Dry battery

[Lindyrect]

Two weeks ago I began having problems with my car starting. It occurred coincidently, not really a cause, with trying to get the door auto-lock switch method to work for my '07. I had to have my 9 jump started again yesterday, 2 times in one week, so I thought I would take a look at the battery.

Both terminals were in immaculate condition with no corrosion. The only thing I did notice was one of the cell caps had some spray patterns outward like leaking/pressurized fluids. I began to take off each cap, except the one by the + terminal, and look at the fluid levels. They were all low. I topped them off with distilled water and began the task of removing the + lead to get to the last cap and holly sh*t, it was bone dry. I topped that cell off and am watching the battery to see if I need a new one.

 

[Lindyrect]

I love starting my own thread and responding to it as well. Kinda like having a conversation with myself lol. Anyway here is an update.

Well the distilled water solution did not work. I noticed that the interior lights were dim when opening the door and the car started sluggish this morning. After coming home from work I popped the hood to look and the cell that had run dry was boiling over again. I made a trip to the auto parts store and had the battery replaced.

After adjusting all the electronic setting for the car: Clock, radio volume beep, radio stations, bass, auto windows etc. I tried the Nav unit. It was asking for the correct Nav CD. Apparently it did not like my backup copy. After retrieving my original I inserted it and it reloaded software and all is back to normal.

Word to the wise, check electrolyte level before cell run dry as dry cell plates make contact and effect total battery performance. BTW battery was only $74 dollars here.

 

[ceric]

To reduce risk of failed batteries, I usually replace the them on my vehicle every 3 yrs.
(saved Prius battery, which is deep-cyclce. It typically lasts more than 5 yrs. It has a price to match also.)

Batteries are cheap and easy to replace. No need to take risks for it.
Especially, batteries usually failed at the most inconvenient situations such as rainy/snowy days.

 

[danz75]

Almost all cars I see are sold with sealed batteries these days. CX9 seems to be the only one that I know of that comes with a serviceable battery.