UPDATED: I think my battery died today....

[Kelemvor]

Well here goes.

I'm in WI and we've had damn cold weather for a very long time. THe battery in my '99 GA is probably getting up there but I don't recall how old it is.

Today on my way home from work, my ABS and Battery light came on.

I was on my way to a meeting at church so continued driving for 20 minutes or so and got there with no problem. I turned off the radio and much of the heat on my way just in case.

After our 2+ hour meeting I went back out to my car and it started right up on the first try. After about 10 seconds, both the lights came on again.

During my 20-25 minute home, about 2 minutes from my house my airbag light and brake light also came on. Then I noticed my headlights were basically gone, I couldn't get my heat fan to come on, etc.

Conclusion: Totally dead battery.

Now, this could be because it's old and it just picked today to die. But it could be because we've barely been above 0 for a while now and the battery just can't take it any more.
I have a charger I can hook on it but would I be better off to charge it up inside than leaving it in the garage in the car? I don't know if a good charging will bring it back to life or if I'll just get stranded somewhere tomorrow.

I guess I should take it in somewhere to have it tested if possible but I'd rather do it after work tomorrow so I don't have to call in.

Any thoughts? suggestions? tidbits of advise?

Thanks!


UPDATE:
Well, I charged up the battery overnight with my charger and it was full this morning. It started right up with no problems at all. As soon as I backed out of my driveway and started driving, the battery light came on. But the ABS light stayed off.

I left everything off in my car(dash lights, radio, heat - damn it's cold, etc) and about 35 minutes into my commute, (5 minutes from work) the ABS light finally came on. I continued to work and got here fine this morning.

I'm thinking the battery is working fine when it has a charge but it's not getting charged which would mean it most likely is the alternator.

I guess when things open up this morning I'll start calling around to see who has one and how much it is to install. Hoping if I won't get raped too bad I can have it installed over lunch and be set by the time I have to leave. Otherwise I guess I'll have to head to Autozone and have it tested and then take one home to work on tonight...

More to follow... *sigh*

 

[Kelemvor]

ALso, on my charger I have 6 or 12v options and 2 or 10 amp options. I haven't used this for a long time and don't remember which settings to use. heh heh.

 

[PCMarine]

batteries are only ~$50, might as well pick one up and not worry have to worry about it

 

[Kelemvor]

Also told it could be the alternator not charging up the battery as well.. Guess I'll have to find somewhere tomorrow that can test it out. *sigh*

 

[The Stigenator]

12V.. 10Amps.... if its a sealed unit good.. if not check and see if you got distilled water in it.. be careful opening it, its acid.

But yeah time to replace the battery.. you can test the charging system at home by using a multimeter.. if the car is at load and running, it should be putting out over 13.3V, close to 14V at the battery terminal. If not, your alternator is in question.

 

[Kelemvor]

Well charged up fine last night and worked to get me to work today. Looks like it's the alternator.

$450 at the stealership, $220 at the car place across the street. Guess it's time for a mini road trip at lunch time.