Battery Problem

redsky@night · 04-11-2008, 02:03 PM

I have recently brought my Sky out of storage from a long winter. My battery is completely dead. I have charged it several times and driven the car to ensure a good charge but it won't hold. has anyone else expereinced this.

harrower · 04-11-2008, 11:05 PM

Just got our sky out of storage. Started it every two weeks in winter OK.
Secon d week out od storage, battery died. Couldn't charge over 11 volts with battery charger. Took to Saturn and had diff recall done and new battery installed. All is fine. Inner plastic fender must be removed to replace battery.
18 screws. Glad it was warranty.

**Skip** · 04-11-2008, 11:22 PM

It is easier to take off the right side fender. It is 4 screws and bingo there is the battery....Skip...

Bogie · 04-11-2008, 11:43 PM

Once a lead acid starter battery gets below a certain charge level, it can rapidly deteriorate. The longer it stays low, the quicker it can deteriorate.

Although a fully charged battery will lose charge just standing there, it should not lose too much over a few weeks to put it in the rapid deterioration mode. Hence, a good charge every few weeks should keep it out of danger. But there are exceptions:

1. If it's connected, and there is a drain (called parasitic drain) from the various components connected to the electrical system, then it can reach the deterioration point much faster.

2. An alternator charge is not the most friendly charge type for low battery, as these batteries don't like to be charged fast. So it's possible to do "some" damage each time you let the battery go low and then jolt it back with an alternator charge.

So, what to do? As for (1), disconnect the battery when in storage. As for (2), use a battery charger that charges in a kinder gentler fashion. There are also charge systems that keep the battery constantly charged, which is probably the best way to keep the battery healthy.

It's hard to tell if a particular battery was simply poorly manufactured or if it was allowed to wither too long without having good info on the exact parameters involved....parasitic drain....and/or charge rate.

stromo · 04-12-2008, 05:36 PM

i kept mine on a "battery tender junior" over the winter. $26. started right up in the spring.

pastohio · 04-13-2008, 12:17 PM

Get one of the green-knob disconnect switches and put it on the negative cable and when you want to leave it sit for a while ( several weeks or more) turn the knob and the battery is disconnected....most car places and flea markets sell them about $3.00 each, simple to install especially if you are already replacing the battery....just my $.02

Bogie · 04-13-2008, 01:18 PM

Now the engineer is curious as to what the parasitic discharge really is on our SKYs. Gone are the old days when once a car was "off", everything was really "off". Nowadays, with all our technical wonders, turning the car off doesn't stop the current flow:

1. Onstar runs for two days before shutting down (or so they say).
2. I suspect the computer control modules probably suck a little bit of juice.
3. And, of course, if the content theft is active it will be drawing current...if for no other reason than to operate the pretty blinking light.
4. Perhaps the temp sensor circuit also draws a bit since it operates when vehicle is off.
5. Remote keyless entry would draw some.
6. PassKey system might draw a bit?
7. Airbag?

I wonder what other electronic wonders we have that draw a wee bit of current...that on a day to day basis is minuscule, but on a month to month basis is significant? It would be interesting to get the specs on all those devices and add everything up, and see how long it takes to draw out a starter battery.

darrylba · 04-13-2008, 05:06 PM

Has anyone just replaced the factory battery with an aftermarket battery. If so, what kind is recommended. The factory battery certainly does not hold a charge very long.

pastohio · 04-14-2008, 09:44 AM

General input I have from other boards as well, do NOT buy the expensive Optima, it doesn't last any longer and will die like any other battery, buy one from NAPA or Sears that has a 3 year replacement warranty, put a disconnect on the battery if it sits for a month or so, and not worry for about 70-80 dollars, get the battery with the replacement warranty....my $.02

darrylba · 04-14-2008, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pastohio

General input I have from other boards as well, do NOT buy the expensive Optima, it doesn't last any longer and will die like any other battery, buy one from NAPA or Sears that has a 3 year replacement warranty, put a disconnect on the battery if it sits for a month or so, and not worry for about 70-80 dollars, get the battery with the replacement warranty....my $.02

What size and model.

gadget · 04-15-2008, 08:03 AM

The Sears Diehard is a good battery.Auto Zone sells the same battery under they're brand for less.I think it's Duralast.
When I replace one I usually get the Optima though. You are right that they don't last any longer but you don't ever have to worry about corrosion or having it make a mess under the hood.

