Battery charger/maintainer question

[gpthree]

Yesterday I went to go for a ride and ran into a problem. I turned the key to ON and the lights and initial words started scrolling across the dash, then they went out, it went totally dead. I checked the Hazards and they seemed sort of dim, but it was full sunshine so maybe that was throwing my perception of them off.

I turned the key to off then back on, and this time the dash stayed lit and the words scrolled across, but after hitting the Mode Key, I got all the fault errors, Limp Home, VSS, ABS, ECB(?), DPS and maybe a few others, lol. All the warning lights were on the dash also.

Could this be a result of the battery going dead? After doing some reading on this site, it seems like this could be one culprit that would cause all those errors. Honestly I was so shocked to see all those errors, I'm not 100% that I actually tried to start it up after that, but I think I did and nothing happened.

After saying all that, would either of these 2 products listed below be something I should use to recharge and keep the power level up to where it should be? Not being mechanically inclined, I do not know for sure. As of now I dont even know how to get to the battery, lol. Its a 2009 SM5, but still fairly brand new as it was only titled a couple months ago. I'm nearing my 600 mile check up. I was tempted to call and just have it checked out since I want to get the check up done, but not sure if I should just check the battery out first. I'd really like to drive it in for the check up instead of towing it. hyea:

Any assistance would be appreciated.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumache...ntainer-and-Charger/13005742?findingMethod=rr

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher-SpeedCharge-12-Amp-Battery-Charger/13005744

 

[boborgera]

Yesterday I went to go for a ride and ran into a problem. I turned the key to ON and the lights and initial words started scrolling across the dash, then they went out, it went totally dead. I checked the Hazards and they seemed sort of dim, but it was full sunshine so maybe that was throwing my perception of them off.

I turned the key to off then back on, and this time the dash stayed lit and the words scrolled across, but after hitting the Mode Key, I got all the fault errors, Limp Home, VSS, ABS, ECB(?), DPS and maybe a few others, lol. All the warning lights were on the dash also.

Could this be a result of the battery going dead? After doing some reading on this site, it seems like this could be one culprit that would cause all those errors. Honestly I was so shocked to see all those errors, I'm not 100% that I actually tried to start it up after that, but I think I did and nothing happened.

After saying all that, would either of these 2 products listed below be something I should use to recharge and keep the power level up to where it should be? Not being mechanically inclined, I do not know for sure. As of now I dont even know how to get to the battery, lol. Its a 2009 SM5, but still fairly brand new as it was only titled a couple months ago. I'm nearing my 600 mile check up. I was tempted to call and just have it checked out since I want to get the check up done, but not sure if I should just check the battery out first. I'd really like to drive it in for the check up instead of towing it. hyea:

Any assistance would be appreciated.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumache...ntainer-and-Charger/13005742?findingMethod=rr

This one, Because it has a maintainer [float] you don't want one that just chargers it can Fry the battery if left on too long:yikes:

 

[BillGargan]

The only time I have needed to keep my Spyder on a trickle charger (I have the one from WalMart for ~$20) was over the winter.

If your battery won't hold a charge for at least a month or two you have some other issue. It could be the battery -- but, more likely there is something that is drawing current when you have the Spyder turned off.

 

[Sarge707]

Yesterday I went to go for a ride and ran into a problem. I turned the key to ON and the lights and initial words started scrolling across the dash, then they went out, it went totally dead. I checked the Hazards and they seemed sort of dim, but it was full sunshine so maybe that was throwing my perception of them off.

I turned the key to off then back on, and this time the dash stayed lit and the words scrolled across, but after hitting the Mode Key, I got all the fault errors, Limp Home, VSS, ABS, ECB(?), DPS and maybe a few others, lol. All the warning lights were on the dash also.

Could this be a result of the battery going dead? After doing some reading on this site, it seems like this could be one culprit that would cause all those errors. Honestly I was so shocked to see all those errors, I'm not 100% that I actually tried to start it up after that, but I think I did and nothing happened.

After saying all that, would either of these 2 products listed below be something I should use to recharge and keep the power level up to where it should be? Not being mechanically inclined, I do not know for sure. As of now I dont even know how to get to the battery, lol. Its a 2009 SM5, but still fairly brand new as it was only titled a couple months ago. I'm nearing my 600 mile check up. I was tempted to call and just have it checked out since I want to get the check up done, but not sure if I should just check the battery out first. I'd really like to drive it in for the check up instead of towing it. hyea:

Any assistance would be appreciated.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumache...ntainer-and-Charger/13005742?findingMethod=rr

This one, Because it has a maintainer [float] you don't want one that just chargers it can Fry the battery if left on too long:yikes:

Best to attach the wires on top of charger picture to battery and then plug it in when you are not going to use the Spyder a few days. Extends the battery life!

 

[LittleJohn]

If this is a new 2009 that sat on the showroom floor awhile, it may very well be a battery issue. Lead acid batteries like to be fully charged for storage, and if it sat in the Spyder without being charged for that long, it may not be able to hold a load. Have the dealer load test it, and have him replace it at least on a prorated basis if its bad.

 

[fastfraser]

I plug mine into a Battery Tender Jr., even over night as it will fully charge the battery and as I am lead to belive extend the life of the battery.

 

[canam9]

If this is a new 2009 that sat on the showroom floor awhile, it may very well be a battery issue. Lead acid batteries like to be fully charged for storage, and if it sat in the Spyder without being charged for that long, it may not be able to hold a load. Have the dealer load test it, and have him replace it at least on a prorated basis if its bad.

:agree::ani29:

 

[gpthree]

If I can get it charged up and moving, I'll definitely have the dealer check it out. I want to get there soon for the initial check-up.

I might just remove it and have my auto mechanic check the battery out just too see if there's anything up with the battery. So.....how do I get to the battery? :dontknow:

 

[M2Wild]

$3.99 float charger from Harbor Freight works great for me. Have one on every jet and bike and lawn mower and summer car for winter storage.

 

[gpthree]

$3.99 float charger from Harbor Freight works great for me. Have one on every jet and bike and lawn mower and summer car for winter storage.

Not quite 3.99, but something like this one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...ry/automatic-battery-float-charger-42292.html

 

[Sarge707]

You want the one where you permanently install the connecting pigtail to the battery terminals. Get you tool kit out and start taking off tuperware and you will find the battery and learn a lot along the way. Directions for removing plastics are in your manual.:clap:

 

[gpthree]

You want the one where you permanently install the connecting pigtail to the battery terminals. Get you tool kit out and start taking off tuperware and you will find the battery and learn a lot along the way. Directions for removing plastics are in your manual.:clap:

Just what I needed to know, thanks.

 

[gpthree]

Autozone wasnt very helpful in telling me whether the battery is good or not, but I did hook it up to a tender and got it charged. It started up like normal this morning. It will be going down to the dealer soon so they should be able to tell me if the battery is going bad.

Thanks for the help.