SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Another SC dead battery story

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Old 04-23-19, 11:09 PM
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GmanSC
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Default Another SC dead battery story

It was a beautiful Sunday, so I decided to take the SC out for a spin. I have not moved her for last three weeks. You guessed it ! Battery's dead. I meant dead dead, measured only 1.5 V.
I talked to myself, what the hell has happened? The battery is only year and a half old, and was under the battery tender when the car sat. How could it go dead?
After couple hours being charged, the battery is now OK and the SC runs fine.
And the funny story is, turned out, I accidentally left both dome LED lights on, there for even under the tender, the battery still goes dead.
Another lesson learned.
Old 04-24-19, 06:31 AM
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mandyfig
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Maybe further lesson learned, replace dome lights with LED array. Brighter and will not kill battery...
Old 04-24-19, 10:12 AM
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Harold57
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Were the LED dome lights on by the switch or by an ajar door? If by a door, then there are other lights that were likely on also.
Old 04-24-19, 10:58 AM
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GmanSC
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Originally Posted by Harold57
Were the LED dome lights on by the switch or by an ajar door? If by a door, then there are other lights that were likely on also.
I accidentally pushed both switches on, left them on for three weeks. Didn’t notice until the battery’s dead.
The dome lights are LEDs, wonder how long did they take to kill the battery?
Old 04-24-19, 12:35 PM
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DJWLDW
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GmanSC

Sorry to hear about the dead battery. I believe the take away from this is. Don't let it be 3 weeks between times you slide into the SC and show it a little loving by taking it for enjoyable drive.

Dennis
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Old 04-24-19, 03:41 PM
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GmanSC
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Originally Posted by DJWLDW
GmanSC

Sorry to hear about the dead battery. I believe the take away from this is. Don't let it be 3 weeks between times you slide into the SC and show it a little loving by taking it for enjoyable drive.

Dennis
Thanks Dennis. Usually, I take her out every weekend, but . You know I am a driving instructor, and it has been crazy for last couple weeks busy with students.
The SC is doing fine for couples sitting, I was on vacation often 3 or 4 weeks and she sat with the tender without problems. Only this time, I let the stupid dome lights on.
Old 04-24-19, 06:10 PM
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GmanSC

I left the lights on in my 1990 Bronco II a month ago and it cost me a new battery. It happens

Dennis
Old 04-25-19, 10:34 AM
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Harold57
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I'm surprised that a battery tender couldn't handle the extra load of just 2 LEDs. It sounds like there is more going on there than that. What is the capacity of your tender?
Old 04-25-19, 07:25 PM
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Caflashbob
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Do not be surprised if you have recurring battery issues. Once killed dead I replace them....
Old 04-25-19, 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Harold57
I'm surprised that a battery tender couldn't handle the extra load of just 2 LEDs. It sounds like there is more going on there than that. What is the capacity of your tender?
Cheap one from HF. Guess you got what you paid for. So far it has been doing its job, keep the battery charged when the car sat. I just need to keep an eye on it.
Old 04-25-19, 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Caflashbob
Do not be surprised if you have recurring battery issues. Once killed dead I replace them....
i hope not. Generally, completely discharged battery will do fine after recharged from my experiences.
Old 04-26-19, 06:46 AM
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Have the battery tested. Bet it shows greatly reduced capacity. Or bad.

35 years in the rv biz. Played with battery issues daily.

i have a temp compensating battery tender hooked to a new AGM battery on our Sc in a garage covered.

killed two different batteries without the charger.
Old 04-26-19, 05:49 PM
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Harold57
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Originally Posted by GmanSC
Cheap one from HF. Guess you got what you paid for. So far it has been doing its job, keep the battery charged when the car sat. I just need to keep an eye on it.
Ah, probably the same one I have for my lawn tractor and they are pretty small. Still surprised that it couldn't handle 2 LEDs. Like others have said, be sure to load test your battery to be sure.
Old 04-26-19, 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Harold57
Ah, probably the same one I have for my lawn tractor and they are pretty small. Still surprised that it couldn't handle 2 LEDs. Like others have said, be sure to load test your battery to be sure.
Thanks Harold for the concern. The battery is fine, it passed all the tests.
Old 04-27-19, 07:06 AM
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Glad to see that the battery survived the ordeal. You probably have already tested your car for leakage in the past but it may be worth checking to see just how high the current leakage is while the car is off. Maybe there is something else going on here.


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