Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2000 00:45:01 -0700 From: TimeRanger <TimeRangernopsamc.om> Subject: Re: Anyone else burning up batteries?
On Wed, 27 Sep 2000 20:28:29 -0400, "Richard Kanski" <kingofallsarcasmnopsaml.msn.com> wrote: >I can't be more unhappy with this piece of garbage car. Leased a brand new >98 900SE and put my 1st battery in after 18mos and now a second one 12 >months later. The insulating case that surrounds the battery was hot and >crispy today when the battery burnt out. Any ideas or similar experiences. >I have 45,000 miles so I'm over warranty. > >Thanks > Sounds like failing voltage regulator. Have charging system checked by a "TRUSTED" mechanic. Also, you *Are* checking fluid levels on a regular basis aren't you? Summer temps are as hard on batteries as the frigid winter months. Other things that will shorten the life of a battery besides letting it run out of electrolyte: Frequent starting and stopping - will not let battery fully recover via charging system. Dirty connections - a bad ground (electrons flow from negative to positive) can cause all sorts of electrical problems. If the voltage regulator is not sensing a full charge in the battery, due to dirty connections, it will continue to pump current to it and boil it dry. Frequent draining of the battery (leave your lights on very often with car not running?) will also shorten its life-span. And last but certaintly not the least, it a faulty battery. As you can see, many things can kill a battery - FAST. Start with the charging system. -- A question debated and left unanswered is better than a question answered without debate.