Dead Battery Issue

[Ace23]

Originally Posted by Blas

Would recommend charging battery first, and since it is a Optima, that is a PIA. You can research that procedure on line. Next thing to do is to see if the battery is actually charging. Jump car to start. Connect volt meter to + side of battery and - to good ground. Rev engine to 2500 RPM, hold it there and check volt meters reading. Repeat test with volt meter on hot side of firewall mounted starter solenoid. Output should be 13.6 to 13.8 volts.. . If your output is less than 13.6 volts, check all the connections on battery and main chassis grounds. The voltage regulator is the first thing to replace. (Least expensive - assuming you are not running a single wire alternator) repeated tests. Any red light on dash when engine running? Contact me if you need additional guidance. (My contact info is below)

Battery has been recharged and I dropped it back in the car tonight. Thanks for the info as I will give it a try. I haven't tried to crank it again since I dropped the battery in it. The only red light I have ever seen as the dash light to the left of the steering wheel and that has only illuminated when I intially crank it and the idles drops down really low.

Originally Posted by jhv48

With the engine running, where is the needle on your ammeter pointing? To the right or left of center?

I haven't been in the car in a few weeks and honestly can't recall. shouldn't it be going to the left of center when running or when any of the lights or fans kick on?

Originally Posted by itstock

Check the alternator at the battery then the alternator at the alternator while it is slightly above idle. Then move back from the alternator depending on results.

Will do. Thanks