changed battery - now hardly anything works

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by Klimo

Let me clarify. The battery was new about 1 1/2 years ago. The car was sitting for about the last 90 days. Is that enough to completely kill the battery? My concern is that some things work and others don't. The blinkers work and I can flash the lights and there is air flowing through the vents and the lights in the ash tray and cig. lighter are on. No dash lights, nothing happens when i insert the key...

Thanks for your help

Can you get things to work by jiggling or slightly turning the key in the lock?

[Klimo]

No that did not work

[Lil bastard]

One of 3 things or any combo thereof;

Battery is kaput - running it down can damage the plates.

Alternator is kaput - trying to charge a failed battery, or lacking the stabilizing effect of the battery fried one or more pairs of diodes.

Starter Switch (ignition) - common failure on these cars - never If...always When - I always have a spare on hand - cheap.

Then there's the Perfecta or Trifecta...

Cheers!

[Klimo]

The vent tube for the battery is not connected. Is this a problem? Where does the vent tube fit into the battery??

[mikefocke]

doesn't affect ability to start.

And the vent tube connection would depend on the make/model of the battery. Some have a vent tube connection, some don't.

[gschotland]

First rule out the battery by getting it tested by a shop or big chain like Autozone. If it's iffy, just replace it. For a 1.5yr old battery you may have a warranty that will cover part of the cost of a new one.

[DANMKII]

Do you have a voltmeter? I would check to see if the battery have the necesary 12.5V.

Does it attempt to turn over? Might be the starter? check the fuse as well.

I had to trouble shoot last summer and found out it was my cars ALT fuse & the starter. Go figure.