05 Elantra GLS auto dead battery twice

Hi,
We have had the car for over 30k miles with no trouble. Took it to
the dealer after the second time when the battery was dead. They
tested the battery and alternator and gave us the printed results ()no
problems, battery and alternator okay) and there were no codes. We
jumped it both times.

Dealer said next time, don't jump it, call them.

Both times the car was left four days without being used. We need the
car for work and can't leave it for three or four days (to see if it
happens again) for several months.

Any ideas would help.
Thanks,
Dermott

 

wrote:

Hi, We have had the car for over 30k miles with no trouble. Took it to the dealer after the second time when the battery was dead. They tested the battery and alternator and gave us the printed results ()no problems, battery and alternator okay) and there were no codes. We jumped it both times. Dealer said next time, don't jump it, call them. Both times the car was left four days without being used. We need the car for work and can't leave it for three or four days (to see if it happens again) for several months. Any ideas would help. Thanks, Dermott

Let's see:

2 times X 4days X $50 a day = $400 you had lost so far.

Cost of a new battery = $45 + taxes (installed at your local auto parts store)

Been out of $355 already and still having a non-working battery, for trying to be 'el  cheapo one' .....

PRICELESS !!!!!!!

Just change it, it's already near 3 years old, and out a warranty.

 

Dermott,

Some new car batteries only last for a few years. I would simply
replace the battery with a new one - cost should be $50 to $75 maximum
by doing it yourself. Or, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, or any of the
other national chains, will check and replace your battery for you.
Generally, the replacement batteries available are superior to any of
the batteries originally installed in a new car.

 

Still have the original battery in my 2001 Elantra.
It has run down a couple of times requiring jump
starts when we have left it at the airport for three weeks.
Otherwise still performs great. BTW we live in a climate
that has no extremes of temperatures in summer
or winter.

 

Did the dealer also check parasitic draw (the current flow when the car is
off)? If that's too large, the battery will run down if the car isn't
operated for a significant period of time.

 

Hi HT, how much should we see for the parasitic current? I assume that's
to run the computer system. On my son's Jetta, it is 350 ma.

Thanks

Tom

 

350 mA is huge. That'll run a battery down overnight.

On most newer cars, it's usually 30mA or less. If you have more than
50mA, that's cause for concern. If you have more than 100mA, there's
definitely a problem.

 

My college age nephew's 1990 Toyota Camery was around 30 ma. He drove the
car so infrequently that he went through a couple of batteries before we
figured out what was going on. I added a relay to shut off the dome light
circuit when the key was out of the ignition and got the current draw down
to 6 ma. He never had a problem after that.

Dan

 

Thanks for the advice, teh dealer stated the battery had some bad
cells and replaced it under a prorated warranty.
Thanks again,
Dermott

 

----------------- YOU MUST BE LIVING IN WONDERLAND !
-----------------------

Elantra batteries? Yeah!

I HAVE A 2004 ELANTRA GLS, AND THE BATTERY IS almost impossible to
replace and service!

IF you can find one outside a dealer, where they're 40-percent more
costly. And dealers don't install for free. More like for $50!

Actually, Hyundai DOESN'T want you even try to:

1) Check the fluid level in the cells.

2) Check the body and terminals for corrosion.

3) Remove the old battery and install a new one.

These tasks are almost impossible for the average motorist BECAUSE THE
BATTERY SITS IN AN ENCLOSED, SEALED CASE! You can't see much less
inspect the cell fluid levels. And half of the bolts under the hood
on the driver's side have to be removed to free-up the battery.

See, Hyundai wants you to go to a HYUNDAI DEALER, where a battery
costs $90, plus up to $50 more to install it. And at most Hyundai
dealers I know, you have to leave your car for an entire day -- then
hope it's ready when you return in the late afternoon or early
evening.

"Aw, we're sorry, but you see we got real busy and couldn't get to
yours. But tomorrow!"

AdvanceAuto Parts, AutoZone, Olympic Auto Parts, and Batteries Plus
sell the same battery for $52 to $69, some including free
installation.

Only problem? They can't get a sufficient supply of them to keep 'em
in stock!

And that's what your conniving, inscrutable Hyundai folks want -- to
force you to spend more on a new battery than a normal car owner would
expect. Parts companies list the Elantra batteries as "special." And
that they are!

Additionally, the OWNER'S MANUAL has neither a diagram or instructions
for accessing and servicing your Hyundai Elantra battery. Just a one-
paragraph entry that says, in effect, Be careful when servicing the
battery."

I've had my 2004 Elantra GLS for 3 years and the battery is already
shot. Needless to say, with problems also with the air bags, brakes,
power locks, and engine noise and vibration, I've bought my last
Hyundai product!

My advice to Hyundai? Hold up on building those factories in the
U.S. Too many one-time customers could make for sluggish, then
anemic, sales.

------------------------

 

Best news yet is that you won't buy another one. It means you will go
spew about some other brand. There are way too many of us happy
owners out here for you to matter.

;-)