Battery woes

[munson]

I have the OE battery in my 2004 LT and I think it's getting tired. I suppose it's a Gel model. Somebody gave me a BMW branded maintainer spec'd for the Gel, and I have used it fairly often. A couple of times I have let the thing run down when I forgot to switch the key to lock ( My sirius and gps get power in the R position). I have noticed that the beast starts a little slowly some mornings when I have not plugged in the maintainer. And when idling for a long stop light, the idle speed will pick up a bit, which indicates a low voltage. So I bought one of these units, hooked it to the map light wires, and stuck the remote LED into the back of the map light itself. It shines through nicely, and no need to drill a hole. The light will remind me to lock the lock from now on! Even if I forget for a while, the light pulls only 20 mils.

LED Heads Up Voltage Monitor. (http://www.customdynamics.com/LED_battery_gauge.htm#LED_Battery_Gauge_with_Remote_Flush_Panel_Mount_LED)

The specs on the Custom Dynamics site are wrong.
They are, per Signal Dynamics:
Steady Green - Above 12.9
Steady Amber - Above 12.6
Steady Red - Above 12.1
Flashing Red - Below 12 VDC – During this condition, if the engine is running, do not shut down until service can be provided. Restart of engine is unlikely. Reduce electrical load.

This morning, the light was red when I put the key to R. When I put it to On, it flashed red. I thumbed the starter, and she turned over slowly and started. Then the light turned green. When I got to work, I stopped in my spot, and let it idle. It quickly went to amber, then to red as I sat there.

So I think I'll pull the battery out tonight, and put it on a 2 amp automatic charger and let it fill up, and see if it works any better. I wonder if I should just order a battery, or if the charging system is working properly. Thoughts anyone?

[Dick]

Bite the bullet, Rev. It's time. And until the new one shows up, stay away from 'reverse'!! Good luck, Bud.

[munson]

Bite the bullet, Rev. It's time. And until the new one shows up, stay away from 'reverse'!! Good luck, Bud.
Thanks bro. I was thinking I'd try one of the Panasonic's.

[grifscoots]

I have Bone's Odyssey sitting in my gearage and it still has some life to it.

[munson]

I have Bone's Odyssey sitting in my gearage and it still has some life to it.
Oh? Could you ship it, or bring it to CCR?

[deputy5211]

John,

I've got a good battery sitting here in the garage, fully charged and ready to go. Please put it in your bike until you get around to getting a new battery, that way we won't have to worry about you getting stranded (and heckled) for leaving the old battery in your bike. :)
I
You can pick it up, or I can drop it off, whichever works better for you.

Tony

[munson]

John,

I've got a good battery sitting here in the garage, fully charged and ready to go. Please put it in your bike until you get around to getting a new battery, that way we won't have to worry about you getting stranded (and heckled) for leaving the old battery in your bike. :)
I
You can pick it up, or I can drop it off, whichever works better for you.

Tony
You are the man! Can you meet at the H8 tomorrow for lunch? Steve might be able to meet us there, too.

[deputy5211]

Sounds great, but dunno if I can get away from work long enough to go; for that matter, dunno if I'm going to feel up to going to work.

If I can't make it, I can leave the battery in the back next to the garage door, or I can leave it in the house and our housekeeper can let you in.

If you want, feel free to stop by this evening to pick it up so you have a relaible ride to work in the morning.

[munson]

Sounds great, but dunno if I can get away from work long enough to go; for that matter, dunno if I'm going to feel up to going to work.

If I can't make it, I can leave the battery in the back next to the garage door, or I can leave it in the house and our housekeeper can let you in.

If you want, feel free to stop by this evening to pick it up so you have a relaible ride to work in the morning.
I'll call you this evening. Thanks bro.

[Big_E]

H8 tomorrow for lunch? HHMMM!

[munson]

H8 tomorrow for lunch? HHMMM!
Come on over ya big ole Cajun! :)

[grifscoots]

Oh? Could you ship it, or bring it to CCR?PM me your address.

[ibbones]

I have Bone's Odyssey sitting in my gearage and it still has some life to it.I knew it would be useful but not that quickly.

[munson]

Sounds great, but dunno if I can get away from work long enough to go; for that matter, dunno if I'm going to feel up to going to work.

If I can't make it, I can leave the battery in the back next to the garage door, or I can leave it in the house and our housekeeper can let you in.

If you want, feel free to stop by this evening to pick it up so you have a relaible ride to work in the morning.
Tony, thanks so much for bringing the battery by the house. It was reassuring to hear the motor spin over quickly again after our first gas stop! The willingness of our forum members to help each is what makes this place great. I'm glad you are a part of it. :)

[munson]

PM me your address.
Thanks brother man!

[grifscoots]

It's Bones, man, Bones.

[munson]

I knew it would be useful but not that quickly.
Thanks brother man! :)

[ibbones]

Thanks brother man! :)It's just two years old but throw it on the charger for a bit. Enjoy.