96 SL2 won't start

My SL2 has 75k mileage on it, and we replaced the generator/battery
like 2.5 years ago.

Today, it won't start at all, after it is idle in the parking lot for
2 weeks.

I tried to jumpstart it from a Camry, but it didn't work at all. The
lights weren't be on, and car failed to get started.

So this is a dead battery issue or even worse? Any advice? I
definitely will have it towed to a mechanic place by AAA later. Just
want to have some ideas of the issue...

Thanks!

 

My 97 did that one afternoon at work - even AAA had a hard time jumping it
and when I got home it would not restart. I put a new battery in and it's
fine (knock on wood)...

I'm on my 3rd batt and 3rd alt with 88k miles.

 

ouch ... is there some kind of voltage regulator as a seperate component
from the alternator which could be damaging the alternator and in turn
the battery by providing too much or too little juice? I know that big
electrical turbines can be damaged by too much/too little electricity,
and it seems like the same principle would apply on a smaller scale. (I
would answer my own question if I could figure out where my dog put my
Haynes manual...)

-rj
98SL2

 

I don't know about the volt reg - and I do seem to be hard on vehicles
too. I usually run the AC, I live in a warm/hot climate and I think the
alt's placement on my Saturn is a poor choice. I noticed SPS was selling a
higher output alternator which sounds like it would run with a smaller load
and maybe run cooler.

I have had better luck with electrical components with my old Isuzu pickup.

 

Well, I am clumsy and just failed to jumpstart the car(it is the first
time, I tried to jumpstart it by myself). My neighbour lent a hand to
jumpstart it in the right way(I put the negative on the wrong part).

So the car is running, and I am leaving it run idle for 30 mins.

And I think I will go Autozone, and have them check the battery.
Maybe, it is time to replace the battery? The current one is bein used
for nearly 3 years now, and I live in Northern CA the weather is hot.

Any other tips for battery/alternator maintenance? Heard someone
mentioned about fluid level in battery is also key...

 

Batteries should last 4 -5 years. Non use and a small drain (alarm or
flashing light) can drain it after a week.

Depening on the amount of time you want to keep it.... a Sears or Walmart
battery will do you for $50.

 

Even though a battery should last 3 or 4 years, you could still develop a
"dead cell". It's like a defect in the battery. This would cause some
problems.

Steve

 

Went to AutoZone and the battery was found bad, so replaced it with
their 2nd best battery with 2 yrs free replacement and 7 yrs warranty.

Also tested generator, it was good.

Autozone service is good, very nice person there (helped me replace
the battery).