If the car battery is dead, you can't start the car. For an EV or a hybrid vehicle it's usually one of the worst situations that could happen on the road. Today we'll tell you about the signs and reasons of dead battery and also about the ways to start a car when the battery is dead.
New car battery dead - why?
There are some reasons for a battery in new car to go flat all the time:
- problems with charging system;
- corrosion or loose in battery connections;
- electrical drains.
Some equipment may work constantly and kill the battery.
How to check if car battery is dead?
First: when you turn on ignition, some lights are on, but they are not as bright as they should be.
Second: when attempting to start the car, you hear a whining noise instead of rotating starter.
Third: After jump-starting the engine, it works, but if you turn it off quickly, you can't start it again with your battery.
Fourth: There is an error occurring on dashboard like 'Check Engine' or battery error.
Car battery dead - how to open the door?
With key-less access feature, you can't open the car unless the battery is OK. When it's dead, you still have the way to get into the vehicle. Find the hidden metal key in your car key - it's usually hidden under the plastic cover. Then find the hidden lock in the door. It's usually covered by a plastic cover or is hidden under the door handle. Use the key to open the door without using key-less access.
Why is my car battery dead every morning?
The obvious reason is that the battery is very old and needs replacement. When batteries age, they lose their capability to charge, the inner parts just destroy.
But it also can be the sign of problems with electricity drains in the car.
How long to charge with a charger if car battery is dead?
There are different chargers. The speed of charging depends much on the amps the charger is capable of showing. Usually, the best option is charging at lower amps and it will take around 8 hours to recharge the battery.
But make sure there are no drains and other problems. And also the battery is younger than 5 years. Otherwise, charging won't help and next day you will probably have the same problem.
What are the reasons of dead battery?
- The battery is old. They usually live up to 5 years if they are used every day.
- There are constant drains. You will need to consult the service station workers.
- The battery is inappropriate for your car in terms of voltage, amps or capacity.
- There is some additional equipment in your car that consumes too much electricity.
- Battery connections are loose or corroded.
- The weather is extremely cold - not all batteries will work long under cold weather.
- The alternator is dead - the battery isn't charging when the car drives.
- There are way too many short drives, the battery doesn't have time to charge.
- There are damages in the battery, leaks of liquid.
How to replace a dead battery?
There is a simple instruction for this:
- buy a new battery after checking that it's appropriate for your car;
- find out where the battery is mounted in your vehicle;
- unscrew the connections with appropriate instrument;
- check if there is mounting of the battery, unscrew the mounting;
- take the old unit out of the car and put a new one on its place;
- work with the mounting so that the new unit could stay firmly on its place;
- use protective gloves to install the connections and tighten them;
- try to start the car.
Always use protection because you may get traumas otherwise.
How to push start a car with dead battery?
This is only possible with manual gearbox. Turn the ignition on, press the clutch pedal, turn to the second gear, ask your assistants to push the car to reach at least 5 to 7 mph speed. Slowly take your leg off the clutch pedal until the car starts.
How to jump-start a car with dead battery?
You will need a car with good battery, protective gloves, and a pair of special cables.
- Turn off the ignition in both cars and put them on Park or Neutral.
- Use a red cable to connect positive terminals of both batteries.
- Use a black cable to connect negative terminals of both batteries.
- Start the car with normal battery.
- Start the car with dead battery.
- Let them work for a minute or two.
- Take off the cables carefully using protective gloves.
- Don't turn off the engine in the car with dead battery - just drive.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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