'00 Avalon dead battery - no reason!

[Leroy Brown]

My wife came home today (summer day) after using the car around town with no problems. I went out this evening to use the car ('00 Avalon XLS) and DEAD BATTERY!

The speedo, etc. moved a bit, but when I turned the key, the dials danced around, and all I got was click-click-click of the starter solenoid.

SO - I put the charger on the thing - the battery needed some water, so I added it, but after HOURS on the charger (which said I really didn't need a charge), I try it again... CLICK CLICK CLICK.

ONE MORE THING - the lights dim waaaay down and the CD player cycles. It's as if I've got a dead battery (or nearly) again!

I had cleaned the battery terminals and the clamps (or whatever they're called) in the meantime - they weren't dirty.

Questions - what the H could have caused the battery to die, and why in the world (even with a 50 amp boost charger) can't I get any more than CLICK CLICK CLICK?

All input appreciated!


BB62

[cam2Xrunner]

If it's a 5 year old battery then it's probably due for a new one. 5 years is good for the stock battery.

[Leroy Brown]

Originally Posted by cam2Xrunner

If it's a 5 year old battery then it's probably due for a new one. 5 years is good for the stock battery.

Agreed, but do you think the age of the battery explains why it won't take a charge (or enough of one to get beyond the CLICKING)?

Even with a 50 amp boost charger - CLICK. This is what MOST puzzles me.


Of course, after reading here I have visions of solenoid replacement or cable replacement dancing in my head.


BB62

[preskev]

Typically with a car battery if it is old enough, you can charge it and charge it. If the Voltage drops below a certain level, you can never have the battery hold the charge. The easiest way is probably to give it a full charge and then use a ohmmeter to test voltage immediatly after the charge and then after about an hour without trying to run the car. If it less then 12V after the 1 hr, the battery is dead and you need another.