2qwik4u

If I dont start my car for a week or so it dont start. No crank at all, nothing!
If I jump it, it fires right up. If I start it every other day or so it is fine.
Battery is an interstate, 3 yrs old.

BTW, how do I remove the battery?

88 3.2

thanks, leo

Ed Hughes

Could be battery, could be bad connections, could be a drain. Removing the battery is simple- there is a clamp at the base on the leading edge most likely, which holds down that side. The back side slides under a lip.

Ed Hughes

Most auto parts stores can test the battery.

rusnak

I would definitely want to check the water level, charge the battery, knock the static charge off by cranking the starter a few times, then check the voltage. If the battery is ok, then clean the connections, and put some dielectric grease on the battery posts.

A discharging battery will let off fumes that will leave corrosive salts on the battery connections. The positive battery clamp is notorious for going bad on the 3.2, and eventually will have to be cut off and replaced. I installed a heavier and longer negative battery cable on mine.

Ed Hughes

The ground cable from the battery to the body also has some notoriety for needing replacement after 20-something years.

2qwik4u

one clamp? I see one allen bolt on the bottom of front side of battery that closest to bumper, is that it?

thanks,

Ed Hughes

No need to do anything else to remove a battery-the clamp is quite accessible.

That is the clamp I described to you.

Who's to say what kind of bolt is there? Over 20+ years, anything may've found its way into the hole.

rusnak

The factory tool kit has an allen wrench with a rubber cup to extract the allen bolt. But I agree, as long as the thread is the right size and pitch..then..??

After the battery is charged, and the car is running, you can check the alternator output with a voltmeter to be sure that your charging system is working ok.

2qwik4u

well assuming it is original clamp, is there a tool required to remove or no tool required? I could've sworn I saw an allen bolt.

Ed Hughes

There is no tool of any significance. If it is an Allen, use an Allen socket on an extension. If it is a hex, use a socket on an extension. This really shouldn't be an issue-it is absolutely straight forward. I don't understand what you question here? It really is simple.

Be careful unbolting the positive clamp-dont' hit the wrench on any surrounding metal. Unhook the negative first.

Going on memory and posting here takes more time than simply being in front of it and doing. Really.

rusnak

Leo, try disconnecting the negative cable, and charging the battery with a good charger. Do not overcharge the battery, and if it's really low, try using a trickle charger or a 2-amp setting on your charger to avoid boiling the water out.

You might not even need to remove the battery yet. Check the water level. Do not just jump it, then try to drive off. Driving it will not completely charge the battery, and you can overload your alternator by driving with a low battery. Once the battery is fully charge, and the clamps are cleaned, then you can proceed to test the battery, alternator, regulator, etc.

2qwik4u

Rusnak,

I actually had battery tested today(before I read your post)and battery is good.

Now what? Something must be drawing the charge.

dshepp806

Time to quantify your drain current...........

Doyle

Ed Hughes

Time to buy a Bentley manual.....

rusnak

Yes it would seem so. If you get a digital multimeter, you can turn it to DC, and check the battery voltage. It should read almost 13 volts with the engine not running, and maybe 13.5 volts or so with the engine at idle and all accessories turned off. Then with the engine off, you can disconnect one of the battery cables, and connect the multimeter in "series" (see Gerry's picture from the Bentley manual in the other thread). https://rennlist.com/forums/attachme...drain-test.jpg

You have to turn the multi-meter to DC amps and set it to measure in the .000 or thousands of an amp. Bentley says up to 100 ma, but we've found on this board that the 3.2 911 draws less than 50 milliamps, and the battery lasts easily for up to two weeks.