Dead battery / no crank

[rivalschools]

So I finally get everything sorted on my car, go to start it this morning to take it to the DMV to finally register it after my month of fluid/mount/seal/diff/PS reservoir/windshield replacements, and...nothing.

Cluster lights come on, car doesn't crank, the cluster just dims, headlights/taillights barely come on, so I'm assuming it's just the battery...

Have it on a charger now, it was sitting at 10% and 11.5v, any quick way to determine it's the battery and not the alternator? I'm guessing with all the short trips this car has made, and time it's spent sitting idle the last month, it's probably just the battery, butttttttt...

:(

[zubbie]

take the battery to autozone and have it load tested for free....check!

jump start your car and measure the output of the alternator at the battery terminals. Anything less than 13.75 then dead alternator...check!

[rivalschools]

Thanks, just wasn't sure on the voltage off the top of my head. Charged it to about 75%, passing a steady 14.0-14.1v at idle at the terminals, wooooo...

[E28E34]

Just a tip... since your battery is out, spray some WD-40 or a similar product like Wurth HHS-K in the battery well (under the seat). Rust can form around this spot. The oil will prevent and/or reduce any growth of cancer. After all, how often does one clean or look under their seat? I just hate seeing cool cars rust out.

[zubbie]

Just a tip... since your battery is out, spray some WD-40 or a similar product like Wurth HHS-K in the battery well (under the seat). Rust can form around this spot. The oil will prevent and/or reduce any growth of cancer. After all, how often does one clean or look under their seat? I just hate seeing cool cars rust out.

or POR-15 on the tray. Battery should be vented properly with tubing.

[rivalschools]

Didn't take it OUT out, since I have a charger at home, but I did check under it for any rot, and there isn't any. :buttrock