SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

low batt fluid

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-12-06, 10:00 PM
  #1  
JJRHO
Driver
Thread Starter
 
JJRHO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ca
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default low batt fluid

hey guys, have a 02 sc430 with 80K+ miles in so calif....no probl. but decided to check the orig. batt. fluid level, (recently wife's s500 wouldn't start at the school and batt was low on fluid)

all six cells were dry and top of the batt elements were exposed; needed to add some 3oz of water to each cell....

one way to find out is when your car doesn't start...

jim R
02 sc430
Old 03-12-06, 11:01 PM
  #2  
RGA
Rookie
 
RGA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: HAWAII
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Go with Gell-Cell Batteries, you'll never have to worry about fluids again. Last way longer then fluid batteries. Cost twice as much though (well worth it)!!!
Old 03-13-06, 12:24 AM
  #3  
Pearlpower
Lexus Fanatic

iTrader: (2)
 
Pearlpower's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: California
Posts: 7,075
Likes: 0
Received 18 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

Water level is important. Good job Jim in checking that out.
Just above the plates is where it should be to allow room for the gases. Some people just fill it to the top and blame the battery when it explodes or leaks everywhere.

Just an FYI, when a batteru explodes, it's a bomb. Seen it twice from overcharging. Acid everywhere, thankfully nobody hurt.
Old 03-13-06, 01:25 AM
  #4  
JJRHO
Driver
Thread Starter
 
JJRHO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ca
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default batt

yeah, i left the water level just above the plate, and i trickle charged it afterward at 2amp/hr over night, just to 'top if off'....and i put a papertowel tightly over the caps; just in case...

i've had bad experiences with GMC/Chevy suburban batteries that have the post on the side, that breaks from vibration and the acid leaking would wreak havoc on the batt. tray and leak down and destroy things below, like the washer fluid reservoir and pump, etc... at least toyota doesn't use the side mounted post batteries....

lee, any luck on finding a good LED replacement for the amber turn signal?
i still have to order the parts; where's the best price at?


jim R
jjrho@adelphia.net
Old 03-13-06, 05:54 AM
  #5  
tonydt1g3r
Lexus Champion
 
tonydt1g3r's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: FL
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

umm get an optima?
Old 03-13-06, 08:34 AM
  #6  
aquanuke
Lexus Test Driver
 
aquanuke's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: London UK
Posts: 1,036
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I always take the battery out of the car when charging. My next door neighbour left his battery in his car in the garage charging over night. Half way through the night car went up in flames and so did the garage. Luckly the garage was not near his house.

Car was a complete right off and garage had to be knocked down and rebuilt.
Old 03-13-06, 09:55 PM
  #7  
JJRHO
Driver
Thread Starter
 
JJRHO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ca
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default batt charging

wow, wander what happened....so far, i've been lucky; i always charge batt. with it in the car; i try to charge at 2amp/hr or less; slow deep charge; altough i would do a short runs of 10amp charge if the batt is just completely drained ; like from kids leaving the door open or leaving dome light ON...
probably the gas discharge from the batt. ignited ?!?


j.rho
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
changhiskh
RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015)
4
11-08-17 10:14 PM
javohio
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
1
07-10-15 09:15 PM
Jbthompson
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
10
11-14-14 06:39 AM
piclistguy
Automotive Care & Detailing
3
11-04-08 09:57 PM
dkingphd
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
1
01-06-08 04:01 PM



Quick Reply: low batt fluid



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:57 AM.