Ran down the battery... how to proceed

Remove the battery and either charge it, or replace it. It's really that simple.

Oh, and it's a car - DRIVE it!

 

I would do either one of those like Tim said, even if you cannot drive it, at least start it from time to time so none of your seals dry out, like your water pump, air con compressor etc......

 

My battery also weakened to the extent the car wouldn't turn over, following absence on a long trip. I had the OEM optional battery port (which I didn't use) and the easier, more accessible snap on trickle charger ($175) which I did use. Just plugged it in, waited 2 days for a slow trickle, and all fired up fine. You might just want to pick one up and pop it in yourself, its so easy, and try recharging it slowly. Even if your battery were too far gone for some reason?? you'd still benefit by having the trickle charger. If you do need a new battery buy an Odessey 925, which is 20lbs lighter than stock and won't let you down for years.

 

Battery Tender Plus. Usually available for about $50.00. Hook it up with alligator clips or permanent bolt on connector, all included. Leave it on as needed. I usually connect about once a week or just leave it on. No need to remove the battery. This is very low level charge. No need to disconnect the master switch. Voltage never gets too high.

I use these on my Stradale, Maserati Gransport and five Italian motorcycles(4 Ducati's and 1 MV Agusta).

Anything else is a risk of high voltage and over charging in my experience. One of the little standard Battery Tenders overcharged the MV battery to the point of acid dripping out.

Strongly suggest only the Battery Tender "Plus". I now have 5 of them. You will not regret it.

PS. The battery in one of the Ducati's is over 5 years old and doing great. That is probably some kind of record for a motorcycle battery.

 

If you ever run your car to the point where you have to jump it or if it has sat for more than three weeks the battery you will want to trickle charge it post fact. The alternators in any car (non-diesel) will only MAINTAIN a charge. The only exception is the alternator will slowly charge the battery to about 50% in most cases. Also, leaving a battery unused will deteriorate its overall capacity by about 1% per week of nonuse. Bottom line, keep a tender on it if you expect not to drive it.

Dan

 

Are there any steps that can be taken to save the battery if the car won't be driven for 3 months at a time and there is no power outlet into which to plug a charger?

 

I have 8 cars. One has a kill switch and the rest Battery Tenders. Never had a problem. Best

 

Actually i had the same problem with mine,

But i drive my car,, Just after four days of not starting it , It would not turn over.

I had it flatbed'ed to the dealer and they swapped the factory battery out for a interstate ..... My service rep told me the batt they come with suck!!