battery questions

[HowzeR]

Hi, I recently bought a new battery for my 88 325is. I have an E46 so I rarely drive the E30 anymore. I went about 4 to 6 weeks without driving my E30 and the car will not start. So I jumped the car, it started right up, ran fine, removed jumper cables, car still ran like a champ, drove it around, performed flawlessly. Now after a short 10 or so minute drive I bring the car back home, try to start it up, it struggles a bit then dies, like the battery doesnt have enough juice... Question is, is it normal for a new battery to go dead after 4 to 6 weeks of inactivity in the car? I know the car draws power to the OBC, but?? I had the battery tested and it tested out ok. I can rule out the alternator since the car performed fine after the jumper cables were removed correct? Thanks for ur help!!

[Beej '86 325es]

If it ran for 10 minutes by itself, I'd say the alternator is ok. They say when you have to jump your car because of a dead battery, you should drive it for 30 minutes for it to be able to start on it's own again.

[arsevader]

Question is, is it normal for a new battery to go dead after 4 to 6 weeks of inactivity in the car?

Yes on these cars it is quite normal. If you are going to leave the car for that long, invest in a battery tender (not the same as a trickle charger).

I can rule out the alternator since the car performed fine after the jumper cables were removed correct?

No. The car can run surprisingly a long time on just battery juice. Not well, but it will run.

You should check your alternator. A first check would be to jump the car, disconnect the cables and test the voltage at the battery terminals while the car is running. Anything less than 13-14 volts means the battery isn't getting enough juice. If it is fine then your battery probably just needs a good charge.

James

[HowzeR]

hm

Well its a titanium autocraft battery from advance auto parts, I took it to autozone and they charged it up, then said it was a bad battery that it wouldn't hold charge... sooo hopefully when I take it advance it will say bad battery on their battery machine, that way they will replace it under warranty. Its only around 4-5 months old if that.

[bddog]

I had the same problem. I pulled my glove box light. Problem solved Also check interior lights.
I also think these cars are always trying to charge SI Board batteries.

[HowzeR]

hey

Yeah one of my interior lights was "stuck on" so I broke the little plastic clip that lets the metal touch the bulb to turn in on.. Mind u this was an accident, but stopped the bulb from burning nonetheless hah.

HowzeR