can bad battery jam shifter?

[scot850]

Charging sounds fine. Sure battery testing is best done on a full battery, because even with the engine running it takes a long time with all major current draws (lights/heater fan etc) switched off to recharge the battery. I have a 2A/4A trickle charger that will charge the battery on 4A setting in about 24 hours and then go dormant. I have this as one of my cars does not get used a lot so I like to keep the battery in good charge condition.

Battery testing does depend on the quality of the equipment you have. Maybe the AAA guys has better testing equipment, or he is just trying to sell you a battery?

It is a shame that there are no enthusiasts nearby that could check it for you. Is it practical to remove it and get someone to give you a lift to Autozone or someone like that and leave the battery to be checked once charged? OR, is there a neighbor that can lone you a battery charger? Remove the -ve battery clamp, and tuck it out the way, and then remove +ve clamp and connect the 2 leads before switching the charger on. Most good chargers have a higher charge rate and should charge in 8-12 hours. Re-connecting the battery is the reverse process. Just make sure no electrical items are on (lights/doors open).

Neil.

[bmdubya1198]

You could always pick up a Harbor Freight charger for $30 if you want to have one on hand and have an HFT nearby.

[enotslim]

Retest of alternator shows 13.8 v, not over 14 as I reported previously. 13.8 is said to be OK but maybe just the minimum that is OK? If the alternator output is decreasing over time that sounds bad.

I can now start with a 12V portable source (that also charges cell phones, laptops and maybe even the ice cream maker for real emergencies) or take the battery to Autozone using my wife's car. I did buy a charger and will try that first. I can just see myself driving around town, to Autozone, etc. and starting up using the portable source every time I park somewhere. Or maybe I'll just stick to biking. I haven't really missed not driving but the battery will be pretty heavy in my backpack and I could sparkle if I fall across the trolley tracks.

[abscate]

Your battery dropped below 12 Volts at rest upthread. Its dead, Jim.

[enotslim]

Just for fun I popped the covers off the battery cells. Levels were all quite low. Filled each cell to its line with distilled water and if anything the battery was weaker. Now I have a nice, shiny, new battery and starting is a breeze. Couldn't check charging system because Autozone's tester had quit the day before. (I called two days before to be sure they could do the test.) Then the store lost power and couldn't do any transactions. The manager took my name and number and sent me out the door with the new battery (because he wouldn't let me leave unable to start my car) saying "I hope you come back to pay for it." Power came on before I drove away so I paid then and there. I was impressed and will definitely return to this Autozone.

[wizechatmgr]

Awesome!

I've had some great experiences with some Autozone stores, and some that could have been better with others. It really depends on whom is working. Sounds like you have an awesome store though!

[bmdubya1198]

Awfully nice of them for sure. Autozone is usually pretty good with customer service. Glad you're back on the road!

[abscate]

Dead battery. 11.7 volts is totally dead like bell bottom jeans dead.

It's just reached end of life and is refusing to accept a charge.

Trickling it is worth a try but chance of success is small, like 2%