Battery Issues?
#1
Battery Issues?
So, here's what happened. I was awakened by my wife this morning (different work schedules) telling me the Jag wont start.
So I went to investigate. It was dead as a doornail. It wouldn't even unlock. The battery had given no indication it was getting low that I know of. So I got out the key from the Key FOB and I opened the trunk, and could not figure out where the electrical posts were, so I drove her to work and came back to study the owner's manual. After figuring it out, I hooked up my 1999 Ford Explorer to it with cables. Sat down in the driver's seat, put my foot on the break, and pushed the start button. Nothing. Not a sound. So I wiggled the + terminal connection and got a big POP with sparks (that is a HORRIBLE position for the positive terminal to be in) and the antenna started coming up. YAY!!!!! So I got in and she was very sluggish turning over, but she did. First thing I noticed, the trip set and MPG info were reset to zero. I don't know my wife's radio stations well enough to know if the radio kept the presets. But I COULD SWEAR the power steering felt weak. Like I was not getting enough power assist. Is that a thing that could be related to a weak battery? DO I HAVE a weak battery? Or just a poor connection to the electrical harness? What do you guys think this sounds like?
I'm afraid to let her drive it to work now. Would love some feedback from you long-timers.
So I went to investigate. It was dead as a doornail. It wouldn't even unlock. The battery had given no indication it was getting low that I know of. So I got out the key from the Key FOB and I opened the trunk, and could not figure out where the electrical posts were, so I drove her to work and came back to study the owner's manual. After figuring it out, I hooked up my 1999 Ford Explorer to it with cables. Sat down in the driver's seat, put my foot on the break, and pushed the start button. Nothing. Not a sound. So I wiggled the + terminal connection and got a big POP with sparks (that is a HORRIBLE position for the positive terminal to be in) and the antenna started coming up. YAY!!!!! So I got in and she was very sluggish turning over, but she did. First thing I noticed, the trip set and MPG info were reset to zero. I don't know my wife's radio stations well enough to know if the radio kept the presets. But I COULD SWEAR the power steering felt weak. Like I was not getting enough power assist. Is that a thing that could be related to a weak battery? DO I HAVE a weak battery? Or just a poor connection to the electrical harness? What do you guys think this sounds like?
I'm afraid to let her drive it to work now. Would love some feedback from you long-timers.
#2
I drove it for about 10 miles at highway speed and came back home and just shut it off. The antenna went down, the doors locked from the FOB like normal. We shall see. But I am concerned that this is a glitch (which is unpredictable, and is not fixed by a new battery) instead of a dying battery (which is predictable, and fixed by a new battery).
#3
One more issue: there was no battery idiot light on the dash when I finally got it started. Just the check engine light (related to the P2431 code - secondary air pump vacuum, which I deem totally unrelated... but what do I know).
Oh, also the radio antenna has not been going all the way down for about a week. It gets to about 4 inches from all the way down and stops. COULD IT BE that the battery is trying to pull it down, but it is stuck, so it just keeps trying and trying until the battery is totally drained???
Oh, also the radio antenna has not been going all the way down for about a week. It gets to about 4 inches from all the way down and stops. COULD IT BE that the battery is trying to pull it down, but it is stuck, so it just keeps trying and trying until the battery is totally drained???
#4
The antenna's on the 07 can be a PIA and this has been a problem with the retracting version since the 80's. IMO, they just suck. Take a look at this thread and particularly @ post 9 by Gregory.
If you need to replace, look at post 5 or post 10. But no, it's not your battery. If you're fast enough, when you shut off the car, jump out and put your hand on top of the antenna. As it's going down, apply light pressure for the last quarter and you'll likely feel the mast motor is still working, just dunked up or a tad bent.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ntenna-181166/
If you need to replace, look at post 5 or post 10. But no, it's not your battery. If you're fast enough, when you shut off the car, jump out and put your hand on top of the antenna. As it's going down, apply light pressure for the last quarter and you'll likely feel the mast motor is still working, just dunked up or a tad bent.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ntenna-181166/
#5
#6
#7
GS2000, I doubt the antenna continued to run more than a few seconds after it stuck. Definitely, something was left on all night and drug the battery completely down. When you first got it started, did you notice anything unusual still operating. I agree with Ranchero, a 10 minute drive didn't do very much. Either charge it with a regular (10 amp) battery charger or go for an hour drive at high speed.
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#8
#10
GS2000, I doubt the antenna continued to run more than a few seconds after it stuck. Definitely, something was left on all night and drug the battery completely down. When you first got it started, did you notice anything unusual still operating. I agree with Ranchero, a 10 minute drive didn't do very much. Either charge it with a regular (10 amp) battery charger or go for an hour drive at high speed.
I have not tried to operate the rag-top. Since we don't have a garage at our house, I am not going to until I know for certain that all electrical issues are fixed.
#11
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Geosnooker2000 (10-09-2017)
#12
No sorry, that wasn't what I meant. I was addressing the antenna not collapsing completely. Your motor won't continue to run non stop. Two different issues.
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Geosnooker2000 (10-11-2017)
#13
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Geosnooker2000 (10-11-2017)
#14
Other than the power steering feeling weak (which feels back to normal now after a 2 hour round trip into town), the only thing I have noticed is that the auto-up doesn't work on the driver-side window. The auto-down does work, but you have to pull the button up continually for the window to go up.
I have not tried to operate the rag-top. Since we don't have a garage at our house, I am not going to until I know for certain that all electrical issues are fixed.
I have not tried to operate the rag-top. Since we don't have a garage at our house, I am not going to until I know for certain that all electrical issues are fixed.
Remove the cover panels so the battery is visible and take it to Auto Zone or one of the other larger parts houses and get it checked.
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Geosnooker2000 (10-11-2017)
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Geosnooker2000 (10-11-2017)
#16
Other than the power steering feeling weak (which feels back to normal now after a 2 hour round trip into town), the only thing I have noticed is that the auto-up doesn't work on the driver-side window. The auto-down does work, but you have to pull the button up continually for the window to go up.
I have not tried to operate the rag-top. Since we don't have a garage at our house, I am not going to until I know for certain that all electrical issues are fixed.
I have not tried to operate the rag-top. Since we don't have a garage at our house, I am not going to until I know for certain that all electrical issues are fixed.
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Geosnooker2000 (10-11-2017)
#17
For resetting the 'auto up' window feature hold BOTH driver and passenger side windows buttons up for a few seconds after they are closed (you will hear a clicking sound). This will reset the 'auto up feature' windows. Do this while sitting in the car with the door closed.
#18