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Is it about time to change the battery? 200 1985

posted by  Antiriad on  Tue Jul 27 04:25 CST 2004
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last visit: Mon Jun 27 09:36 CST 2011
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Guys

The last time I changed my battery was 60k miles or 4.5 years ago. Since I leave the car parked for a couple of days at a time once or twice a month because I leave for business trips, I experience a hard start, meaning that the starter will turn slowly and the engine will start but it seems to be struggling for a couple of seconds like almost stalling and then it will run fine. I have Volt gauge and I get about 13.2 Volts when the engine is running and 9-10 Volts after I leave the car for a couple of days parked. The car starts fine after a shut the engine off and turn in back on, even if cold. At this time I get 11-12 Volts at cranking. Is seems that the battery is getting weak.

It is only this initial startup after I leave the car sitting for some time that worries me. I also had a complete tuneup about 300 miles, 4 months ago. (I drive to work which is 2 miles away). 25 miles per week at most.

Thanks







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    Is it about time to change the battery? 200 1985

    posted by  TJerry on  Wed Jul 28 13:54 CST 2004
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    Uhhhh, Ok so I must have uncanny luck with batteries. My Interstate went about 9 YEARS and I only replaced it because it had been 9 years. It started my car when it was -40 F. this last year with out any problem. Needless to say I bout another Interstate and hope for the same.








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    Is it about time to change the battery? 200 1985

    posted by  mario on  Tue Jul 27 10:59 CST 2004
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    last visit: Fri Sep 26 09:26 CST 2014
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    I purchased a type 24N battery from WalMart for $39. It has the flange on the bottom that works with the mounting system on my 242. It came with a 2 year full return and a 4 year pro-rate. Worked great this winter and you can't beat the price.

    Mario









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    Is it about time to change the battery? 200 1985

    posted by  Trev29 on  Tue Jul 27 10:45 CST 2004
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    last visit: Fri Oct 17 05:56 CST 2014
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    Try disconnecting the battery, before business trips. See if the batt holds its charge better.

    My batteries last. (8+ yrs).
    --
    1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans








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    Is it about time to change the battery? 200 1985

    posted by  KlausC on  Tue Jul 27 08:31 CST 2004
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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    Four and a half years? Spend $60 and get a new battery, make sure it is fully charged. You don't drive enough to keep the battery at a full charge, so invest in a trickle charger. VW has a solar powered one.

    --
    95 854T, 88 780, 88 245








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      Is it about time to change the battery? 200 1985

      posted by  Antiriad on  Tue Jul 27 10:12 CST 2004
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      last visit: Mon Jun 27 09:36 CST 2011
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      I got a solar powered Cell that supposedly should keep the battery charged. Unfortuently I didn't have the chance to try it yet since I leave the car in a covered garage.

      Are these Solar Chargers any good?








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    Is it about time to change the battery? 200 1985

    posted by  someone claiming to be JohnB on  Tue Jul 27 08:18 CST 2004 [RELATED]

    Get one of those little power packs from Costco or somesuch. They're about 20 lbs and contain a small lead acid probably gel battery. Has jumper cable ends on it. Use it to jump your battery at the airport. Leave it in the trunk.

    Check your battery specific gravity and have it load tested. Generally any sears battery place will do it for free or you can buy the load tester. I'd say buy the load tester. Buy the specific gravity tester too.








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    Is it about time to change the battery? 200 1985

    posted by  someguyfromMaryland on  Tue Jul 27 05:22 CST 2004
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    last visit: Thu Feb 8 05:22 CST 2007
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    I would not rely on your voltmeter gauge. If you have 9 - 10 volts after sitting 2 days, you wouldn't have a battery that could start your car. A decent vom would be helpful in determining the true state of your system. Check to see alternator output after startup. It should be 13.5 vdc or more. A working battery left to sit for a couple days should still read over 12 vdc.

    Also, anything over 4 years is gravy for any battery. Just decide if you can live with the risk of a jump start. If you can't, replace it. Remember, a lifetime warranty will not start your car when it's -10 degrees outside and all you get is r-r-r-r-r-r-r click-click-click.

    HTH,

    someguyfromMaryland








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      Sounds like it 200 1985

      posted by  someone claiming to be mjamgb on  Tue Jul 27 05:24 CST 2004 [RELATED]

      They aren't all that pricey, after all.







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