Jump Starting Questions - Page 2 - LotusTalk

dma550 · 12-02-2008, 01:58 PM

And lets not forget that I blew my switchpack when the tow guy plopped his porta-battery in the trunk. If you blow yours, it's an exciting session of troubleshooting and then 3-7 hours of removing your entire dash (depending upon your skills and the size of your hands!)

If it were me, I would return the battery to charge and reinstall it.

TheViper · 12-02-2008, 02:03 PM

I remember that, David

Quote:

Originally Posted by dma550

And lets not forget that I blew my switchpack when the tow guy plopped his porta-battery in the trunk. If you blow yours, it's an exciting session of troubleshooting and then 3-7 hours of removing your entire dash (depending upon your skills and the size of your hands!)

If it were me, I would return the battery to charge and reinstall it.

ZAMMY1 · 12-02-2008, 02:59 PM

also, the starter is bolted to the ENGINE, not the frame.
there is a jumper of some sort from the engine but it may not necessarily be a heavy enough one for starting well.
good luck, sam

TheViper · 12-02-2008, 04:39 PM

While this is true of a GEL battery it is not true of an AGM.
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by ads_green

"Sealed" isn't really sealed. It just means that oxygen produced at the positive electrode during charging is reclaimed internally to stablise the electolyte and make it more maintenance free (no need to top up with distilled water). Hydrogen can (and does) still escape the battery as they have a pressure valve to prevent it building up in the battery.

Most modern cars have a decent earth post - it doesn't need to be the frame it can be the engine or a bolt

TimMullen · 12-02-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

While this is true of a GEL battery it is not true of an AGM.

Yes and no. In normal operations an AGM battery is sealed. However, it does have "safety" vents - if the battery gets overcharged, it will generate internal gases, and if the pressure exceeds "safe" levels, it will vent the gases. In normal operations, even charging the battery, this will not happen. In the case of a faulty alternator, it could overcharge and "pop the vents". As an example, the Miata comes (or at least used to) from the factory with AGM batteries - that have vent tubes connected (to the outside of the trunk where the battery is mounted).

TheViper · 12-02-2008, 06:04 PM

Practically, an AGM is 99-100% re circulatory.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimMullen

Yes and no. In normal operations an AGM battery is sealed. However, it does have "safety" vents - if the battery gets overcharged, it will generate internal gases, and if the pressure exceeds "safe" levels, it will vent the gases. In normal operations, even charging the battery, this will not happen. In the case of a faulty alternator, it could overcharge and "pop the vents". As an example, the Miata comes (or at least used to) from the factory with AGM batteries - that have vent tubes connected (to the outside of the trunk where the battery is mounted).

shokwaves · 12-02-2008, 06:41 PM

It's happened to me a couple of times when letting the car sit for over a month and no matter how much I jump it, it would not start. I then plugged in a battery charger for three days and that did it. The battery somehow does not take jumps too well when it's completely drained.

TheViper · 12-02-2008, 06:52 PM

Actually, it is not the discharged battery that is being jumped, but rather the cars starting system. If there was no battery present in the vehicle to be started and the cables were connected correctly, it would start.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shokwaves

It's happened to me a couple of times when letting the car sit for over a month and no matter how much I jump it, it would not start. I then plugged in a battery charger for three days and that did it. The battery somehow does not take jumps too well when it's completely drained.

TimMullen · 12-03-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

Practically, an AGM is 99-100% re circulatory.

Yep. The vents are there just for "emergency"...

ads_green · 12-03-2008, 11:19 AM

Agreed the AGM batteries are safer - why take the risk?
Going direct to battery also is unfused.

Randy Chase · 12-03-2008, 11:26 AM

Where do you hook up jumper cables that is fused?

NomisR · 12-03-2008, 12:31 PM

I'm basically in the same boat with the same problem. My car sat there for too long and battery now died. I tried jumping it and just got the click click click. Lights and everything else turned on but that's about it.

Just got a new battery since I wanted to go lighter and a batterytender, so hopefully this would work.

TheViper · 12-03-2008, 12:44 PM

Flooded cell batteries can be left uncharged for up to 6 months with no ill effect if there is no parasitic load. Remember with the alarm off there is still a drain of 16ma.
AGM's can be left for up to 2 years.
For winter storage the answer is to disconnect it from the car.

Icedog_16 · 12-03-2008, 05:54 PM

Hopefully, everyone's problems have been fixed. But, I would also recommend checking the fuses in the engine compartment. I ran into a similar situation and about shat myself. Turned out it was one of those fuses; unfortunately, I don't recall which one. I don't have an owner's manual handy (and I'm too tired to find it online), but it may have been the one for the ECU or something. Just a suggestion in case the aforementioned fixes haven't worked.

wf758 · 12-04-2008, 03:06 PM

You know, I really felt like an idiot when I posted the question. WHO has to ask how to jump start a car on a car forum.

