of my kids left the door open on my 03 honda accord the car has a v6 in it the battery die now the radio now say code can somone help me thank you

I have a 93 protege.new battery,new alternater.car has not been wrecked,but the battery still dies charge lite on.

rhighland — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:30:26 GMT

93 protege battery dies.new battery,new alternater.charge light on.car has not been wrecked.could the voltage regulater be bad? or could I be lookig in the wrong place

97 Chevy Astro - Battery won't turn over - even after jumping - but trys. What should I try now - fuel pump, line

ekrivers — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 15:37:32 GMT

97 Chevy Astro - I've never had a problem starting the van before but this morning it wouldn't turn over. It trys but just won't fire. I have had a little bit a jerking feeling but I've used ISO-HEET and that seemed to take care of it. Could it be a problem with the fuel pump or line? I'm not sure where to go from here.

my villager quit running put new starter on it and still wont start just clicks when trying to starte

jreavis — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:09:10 GMT

my van quit while i was driving it and now it wont start back up. put a new starter on it and all it does it make a clicking sound down by the starter

1990 Ford Ranger that the battery keeps going dead

roundball — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:32:29 GMT

Battery keeps going dead on our 1990 Ford Ranger. We replaced the battery- and within 24 hours- it was dead. Jumped it to get it started. Alternator shows charging. Please Help!!

2000 Suburban Door locks B3138 Error

marianne527 — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:30:15 GMT

Door locks stop working, have gone through 3 batteries in 3 years. I'm told there is a short...but don't know where. Today I was told the error is B3138, and I have to bring it to a dealership. Anyone have any idea what this could be?

my 1999 porsche 911 has a dead battery . how can i open the hood manually in order to jump start the battery? ajl

bingcat08 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:22:43 GMT

both levers are locked . i understand there is a cable behind the passenger head light . i have taken the plastic liner off . cannot find cable to release the hood to jump start the car . HELP !! or , is there another way to solve this problem . tried car lighter to car lighter , tried finding a fuse connection " with a car with the hood open " . i was told the 1999 does not have that option . to open with the manual cable would be fine - no luck so far . HELP !!

How do I get rid of the green buildup on the battery posts? It is also on the wires that are hooked to the posts.

bigford — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:56:31 GMT

I just changed a battery in by Ford deisel truck. I have been told I should change both batteries. There is a buildup on the posts and some of the wires. Is it acidic and how do I clean it up and prevent it from returning?

How do I to pull the trouble codes

mlw_20 — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:45:58 GMT

How do I to pull the trouble codes on a 2005 Jeep Liberty??

Dodge Stratus diagnostic says secondary air injection fan killing battery. Number reads P0491. Anyone know what the number means

erniedaflacs — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:58:45 GMT

Stratus 2005 fan has been running and killing battery after car is off,thought it was a fan relay

I have a 1999 Mazda Protege and my battery light is on. Could snow packed in the alternator be the cause? Thank you!

jazz483 — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:37:27 GMT

1999 with 248,000 kms. The battery light came on this morning after a few seconds that the enigne was running. I know the battery is good and that the cables and posts are clean and tight. We had a snow storm and thought that maybe the alternator was packed with snow???? Don't know what else it could be. Thanks

jazz483

2003 Chevrolet Silverado clock keeps resetting to 12:00 but I don't lose radio presets?

chriswilson6 — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:40:11 GMT

Now when starting there is a clicking and the truck does not start.

2000 Cadillac Catera -severe electrical issue. Radio, trunk, fuel door latch do not work. Charge battery weekly. Thoughts?

naughthead — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:06:52 GMT

The alternator has been replaced three times. Other issues include the brake lights work intermittently but three of the bars on the trunk brake light stay on even after the car is turned off. They eventually go off. Also the keyless entry quit working as well (yes I changed the battery several times.) If the car sits for more than a day, the battery has to be charged. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help.

Pontiac Aztek battery problems

rick713 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:36:02 GMT

Bought a new battery for it. Put it in and went to start it and it did nothing but make that clicking sound when you have a dead battery. I need some help!

The power in my car is completely dead. When I have it jumped, it starts right away and I am able to drive.

danielobrien — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:52:09 GMT

The power in my car is completely dead. When I have it jumped, it starts right away and I am able to drive. After driving, I turn it off and it wont start again unless I get another jump. Ideas?

How to remove battery on a 1999 ML320

marsf — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:16:18 GMT

Sir, would you please help by sending me instruction on how to remove and replace the battery on my 1999 ML320.

Thank you.

I just had my alternator checked and it is good but sometimes my car won't even turn over! What can I do?

yokotatone — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:54:27 GMT

sometimes It will run perfect then other times it just shuts down on me... I've been having this problem for a while and I had the cables tightened and it stopped but now its started again!

I tried to jump start my car but it wouldn't turn over. It would just make a clicking noise.

yokotatone — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 13:54:12 GMT

the lights in the car would work sometimes and flicker but my car wouldnt turn over!

I have a 1986 Ford Ranger. I got a new battery and it was drained when I went to crank it. What's wrong here?

ven6969 — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:46:37 GMT

I changed out the spark plugs and wires. I also replaced the battery. I went to crank it this morning and it was dead. I recharged the battery and waited 3-4 hours and went to crank it again. And agian it was dead. I've checked all the wires and couldn't find a short. What could be draining the battery? How do I check for this?

Infiniti FX45...Have there been frequent reportings of engine battery problems? Have a strange incident occurred!

jtolbe — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 23:24:13 GMT

Washed my FX45 in the driveway, then pulled it in the garage. two minutes later I realized I hadn't pulled it in far enough and went to start, but everything was dead! eventually call Infiniti Service and a guy came to jump it; that was successful and he suggested I drive around the block before turning it off. Drove around the block and no sooner I pulled back in the garage, the FX45 turned off before I could put in in park! all the instrument lights were on momentarily then it all went dead again! Now I've got to tow it to the dealership....perplexed in Virginia!

Do car electrical grounding kits work?

steve_ — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:59:00 GMT

Does installing a grounding or earthing kit help your car run better by stabilizing electrical noise and voltage spikes and equalizing resistance and voltage between various ground points? TIA.

Something is draining my battery as it sets for a long period of time, anyone know what stays on? Mitsubishi 3000GT

kbrown534 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:36:30 GMT

1994 mits 3000gt!!!

I have a brand new battery~~~~ and it still does it so i know its not the battery!