I'm willing to pay the xtra $20 for that and the red top battery has 36 month replacement and then another 36 months Prorated warranty.
I tried the Exide version of the Optima because some salesman said it was just as good. Boy was that a mistake I went through three of them before the warranty ran out and it didn't have near the ability to crank the engine.

swieck · 04-15-2008, 12:35 PM

Mine would'nt start if the car sat unused for 4 or 5 days. Saturn insisted the battery was fine. It was not. One of the cells was defective, If you drove the car everyday there was enough juice to get her running. If she sat for awhile the volt level dropped enough to prevent the engine from even turning over-totally dead. It took me 3 trips to the dealer to get them to acnowledge the fact that the battery was defective. Interesting group,these servive people. They charge buckets full of money for their services and I as a consumer have to diagnose my own problems and then convince them on the proper cure. Love em.

charge buckets full of money for their services

redsky@night · 04-15-2008, 12:39 PM

the car is in today, it is getting a new battery (at least it better) as well I am getting the rear seals fixed for the recall. I will let you know what they have to say

redsky@night · 04-15-2008, 02:58 PM

So in typical fashion I had not yet heard back from the dealership so I call. It turns out that the battery was defective and they have replaced it udner warranty. Good news. As for the recall for the seals, they told me that they have now ordered the parts and I will have to come back in three to four weeks. ahhhh

southphillylakes · 04-15-2008, 04:23 PM

Has anyone use the battery jumper's that plugs into the lighter outlet ? I have a couple of battery jumpers that clamp on the battery for a hot shot, they worked well with my other cars, but I as thinking about getting a smaller lighter/outlet jumper for the SKY.

Bogie · 04-15-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southphillylakes

Has anyone use the battery jumper's that plugs into the lighter outlet ? I have a couple of battery jumpers that clamp on the battery for a hot shot, they worked well with my other cars, but I as thinking about getting a smaller lighter/outlet jumper for the SKY.

I have one of these:
Duracell: Portable Power

A nice investment:

1. Easy for maintaining air in tires.
2. Can jump start car.
3. Great for basic use during power outages.

Morfious · 04-16-2008, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pastohio

General input I have from other boards as well, do NOT buy the expensive Optima, it doesn't last any longer and will die like any other battery, buy one from NAPA or Sears that has a 3 year replacement warranty, put a disconnect on the battery if it sits for a month or so, and not worry for about 70-80 dollars, get the battery with the replacement warranty....my $.02

I have used Optima batteries for years and have not had a problem with them. THey are deep cycle batteries and will react to repeated discharge better than the factory battery did. My Red top Optima (in my Jeep) came with a 3 year replacement warranty, which was honored and replaced. YMMV, but I have not had issues with the optima battery.

gadget · 04-16-2008, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morfious

I have used Optima batteries for years and have not had a problem with them. THey are deep cycle batteries and will react to repeated discharge better than the factory battery did. My Red top Optima (in my Jeep) came with a 3 year replacement warranty, which was honored and replaced. YMMV, but I have not had issues with the optima battery.

I have used Optima batterys for around 15 years.

