Archived Wouldn't start this morning

[Joe Mc]

Yesterday morning cranked a bit slower than normal and started fine. Same at lunch time. After work and around 9 last evening it started as normal. This morning 3-4 slow cranks then nothing. Got neighbor to give jump with my H. D. cables and his old Volvo (dirty connections, small batteries) no start. So now I'm stuck at work and no ride.



What to check first? I've seen info on the TDR re: super contacts for starters and batteries. Before I spend a few hundred I figured I'd ask for HELP. What to order what I need and pick up today/tonight.



Thanks

 

[moparguy]

Joe, sure sounds like batteries. I'd clean all cables and battery posts, then someone find someone to hook up the jumper cables to. You may have to let them stay hooked up for 15 or 20 minutes with their engine at 1300 or so rpm to get a sufficient charge in your batteries to start it.



Once started, I'd check the alternator output and when safely home, check the electrolyte level in your batteries, could just need a little distilled water.



Good luck Ronnie

 

[paccool]

I think Ronnie has it right. Is your battery the original one? If so, I wouldn't fool around with it vey much, would just replace it. Sounds like a shorted cell. When my last one died, it did much of the same things your talking about. Was fine one day, the next-nothing!

 

[kluther]

with the batteries wired in series one bad cell will kill the other battery also . in my opinion replace both with matched batteries. this way one will not be weaker than the other.

 

[Joe Mc]

How to test

Not trying to be cheap but how to test batteries first. I have a manual but am spending way too much time at work lately - appreciate any shortcuts.



And type battery can I get at Walmart?

 

[Joe Mc]

Batteries did the trick. Picked up two MAX1N's @ WalMart $59. 95 each and back on the road. 3 year direct replacement then 100 month prorated.