But thanks for all the advice. I've tried again using my BMW, which has a very nice positive and negative terminal available (hooked to the battery, but not actually the battery) so that I get a good connection. I've checked connections on the Lotus battery (good), but I'm still getting the "tat" or "clicking" sound. Haven't had a chance to fool with it in the last couple of days, so I'm just now seeing everyeone's responses. Thanks, as many have said, you guys are awesome!

Here is my latest query. From reading various threads, in sounds like a battery minder won't actually charge a dead battery. I track the car on occaision, and it sounds like I should get a different battery as many of you have had leaking issues with the OE. So, I want to get a new battery (rather than spend the money on a battery charger that I may never use again) and a battery minder, but I don't want to hook up a new battery and find that I really do have some sort of electrical problem that ruins a brand new battery. Any thoughts?

I'm guessing I should pull the battery, take it to a local garage and get them to charge it (if it will take a charge). If that works, then I can monitor it for a bit to see if it is being drained by the car or if it holds up. That will be my plan unless someone has a better one.

Thanks again.

Icedog_16 · 12-04-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wf758

You know, I really felt like an idiot when I posted the question. WHO has to ask how to jump start a car on a car forum.

But thanks for all the advice. I've tried again using my BMW, which has a very nice positive and negative terminal available (hooked to the battery, but not actually the battery) so that I get a good connection. I've checked connections on the Lotus battery (good), but I'm still getting the "tat" or "clicking" sound. Haven't had a chance to fool with it in the last couple of days, so I'm just now seeing everyeone's responses. Thanks, as many have said, you guys are awesome!

Here is my latest query. From reading various threads, in sounds like a battery minder won't actually charge a dead battery. I track the car on occaision, and it sounds like I should get a different battery as many of you have had leaking issues with the OE. So, I want to get a new battery (rather than spend the money on a battery charger that I may never use again) and a battery minder, but I don't want to hook up a new battery and find that I really do have some sort of electrical problem that ruins a brand new battery. Any thoughts?

I'm guessing I should pull the battery, take it to a local garage and get them to charge it (if it will take a charge). If that works, then I can monitor it for a bit to see if it is being drained by the car or if it holds up. That will be my plan unless someone has a better one.

Thanks again.

Did you check the fuses? Sounds improbable, not impossible. I had the same situation and that turned out to be my problem. Just sayin'.

TheViper · 12-04-2008, 04:44 PM

See if the battery will take a charge, but remember that a "smart" charger will not charge a battery that is below about 8 volts. Once charged, put it back in the car and see what happens.
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by wf758

You know, I really felt like an idiot when I posted the question. WHO has to ask how to jump start a car on a car forum.

But thanks for all the advice. I've tried again using my BMW, which has a very nice positive and negative terminal available (hooked to the battery, but not actually the battery) so that I get a good connection. I've checked connections on the Lotus battery (good), but I'm still getting the "tat" or "clicking" sound. Haven't had a chance to fool with it in the last couple of days, so I'm just now seeing everyeone's responses. Thanks, as many have said, you guys are awesome!

Here is my latest query. From reading various threads, in sounds like a battery minder won't actually charge a dead battery. I track the car on occaision, and it sounds like I should get a different battery as many of you have had leaking issues with the OE. So, I want to get a new battery (rather than spend the money on a battery charger that I may never use again) and a battery minder, but I don't want to hook up a new battery and find that I really do have some sort of electrical problem that ruins a brand new battery. Any thoughts?

I'm guessing I should pull the battery, take it to a local garage and get them to charge it (if it will take a charge). If that works, then I can monitor it for a bit to see if it is being drained by the car or if it holds up. That will be my plan unless someone has a better one.

Thanks again.

wf758 · 12-04-2008, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icedog_16

Did you check the fuses? Sounds improbable, not impossible. I had the same situation and that turned out to be my problem. Just sayin'.

No--haven't had a chance to get to car. Will do that first.

wf758 · 12-06-2008, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icedog_16

Did you check the fuses? Sounds improbable, not impossible. I had the same situation and that turned out to be my problem. Just sayin'.

Checked the fuses. Unfortunately...not the problem. Thanks though.

ddurham · 12-06-2008, 10:27 AM

In general it is not recommended to jump start our cars at all. The proper technique is to disconnect the battery, charge and reconnect. Jump starting tends to blow the fuse that controls the cam. You can tell you have a problem because the rev limiter will hit at 6200 rpm

12-02-2008, 01:58 PM	#21 (permalink)
dma550 Yahoo! Got my Rotus! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CT, Shoreline area Posts: 1,187	And lets not forget that I blew my switchpack when the tow guy plopped his porta-battery in the trunk. If you blow yours, it's an exciting session of troubleshooting and then 3-7 hours of removing your entire dash (depending upon your skills and the size of your hands!) If it were me, I would return the battery to charge and reinstall it. __________________ David Avery 05 Lotus Elise ~ Arctic Silver ~ BWR SC ~ Gray RACs ~ Larini SE 08 BMW 135i Stock visit Spyderclub.com

12-03-2008, 11:26 AM	#31 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,174 Images: 761	Where do you hook up jumper cables that is fused? __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle.