I presently have three Optima battery's Two yellow top commercial battery's in my truck because it has a winch and a lot of other electrical and one redtop in the other car.
Optima has always honored the warranty which is as good or better than any other battery.
As long as they are charged properly they will give excellent service.

pastohio · 04-16-2008, 12:04 PM

What is the cost of the Optima, about $140 or so ??!! I have heard many people that they are continually using the Optima warranty, could it be that they don't last as long and the added cost you are paying is a form of "insurance" for the many they have to replace ?? The Sears Gold with the full warranty is about $80, and the best charger is one that maintains the battery and has some type of chip in it that senses charging when needed....I believe that if the car sits for a month or more, I just turn the knob on my battery disconnect, the battery sits quietly for the month and ready for me to turn the knob when I want to go....thanks

gadget · 04-16-2008, 11:01 PM

the sears gold is $99 for 700 cold cranking amps.3yr free replacement. 100 months prorated

The Optima Red top is going for $149 900 for cold cranking amps.6yr free replacement 88 month prorated. But Optima batteries don't leak acid.

The only battery that Sears makes thats in the same class as the Optima is the diehard platinum which is $189. 880 cold cranking amps. four year free replacement.100 month prorated. No leaks

Duralast gold (Autozone) Same battery as sears diehard gold (Different label). 3yr free replacement five years prorated $79.

clif · 04-17-2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pastohio

What is the cost of the Optima, about $140 or so ??!! I have heard many people that they are continually using the Optima warranty, could it be that they don't last as long and the added cost you are paying is a form of "insurance" for the many they have to replace ?? The Sears Gold with the full warranty is about $80, and the best charger is one that maintains the battery and has some type of chip in it that senses charging when needed....I believe that if the car sits for a month or more, I just turn the knob on my battery disconnect, the battery sits quietly for the month and ready for me to turn the knob when I want to go....thanks

OK, two questions for you: Where inline do you have your disconnect? And does it totally remove power from all circuits? Does this mean that you lose radio presets? Where did you get the disconnect? OK, that was four!

Thanks for your input.

Clif

pastohio · 04-17-2008, 11:01 AM

Some auto stores, car swap meets, flea markets and try searching on line ( when I get a chance I will search the internet and post here ), should be mounted on the negative terminal by removing the negative terminal and putting the green-knobbed disconnect on the battery first and then putting the terminal that you removed , put onto the disconnect thing,you can also remove the green knob completely and it acts as a simple protection that no one can easily start your car and drive away , and when I use it, the radio presets did not get lost when I disconnected,

About the batteries, the problem with Optima is they aren't sold everywhere but if you buy at a Sears or Auto Zone, you have more places to return it to....just my $.02, these cars don't need too muc

04-11-2008, 02:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
redsky@night Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 36 My Photos: (0)	Battery Problem I have recently brought my Sky out of storage from a long winter. My battery is completely dead. I have charged it several times and driven the car to ensure a good charge but it won't hold. has anyone else expereinced this.

04-11-2008, 11:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
harrower Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bolivar Ohio Posts: 29 My Photos: (0)	new battery per saturn Just got our sky out of storage. Started it every two weeks in winter OK. Secon d week out od storage, battery died. Couldn't charge over 11 volts with battery charger. Took to Saturn and had diff recall done and new battery installed. All is fine. Inner plastic fender must be removed to replace battery. 18 screws. Glad it was warranty. __________________ Sky Redline Black-Black-Black 3 Peddle-18" Chrome Magnaflow 3"

04-11-2008, 11:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
Skip First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: deep in the land of cotton where good times there are not forgotten Posts: 4,736 My Photos: (0)	It is easier to take off the right side fender. It is 4 screws and bingo there is the battery....Skip... __________________ Resident Redneck of the forum and Birthday Greeter Keep on the sunny side of life It tant Christmas without Christ.

