I've left one of my trucks out over the winter for about 2 months, and it now needs a boost every time I shut it off. Leaving it running for an hour doesn't seem to charge the battery up to where it can start on its own. Is the battery no good now, or can I use a battery charger to bring it back to life?
?
Favorite Answer
The alternator is not a battery charger. Chances are you have a dead cell or two. Best test is to take it to any auto parts store, let them charge and test it for a more accurate answer.
My belief is it is dead. Jump starting and continuing to use it risks damage to your alternator.
?
Clean battery posts and assure yourself of tight fitting fixtures. Test voltage while in machine, not running. Start engine and test again, noticing standing voltage both times. If voltage is elevated after engine start, charging system probably good. If battery doesn't start engine after a distilled water cell -check- and charge, you probably need new battery. Don't over fill battery.
The Devil
Maybe. But I have no way to test it with my computer. Go to a shop and have that done.
mrva
Take it out and test the voltage - if a cell or two are dead, try to charge the battery with some smart charger. Such chargers can 'jump start' a battery, and bring it to life. But, even if such charger manages to 'revive' the battery, it will not last very long - perhaps till the autumn.
IMHO, take the battery out, test it, if it is good, recharge it fully, if not get a new one...
thebax2006
Letting a battery sit out discharged will freeze the battery and ruin it every time.