I had my '04 C2 in the garage for a few days doing some polishing, clay baring, waxing etc. I went to start it up today for the first time in a couple of days. Here is what happened:

1. Typical Oil Check, Lights, etc.
2. The got a clicking sound from engine bay but no turn over
3. Then started getting failures on the dash (information display)
4. First Failure was Airbag; the general failure error
5. Rear Spoiler Came up and wouldn't retract
6. Windows started opening/closing when the key was in
7. More failure and weird sounds from all over the car
8. Disconnected the battery; then reconnected
9. Same problems

Felt a bit like the Stephen King novel with the possessed car! A friend of mine came by to help me push it back into the garage. He suggested that it may be the battery. Only indication was the the headlights when turned on were somewhat dim.

We disconnected the battery and then connected it to an external charger for a couple of hours. Popped it back and then the car started as normal.

Very strange behaviour for a dead or dying battery. Battery is brand new from April. It is an interstate battery. It is possible that I left my random orbital connected for too long while it was recharging.

Any similar experiences?

Chris

 

sounds like exactly what I would expect....

the only think you may want to do it make sure the connections are clean and tight, take it for a long drive (1 hour at speeds above 45 ish) and then watch it. If it happens again, have the place you bought it do a free battery check and see if it died..sometimes it happens...

most likely you had the doors or trunk open for extended periods of time while cleaning the car - drained it... the dim lights is a sure sign of low battery too..

Your orbital connected ?? To the car??? - I didnt get what you were saying there, but that doesnt seem right.... use power from the house when you are at home

 

Thanks Ed. I am glad to hear that it is "normal" for a dead/dying battery. I did drive the car for an hour and all seems good now. Neighbours think I am crazy as it is 1:30am here.

I have a rechargeable orbital but I lost the AC wall adapter. All I had left was the 12V cigarette adapter. In hindsight that along with the door being left open for most of the day must have done in the battery. Ooops.


Chris

 

I'd invest in a trickle charger, and run by your local Autozone or such and have the battery tested. There have been several discussion here about replacement batteries as well; lots of options.