04-11-2008, 11:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Northern, VA Posts: 2,476 My Photos: (0)	Once a lead acid starter battery gets below a certain charge level, it can rapidly deteriorate. The longer it stays low, the quicker it can deteriorate. Although a fully charged battery will lose charge just standing there, it should not lose too much over a few weeks to put it in the rapid deterioration mode. Hence, a good charge every few weeks should keep it out of danger. But there are exceptions: 1. If it's connected, and there is a drain (called parasitic drain) from the various components connected to the electrical system, then it can reach the deterioration point much faster. 2. An alternator charge is not the most friendly charge type for low battery, as these batteries don't like to be charged fast. So it's possible to do "some" damage each time you let the battery go low and then jolt it back with an alternator charge. So, what to do? As for (1), disconnect the battery when in storage. As for (2), use a battery charger that charges in a kinder gentler fashion. There are also charge systems that keep the battery constantly charged, which is probably the best way to keep the battery healthy. It's hard to tell if a particular battery was simply poorly manufactured or if it was allowed to wither too long without having good info on the exact parameters involved....parasitic drain....and/or charge rate. __________________ 2008 Redline Black Onyx Black/Red Leather Monsoon 6 Disc Spoiler French Transmission Born July 2007 Snagged 8/31/07 Belle? That's my car Alizée? That's my avatar Me? Forty something male skydriver

04-12-2008, 05:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
stromo Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, Maryland Posts: 76 My Photos: (0)	i kept mine on a "battery tender junior" over the winter. $26. started right up in the spring. __________________ 2007 RL Graphite / Black leather / magnaflow 3" quad

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04-13-2008, 12:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
pastohio Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 80 My Photos: (0)	Get one of the green-knob disconnect switches and put it on the negative cable and when you want to leave it sit for a while ( several weeks or more) turn the knob and the battery is disconnected....most car places and flea markets sell them about $3.00 each, simple to install especially if you are already replacing the battery....just my $.02

04-13-2008, 01:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Northern, VA Posts: 2,476 My Photos: (0)	Now the engineer is curious as to what the parasitic discharge really is on our SKYs. Gone are the old days when once a car was "off", everything was really "off". Nowadays, with all our technical wonders, turning the car off doesn't stop the current flow: 1. Onstar runs for two days before shutting down (or so they say). 2. I suspect the computer control modules probably suck a little bit of juice. 3. And, of course, if the content theft is active it will be drawing current...if for no other reason than to operate the pretty blinking light. 4. Perhaps the temp sensor circuit also draws a bit since it operates when vehicle is off. 5. Remote keyless entry would draw some. 6. PassKey system might draw a bit? 7. Airbag? I wonder what other electronic wonders we have that draw a wee bit of current...that on a day to day basis is minuscule, but on a month to month basis is significant? It would be interesting to get the specs on all those devices and add everything up, and see how long it takes to draw out a starter battery. __________________ 2008 Redline Black Onyx Black/Red Leather Monsoon 6 Disc Spoiler French Transmission Born July 2007 Snagged 8/31/07 Belle? That's my car Alizée? That's my avatar Me? Forty something male skydriver

04-13-2008, 05:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
darrylba Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ruther Glen, Va Posts: 316 My Photos: (0)	A Different Battery? Has anyone just replaced the factory battery with an aftermarket battery. If so, what kind is recommended. The factory battery certainly does not hold a charge very long.

04-14-2008, 09:44 AM	#9 (permalink)
pastohio Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 80 My Photos: (0)	General input I have from other boards as well, do NOT buy the expensive Optima, it doesn't last any longer and will die like any other battery, buy one from NAPA or Sears that has a 3 year replacement warranty, put a disconnect on the battery if it sits for a month or so, and not worry for about 70-80 dollars, get the battery with the replacement warranty....my $.02

04-15-2008, 08:03 AM	#11 (permalink)
gadget Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Westminster,Colorado Posts: 578 My Photos: (0)	The Sears Diehard is a good battery.Auto Zone sells the same battery under they're brand for less.I think it's Duralast. When I replace one I usually get the Optima though. You are right that they don't last any longer but you don't ever have to worry about corrosion or having it make a mess under the hood.I'm willing to pay the xtra $20 for that and the red top battery has 36 month replacement and then another 36 months Prorated warranty. I tried the Exide version of the Optima because some salesman said it was just as good. Boy was that a mistake I went through three of them before the warranty ran out and it didn't have near the ability to crank the engine. __________________ '07 2.4 Liter Polar White With Tan Trim L.S. Differential B&G Springs and Dampers,Eibach Stabilizers Dual Filter Fugita CAI SMS BBTB, Vector tune Monsoon Stereo,Six disk changer PDA and 350GB hardrive space for audio Last edited by gadget : 04-15-2008 at 08:40 AM.