12-03-2008, 12:31 PM	#32 (permalink)
NomisR Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 743	I'm basically in the same boat with the same problem. My car sat there for too long and battery now died. I tried jumping it and just got the click click click. Lights and everything else turned on but that's about it. Just got a new battery since I wanted to go lighter and a batterytender, so hopefully this would work. __________________ 2006 Lotus Sport Elise #4 of 50

12-03-2008, 12:44 PM	#33 (permalink)
TheViper Alarmed & Dangerous Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 3,200	Flooded cell batteries can be left uncharged for up to 6 months with no ill effect if there is no parasitic load. Remember with the alarm off there is still a drain of 16ma. AGM's can be left for up to 2 years. For winter storage the answer is to disconnect it from the car. __________________ Cobra OEM - Alarm, Immobilizer, CDL Emergency Override with warranty Additional Emergency Touch Keys - see link above Brand New Cobra Alarm Remote with warranty Cobra Remote Key Fob Strap Cobra Window Closing Module - Add to your existing Cobra alarm 3 Piece Front Clam Protection Kit with Center Bumper Undertray Removal Tool INFORMATION Improved AC & Heating System Battery Choices & Information Remote Key Fob, Alarm & Immobilizer Programming Light Bulb Conversions 2005

12-04-2008, 03:06 PM	#35 (permalink)
wf758 CRUS8R Join Date: May 2008 Location: Tejas Posts: 143	You know, I really felt like an idiot when I posted the question. WHO has to ask how to jump start a car on a car forum. But thanks for all the advice. I've tried again using my BMW, which has a very nice positive and negative terminal available (hooked to the battery, but not actually the battery) so that I get a good connection. I've checked connections on the Lotus battery (good), but I'm still getting the "tat" or "clicking" sound. Haven't had a chance to fool with it in the last couple of days, so I'm just now seeing everyeone's responses. Thanks, as many have said, you guys are awesome! Here is my latest query. From reading various threads, in sounds like a battery minder won't actually charge a dead battery. I track the car on occaision, and it sounds like I should get a different battery as many of you have had leaking issues with the OE. So, I want to get a new battery (rather than spend the money on a battery charger that I may never use again) and a battery minder, but I don't want to hook up a new battery and find that I really do have some sort of electrical problem that ruins a brand new battery. Any thoughts? I'm guessing I should pull the battery, take it to a local garage and get them to charge it (if it will take a charge). If that works, then I can monitor it for a bit to see if it is being drained by the car or if it holds up. That will be my plan unless someone has a better one. Thanks again. __________________ Will 2007 Lotus Exige S - Tow Eye, Boomerang, Sector 111 re-Enforcer, Stan's fix, Alex's 1/4 Turn Kit, Hardwired V1, Rearview Mirror Delete, Saikou Michi Catch Cans, Odyssey PC680 & Sector 111 Bracket, Bane's Stealth Bulbs, more to come...

12-02-2008, 02:59 PM	#23 (permalink)
ZAMMY1 ZAMMY Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: washington, pa, (near PGH.) Posts: 1,557	also, the starter is bolted to the ENGINE, not the frame. there is a jumper of some sort from the engine but it may not necessarily be a heavy enough one for starting well. good luck, sam

12-02-2008, 06:41 PM	#27 (permalink)
shokwaves Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Carson, California Posts: 1,018	It's happened to me a couple of times when letting the car sit for over a month and no matter how much I jump it, it would not start. I then plugged in a battery charger for three days and that did it. The battery somehow does not take jumps too well when it's completely drained.

12-03-2008, 11:19 AM	#30 (permalink)
ads_green Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 348	Agreed the AGM batteries are safer - why take the risk? Going direct to battery also is unfused.

12-03-2008, 05:54 PM	#34 (permalink)
Icedog_16 I drank what?!? Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 4,212	Hopefully, everyone's problems have been fixed. But, I would also recommend checking the fuses in the engine compartment. I ran into a similar situation and about shat myself. Turned out it was one of those fuses; unfortunately, I don't recall which one. I don't have an owner's manual handy (and I'm too tired to find it online), but it may have been the one for the ECU or something. Just a suggestion in case the aforementioned fixes haven't worked.

12-06-2008, 10:27 AM	#40 (permalink)
ddurham Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 74	In general it is not recommended to jump start our cars at all. The proper technique is to disconnect the battery, charge and reconnect. Jump starting tends to blow the fuse that controls the cam. You can tell you have a problem because the rev limiter will hit at 6200 rpm

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