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1997 Ford Taurus Won't Start - Electrical & Lighting Systems
Question: I just replaced the battery about a month ago. Was working fine. Car wasn't started for about 3 weeks. Turned ignition and got nothing, no click, no lights, nada. Was able to jump, car started ok the rest of the day. Next morning, nothing again. Help!
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Technican: Hello, Are you familiar with what is called "Parasitic Drain" on a battery?
Parasitic drain is the power to keep memory alive for radio stations, alarms, etc. The amount is measured in miliamps and should not exceed 35ma or the battery will drain down too quickly to set for 3 weeks without running the engine to recharge the battery. Or, you can put a trickle charger on it like one would do a boat battery to keep it ready.
An ammeter needs to be put in series between the negative battery cable (disconnected) and the battery to read the amount of drain present. The meter must have a miliamp scale or you will not get the correct reading.
The car ran all day on the jump start on what is called a battery "surface charge". To fully charge a good maintenance free battery it needs a 30-40 amp charge for thirty minutes followed by a 10-15 amp charge for 18-24 hours to build it's full reserve capacity.
All said, have you had your alternator tested for full output capacity? Belt ok? Tight?
Your thoughts?,
Owner: Can parasitic drain happen if the battery is not strong enough to handle the "off key" load on it? If I put a heavy duty battery in the car would it handle the load OK? (Assuming the alternator is OK and there are no other apparent problems)? Thanks.
Technican: All cars with computer, alarm, and radio memory circuits have parasitic drains. After market equipment can add to this equation. How much/total drain, in miliamps, is the key! Sure, a larger capacity battery might last longer between events when the battery has gone down.... but that is really not advised.
If at all posible I recommend the amp draw test I talked about be done to determine what is needed so your investment brings you reliability and peace of mind.
Many drivers forget to turn something off and of course the battery goes dead. But when recharged, the battery continues to give good service if the "normal" parasitic drain remains acceptable. (Design limitations)
What would you like to do?
Owner: Sorry for the delay. Got the car up and running. Was the alternator. Installed it myself! Thanks for your help. Here's How To Get Guaranteed Solutions In Minutes
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