04-15-2008, 12:35 PM	#12 (permalink)
swieck Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 53 My Photos: (0)	Mine would'nt start if the car sat unused for 4 or 5 days. Saturn insisted the battery was fine. It was not. One of the cells was defective, If you drove the car everyday there was enough juice to get her running. If she sat for awhile the volt level dropped enough to prevent the engine from even turning over-totally dead. It took me 3 trips to the dealer to get them to acnowledge the fact that the battery was defective. Interesting group,these servive people. They charge buckets full of money for their services and I as a consumer have to diagnose my own problems and then convince them on the proper cure. Love em. charge buckets full of money for their services

04-15-2008, 12:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
redsky@night Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 36 My Photos: (0)	the car is in today, it is getting a new battery (at least it better) as well I am getting the rear seals fixed for the recall. I will let you know what they have to say

04-15-2008, 02:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
redsky@night Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 36 My Photos: (0)	So in typical fashion I had not yet heard back from the dealership so I call. It turns out that the battery was defective and they have replaced it udner warranty. Good news. As for the recall for the seals, they told me that they have now ordered the parts and I will have to come back in three to four weeks. ahhhh

04-15-2008, 04:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
southphillylakes First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 345 My Photos: (0)	Has anyone use the battery jumper's that plugs into the lighter outlet ? I have a couple of battery jumpers that clamp on the battery for a hot shot, they worked well with my other cars, but I as thinking about getting a smaller lighter/outlet jumper for the SKY. __________________ Southphillylakes Drexel Hill Pa 95 Saturn 2000 Saturn 1976 Corvette Deposit Dec 30 05 Ordered April 1 06 Drove it home May 31 06 VIN 2924 Sunburst Yellow Premium Trim package Chrome Wheels-cancel wheels-to get car 6 Cd LSD Spoiler

04-16-2008, 12:04 PM	#19 (permalink)
pastohio Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 80 My Photos: (0)	What is the cost of the Optima, about $140 or so ??!! I have heard many people that they are continually using the Optima warranty, could it be that they don't last as long and the added cost you are paying is a form of "insurance" for the many they have to replace ?? The Sears Gold with the full warranty is about $80, and the best charger is one that maintains the battery and has some type of chip in it that senses charging when needed....I believe that if the car sits for a month or more, I just turn the knob on my battery disconnect, the battery sits quietly for the month and ready for me to turn the knob when I want to go....thanks

04-16-2008, 11:01 PM	#20 (permalink)
gadget Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Westminster,Colorado Posts: 578 My Photos: (0)	the sears gold is $99 for 700 cold cranking amps.3yr free replacement. 100 months prorated The Optima Red top is going for $149 900 for cold cranking amps.6yr free replacement 88 month prorated. But Optima batteries don't leak acid. The only battery that Sears makes thats in the same class as the Optima is the diehard platinum which is $189. 880 cold cranking amps. four year free replacement.100 month prorated. No leaks Duralast gold (Autozone) Same battery as sears diehard gold (Different label). 3yr free replacement five years prorated $79. __________________ '07 2.4 Liter Polar White With Tan Trim L.S. Differential B&G Springs and Dampers,Eibach Stabilizers Dual Filter Fugita CAI SMS BBTB, Vector tune Monsoon Stereo,Six disk changer PDA and 350GB hardrive space for audio Last edited by gadget : 04-16-2008 at 11:14 PM.