cpayne

The after market alarm blinks lights when lights are not in use if I hit a bump or when I shut the drivers door. Haven't had a problem with battery dying. Maybe today was the day it drained.
Drove the car to work today. Things were fine. Near work the rpms at idle went a little erratic for about 10 seconds. I noticed the engine noise from the passenger door speakers (Radio only picks up one channel, but I have never heard this noise)
Came out to go home about 8 hours. A few seconds after putting the key in open Door chime sounded weak and the car wouldn't turn over. Removed the ground strap and and replaced. noise was louder dash lights came on but then went out again. tried to jump the car per owner manual using remote terminal and strut bar. dash lights up and after 30 minutes the car barley turned over. had to go home, so left it at work thinking I would try during my lunch our to charge the battery again.

If it's the battery any recommendations on a replacement?
If its not the battery, what relays and fuses should i start with?


Ground Strap Photo



Thanks

Charles

James Bailey

Pull the battery and get it tested and charged if good. Then plan on removing the aftermarket alarm they are a time bomb just waiting so strand you at the worst possible time....besides no one steals 928s

Jadz928

^^^^^
That's pretty good advice.

Batteries on their last leg like to go when the outside temps start to get closer to freezing. Prolly got a tired battery.

I've had good luch with Duralast from Autozone. While your at it, pony up for a battery maintainer w/switching voltage (smart charger). That'll help protect you battery until you get than silly alarm system removed.
Let me know if ya need some help pulling to alarm.

WallyP

Regardless of the real cause of your problem:
- Check the alternator belt - it should be really tight.
- Carefully clean all battery circuit terminals and ground connections.
- Remove the after-market alarm. Listen to mr. b.

I would try cleaning and charging before condemning the battery.

cpayne

Thanks Jim. I'll take the battery out and get it charged. The trickle charger sounds like the way to go. You have seen my limited skills, so your mentoring and expertise is very welcome. Let me know your schedule. I can throw in some lunch and brew before or afterwards.

Charles

SteveG

These cars eat batteries. Always start (pun) there and relays. Clean grounds, all grounds, there are several. Post 33 in New Visitor thread. You may be able to eliminate the parasitic drain (good chance there is one besides the alarm), otherwise you need to either disconnect it when car sits more than a couple days or get that trickle charger. My first Schumacher lasted 5 years. You will also get familiar with a multimeter and the specific gravity battery charge device. Welcome.

Jadz928

Charles,
Keep me posted when you get the battery situation resolved and then we can plan out.

cpayne

Thanks for the advise Steve. I'll start assembling the tools.

cpayne

Update pulled the battery at lunch. Battery was put in this year Auto Zone says its good. Compartment looked clean as did terminals. Upside found the air compressor . Next would be relays? It's raining like crazy and its in the parking lot at work. I don't have the tow piece. any instructions to the driver if I dint have that piece?

Jadz928

If he's using a rollback, not easy to hook underneath from the front without damaging the body (spoiler).
May have better luck from behind, just make sure he hooks into the main x-member (tranny carrier), and don't hook up to the lower trailing arm bracket (it is thin and will bend).

I know what I'm getting you for x-mas...

Stromius

So how about the noise from the door speaker area ? I have to pay attention in my 88 5 speed that the window switches are not engaged accidentally. If they are a faint clicking can be heard in the door. This will drain my battery overnight and certainly weaken it over the course of a few hours.

Just a thought..

cpayne

I'm sure its related as it the first time I heard it. and now the car wont start.
Wet outside,so I don't want to mess with the CP until it dries out. I believe the 3rd party alarm is the culprit and root cause.

Thanks

Jadz928

Just to recap, the car is dead... no lights on the dash?

Did you check you alternator belt?

cpayne

Thanks Jim , but Perl is your car I couldn't.

cpayne

NEw belt when I did the TB/WP. When trying to jump it. The car has light chimes dash is bright. Tries to turn over, but not enough juice. tried for 30 minutes last night.
Prior to jumping it. I removed ground strap and replaced then dash interior lights came on, but not bright and a weak chime. Turned the switch and it all goes dark. Dark until I hooked it up to jump start it.