Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 18:02:38 GMT From: Bill Jeffrey <NOSPAMwjeffreynopsam.mit.edu> Subject: 93 900 turbo battery charge
Did anyone catch Car Talk last week? A lady called in to ask why the battery on her 93 900 turbo convertible won't stay charged. It takes two or three weeks for a freshly-charged battery to run down, but eventually, it is so low that the starter will barely turn and the car won't start. Charge it up and it is good for another few weeks, then the same thing happens again. Her Saab dealer told her that the charging system is fine, and she should replace the battery. The battery salesman (Sears garage) told her that the old battery was still good, and the problem is in the charging system. She bought a new battery anyway, but it didn't help. Back to the Saab dealer, who insists the charging system is fine, and refused to replace the alternator. And the problem keeps happening. I have been fighting exactly this problem for at least three years on this exact car (about 100K miles). Been through the new battery routine with the battery salesman telling me the old battery is good. Replaced it anyway, as she did. Been through the Saab dealer telling me the alternator is fine. No one has any ideas, but the problem keeps happening. As a result the car is so unreliable that my wife won't drive it, and I am reluctant to. My jumper cables get more use than my convertible top. Belt tension is fine. All electrical connections are clean. Battery liquid level is correct, and doesn't seem to change. As I said, new battery. I have been scrupulous about making sure that no lights are left on when I shut it down - the three-position switches on the trunk light and the "dome" light are invitations to disaster, of course. And I replaced the brush pack in the alternator (brushes and voltage regulator - OEM from Bosch). One possible clue - if I start the engine and let it idle, the battery light does not go out. I have to kick the revs up high for a moment - then the light goes out, and stays out when it returns to idle. Dealer says this is normal, but I am skeptical. When the light is on, battery voltage is low (about 12.0 v) as one would expect. When the light goes out, battery voltage rises to 13.8-14.0, indicating that charging is taking place. Any ideas? Bill Jeffrey ====================== If "NOSPAM" appears in my return address, you must remove it after you hit REPLY.
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