I think I have a weird one. Help, electrical.

[TopChuckie]

Had a run of bad weather for a couple weeks so I didn't drive my 2001 S for a while and the battery went dead. I hooked the tender up to it, let it charge for several days until the tender said it was just maintaining. It started and I drove it that day, periodically shutting it off and starting it with no problem.

Now we're experiencing Love Bug season down here so I haven't driven it for a while again but I had the tender on it the whole time. Went to start it and nothing, just clicks. Tried jumping it off my truck's battery, nothing.

Now this is the weird part, I just noticed when I step on the brake to start it, the spoiler goes up and down.

What does that mean? A short somewhere? Any help would be appreciated.

[healthservices]

Battery is dead and most likely has a dead cell.

[TopChuckie]

Originally Posted by healthservices

Battery is dead and most likely has a dead cell.

That would cause the brake pedal to trigger the spoiler? Just get a new battery and all should be well?

Thanks.

[particlewave]

Was it outside during the bad weather?

Either way, check for moisture under the drivers seat.
Also check the battery with a volt meter at the battery posts, then check voltage at the post clamps.
Corrosion between the clamps and posts can keep a battery from charging.

Low voltage or a corroded battery clamp can cause weird electronic issues.

[healthservices]

Originally Posted by TopChuckie

That would cause the brake pedal to trigger the spoiler? Just get a new battery and all should be well?

Thanks.

Weird voltages will cause the strangest issues. I've seen worst things happen. replace or have the battery tested, before anything bad happens. Do not continue to try to start car with a bad battery I've seem some the most horrible things (some irreversible without large sums of cash) happen to cars because of incorrect voltages on computer controlled cars.

[TopChuckie]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Was it outside during the bad weather?

Either way, check for moisture under the drivers seat.
Also check the battery with a volt meter at the battery posts, then check voltage at the post clamps.
Corrosion between the clamps and posts can keep a battery from charging.

Low voltage or a corroded battery clamp can cause weird electronic issues.

No, in the garage the whole time. No moisture. No corrosion whatsoever on the clamps, squeaky clean.

[healthservices]

And as particlewave indicated, it can be as simple as a bad ground or battery terminal. Of course as all forum diagnostics are concern, certain assumptions are assumed.

[particlewave]

Then the battery should be checked. Possibly a dead cell like hs stated above.

If the battery checks out ok, then the real fun begins

[healthservices]

What is the standing voltage at rest with the battery charger removed? How low did it go when the key is in the crank position?

[TopChuckie]

Took the old battery to Wal-Mart, they said it had a bad cell. Got the Maxx-H7 (94R) touted in this thread 986 Battery Group, dropped it in and it started right up. All seems well so far.

Very relieved that's all it appears to have been and really appreciate everyone's help here.

Thank you.