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Old 06-09-2009, 08:34 PM   #1
yeehawbob
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Default How long to charge the battery?

So I think I left my door open all night or something and the car would not start. I jump start and drive about 3 miles and park the car. then it starts after 5 minutes no problem. I thought the battery is charged enough.
I went to start it in the morning and it does not.
I know I have a good battery and the alternater is working.
The question is, How long (driving time/distance) does it take to charge the battery fully that it does not drain in one night?

Could I have developed a slow drain somewhere? I did not touch anything in the car!!

TIA
Bob
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Old 06-09-2009, 08:36 PM   #2
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A typical car battery doesn't take well to a full discharge. Go have it checked. If that's not it, I'd suspect the alternator doesn't have a good connection somewhere.
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Old 06-09-2009, 09:24 PM   #3
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Maybe I should give more detail.
The battery was not fully discharged. it just would not turn the starter. All I wold get is a clickty click click and the dashboard lights would go crazy for a second or two.
First I thought the starter had quit on me but then I jump the car and it starts right up.

I did change the Crank case vent valve last week but it does not have anything to do with anything electrical.
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Old 06-09-2009, 10:38 PM   #4
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Do you have a battery charger?
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Old 06-09-2009, 10:41 PM   #5
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Driving around to charge the battery won't be enough. Autozone should charge it for free if you don't have a standalone charger.
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Old 06-10-2009, 12:37 AM   #6
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Idling for a few minutes will get it back to starting capacity, assuming everything in the charging system is otherwise normal.

I think your "good" battery was marginal and the dome light incident finished it.
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Old 06-10-2009, 06:12 PM   #7
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Either:
1. The battery is not holding adequate charge.
2. The charging system is faulty.

Solutions to:
1. Have battery checked for CCA. If low, replace.
2. Use multimeter at battery leads with car on, should read ~14VDC. If less, check wiring for frayed, shorted cables and bad connections.
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