Hey All,

Tried to fire up the 83 and she wont turn. She started up about 5 weeks ago with no porblems.
Its on a battery tender, which tells me the battery is charged.
When I try the ignition key, I hear a click but she doesn't turn.

what would be the logical progression to troubleshoot?
Should I try jumping first to confirm the battery is not the culprit? Maybe the tender is not accurate in the charge status?
Assuming I have ample charge, what the next thing to look into...?

Many Thanks,

Bryan

 

I would check battery voltage after letting it sit overnight with battery tender disconnected. If it drops down to the 12v - 12.3v range charge it back up and take the battery in and have it tested under load. Being on the BT doesn’t mean it can take the charge.

 

^ agree

the click means that the solenoid is decent, so it may be lack of current flow adequate to turn over the starter

turn the headlights on and see how bright they are

when was the last time you took apart the ground strap at the starter and cleaned it well?

 

"what would be the logical progression to troubleshoot?"

Get out your jumpers. If it starts, it's not your your starter!

No jumpers? Then call AAA. They'll come out and jump it for free.


Cheers,

Joe
87 Carrera

 

Hey Guys,

Just looked at the voltage. With the BT on, I have 13.1 vdc.
With the BT off, I have 12.2 vdc.
I'll let it sit overnight and see what the voltage is tomorrow.
At this point I'm suspecting the battery is toast.
I'll also try to throw jumpers on it tomorrow to confirm the starter is working.
Thanks!
Bryan

 

Battery was 11.2 this morning.
I jumped it and it started right up.
Seems I'm in the market for a new battery.
Any suggestion for a decent replacement?

 

thats like asking for a good oil , you are going to get AGM suggestions, the optima guys will jump out of the woodwork wondering why you are going to put a boat anchor in. all kinds .

I went to the wreckers and got an interstate group 48 for 20 bucks with my old one traded in. That was 5 years ago .. still going strong.

 

Which optma fits?
I've had good luck with them in the past.
I'm assuming the interstate if group 48?

 

!

 

Well played good sir...

 

There is no official fitment list for these older cars. I have the original Red Top Optima and it is only 15 years old.

You can turn them sideways unlike the flat plate (conventional) batteries to fit in the fender box. Be sure nothing can be tossed so it will bridge the terminals (like a jack).

Get a good 'trickle' charger and use it anytime you don't drive for more than 1 week.

 

 

or.. he could not pay $200 up front and get an Interstate...

 

Took the battery to my interstate distributor. Cell 6 was dead on a 27 month old battery. They handed me a new battery and she started right up.
Now I need the rain to go away, get a quick wash and vacuum, and put on some miles.
Thanks for the help. You guys are great!