Archived dead batteries

[new2dodge]

i parked my 05 ctd for the winter ( 94 318 gasser to rust in the mn winter) 3 weeks ago. i went to start it and the batteries are dead! it has been plugged in the whole time. i put my trickle chargers on it for 5 hours and it starts. the amp gauge reads low and the abs and brake lights are on in the dash. the question is can i reset the lights or do i have to take it to the dealer (they say :{ it is a common occurance) any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[DBentley]

I would bet the computer ,clock, and every thing else is bringing it down in a week or two. I would use a on board trickle charger 1. 5 -3 amps that has automatic charge rate. You are probably pulling near 1/2 to 3/4 amp when parked.

 

[Pawpaw]

This is what I use on my wife's car, which sometimes sits for a month or 2: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_197012_197012



Having said that, my truck has sat at the airport for up to 3 weeks without any hint of draining the batteries.



Bob

 

[Missouri Mule]

I would think you could disconnect the batteries or pull the fuse for the clock. You can always reset the clock and radio channels. Not sure if computer (PCM/ECM) needs to have power to it all the time.