kunkstyle

+1. They're never the same after a complete kill. Have the battery load tested or pick up a new one.

I've left mine a week at a time regularly without problems on startup. (Until we got -30...), so the 2-3 days only makes sense if a) something's draining it, in which case it's doubtful it would even last 3 days, or more likely b) battery's toast. But the dealer is right, a few miles isn't enough to charge. My rule of thumb after a boost is 15 minutes run time to charge (assuming stereo, headlights etc are off).

Michael-Dallas

I checked my driver's side today and it's there! It was towards the back, not the center. I didn't check the pass door though.

Thanks for the tip! Now, to figure out the best way to get the cable to stay in the notch as I shut the door...

///Michael

gota911

WHEW!!! I was starting to wonder if my "grey matter" was failing me!

It's good to know that I am still "tarp as a shack!"

MJBird993

No Honda pics, please!

Phil G.

Yeah, Tim. THIS POST IS USEFUL WITHOUT PICS!!!

sjfehr

Heat plays a very big role in battery life, too. For every 15°C over 77F, battery life is halved. If you leave a car baking in the Florida sun 12 hours a day, the batteries are going to go faster than a car that's garaged in North Dakota; assuming the battery in ND is not left to discharge over the winter, at least.

You can drain a modern battery down to about 80% a reasonable number of times without noticeable drop in battery life, but taking it lower than that, like to the point where it can't start the car, will ruin a battery in one shot. How long this is depends on the battery and the temperature, but they should be recharged at least once a month, whether via a 12V charger or by driving around long enough for the alternator to charge them; 2 or 3 minutes a month won't do it if the battery has been sitting around a while, it has to be a longer trip.

Overcharging will harm them, too, but most chargers are designed to drop back to a trickle charge once they're done, which is generally pretty safe.

gota911

Agreed!!

Hell, I thought I was the only one who disliked my Honda! I feel better knowing that I am not alone in this!

Phil G.

Tim, you'll be shocked to hear that not only did I start my car up today, but with roads clear, I actually took it out of it's winter slumber for a ride! Battery still fully charged, and the car ran great! You don't believe me do you?

AndyK

I just started my car after about 2 weeks sitting. It almost didn't turn over! I don't have a trickle charger - is it too late for this battery, or would a trickle charger get it back to usable condition? I did drive it for an hour, and it starts OK now...but I wouldn't want to get stuck in the cold if/when I drive it again.

Also washed the car today. Went great, until the driveway became a sheet of black ice! Blah. Just a little too cold I guess.

gota911

Actually, I do believe you. However, I would be lying if I said I expected that to happen, but good for you!!!

Fortunately for me, I haven't had to drive my Honda for 3 days now, so the past 3 days have been good!

ivangene

You keep this "driving" thing up, and you might make the entire winter w/o a new battery

WTG Phil
Mine is in the garage w the engine hanging down and the intake manifold off, one wheel off and the AOS sitting where the airbox normally would be.... Now to get my new one (Monday) and put it all back together......

gota911

My "engine" isn't long enough to hang down!

Fortunately for me, my wife thinks this => |___________________________| is 10 inches.

Phil G.

Mine says mine will sulphate if I don't "use" it more. Good thing I have a "vent tube."

gota911

ivangene

Poor OP is wondering how his thread ended up here........