bATTERY LIFE 2001 ELANTRA

Discussion in 'Hyundai Elantra / Lantra' started by irwell, Aug 5, 2006.

  1. irwell

    irwell Guest

    My 2001 Elantra still has the original battery.
    I have only 40K miles on it, regular servcing
    as per the manual.

    The only time it failed to start was after being
    in the airport parking lot for three weeks, the
    battery needed a boost.

    This morning the power door locks did not
    operate but the car started and we drove away.
    For the rest of the day the car door locks operated
    normally, locking and unlocking under power.

    My question is whether this is a sign the battery
    is on the blink.
     
    irwell, Aug 5, 2006
    #1
  2. irwell

    pm4hire Guest

    Original batteries last only 3 years, you're
    way overdue. I would install a new battery
    today.

    Tom
     
    pm4hire, Aug 5, 2006
    #2
  3. irwell

    Matt Whiting Guest

    Ha, ha, ha... Tell that to the many OEM batteries I've had that lasted
    5-9 years (yes, the OEM Delco in my 86 Jeep Comanche lasted 9 years).
    Recommending that someone replace their battery because their door locks
    don't work is simply stupid. Sorry, no way to sugar coat something that
    far out.


    Matt
     
    Matt Whiting, Aug 5, 2006
    #3
  4. irwell

    Eric G. Guest

    With as far as you claim you went in school, they never taught you to try
    and be nice once in a while? Maybe something like this:

    Although 3 years is the battery manufacturers recommended replacement
    interval, I've had many vehicles over the years that had OEM batteries last
    much longer than that. One even last 9 years!! You may want to check the
    battery in your key fob, or if you don't have one of them, possibly the
    fuse for the door locks could be loose or "weak" and in need of
    replacement. It is very unlikely that the car battery would be too weak to
    open the door locks, but have enough juice to start the car. But if you
    still suspect it, take it to a reputable shop and have it tested. Or test
    it yourself if you have a meter and know what you are doing.

    Eric
     
    Eric G., Aug 5, 2006
    #4
  5. irwell

    irwell Guest

    Thanks Eric, I was thinking along those lines,
    will check the fuse for the door locks first.
     
    irwell, Aug 5, 2006
    #5
  6. irwell

    hyundaitech Guest

    While Eric's correct that your issue likely has nothing to do with the
    battery, it's been my experience that the Hyundai OE batteries rarely last
    longer than yours has already. It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep an eye on
    it, but I don't think I'd replace it in a panic, either.
     
    hyundaitech, Aug 5, 2006
    #6
  7. irwell

    irwell Guest

    Thanks.
    Any recommendations for a replacement battery.
     
    irwell, Aug 6, 2006
    #7
  8. irwell

    Matt Whiting Guest

    I wouldn't suggest a Hyundai battery after hyundaitech's comment about
    three years being a typical life. That is abysmal for a car battery.
    I've had good luck with both Delco and Sears Diehards (the top-end
    Diehards, not the el cheapo versions). Interstate has tested well by CR
    in the past. Buy one that has at least a 60 month warranty and you are
    likely getting a decent one. The warranty is prorated so you may not
    get much if your battery dies early, but the warranty is some indication
    of the confidence the manufacturer has in the battery.


    Matt
     
    Matt Whiting, Aug 6, 2006
    #8
  9. irwell

    accent Guest

    My 2001 Accent still have the original battery and it is still
    cranking strong. In the fall, a trickle charger is used to keep it
    topped up. I plan to replace the battery at the slightest sign of
    trouble.

    I use contact cleaner at the battery posts and ground. It did wonders
    for the pulse generator connection.
     
    accent, Aug 6, 2006
    #9
  10. irwell

    hyundaitech Guest

    The replacement batteries aren't the same Korean crap (my opinion)
    batteries that come in the cars. Replacement batteries are made by
    Interstate. That said, you can probably find just as much battery or more
    for a lower price at places other than the dealer. My experience is that
    it's a crapshoot, but I definitely wouldn't want one of those Korean
    batteries in *my* car.

    The Korean batteries are typically branded "Solite" or "Delkor."
     
    hyundaitech, Aug 8, 2006
    #10
  11. irwell

    irwell Guest

    Thanks for the info.
    The power door lock is still ongoing.
    Here is a summary of the events.

    A) Most of the time turning the key in the
    driver's door lock, all the door locks open.

    B) Only the driver's door will lock from
    the key position, the other doors have to
    be manually locked.

    C) Once in a while the doorswill operate normally,
    so it is one of those annoying intermittenmt faults.

    Is there a relay, or solenoid, in the driver's door lock
    circuit? There seems to be a positive 'clunking' sound
    as the key is turned.
     
    irwell, Aug 8, 2006
    #11
  12. irwell

    hyundaitech Guest

    There are two door lock relays behind the passenger side of the dash. The
    problem is almost certainly in one of them, but it could be either.
     
    hyundaitech, Aug 8, 2006
    #12
  13. irwell

    irwell Guest

    Thanks, will take it into the dealer
    for them to look at.
     
    irwell, Aug 8, 2006
    #13
  14. irwell

    PMDR Guest

    This may sound dumb, but have you tried some lock lubricant in the lock
    cylinders?

    I had a problem like this on a Toyota where the driver's key would not
    lock or unlock, or sometimes it would do one and not the other. The
    passenger side always worked. Sometimes the trunk lock would also
    refuse to turn with the key.

    After spending some effort checking electrics, it was found that the
    driver's door lock cylinder just needed a good dose of lubricant. That
    also fixed the problem with the sticking trunk lock.
     
    PMDR, Aug 9, 2006
    #14
  15. irwell

    irwell Guest

    Thanks, I will give that a shot.


     
    irwell, Aug 9, 2006
    #15
  16. irwell

    nothermark Guest

    I can't speak about the Korean batteries but I have had several
    conversations with US battery folks in the past that boiled down to
    the technology being so mature that the average user will get a few
    months more than the warranty he buys. On one hand they know why they
    fail and how to avoid it. On the other the competition is tough
    enough that no one is giving you much more than you pay for.
     
    nothermark, Aug 9, 2006
    #16
  17. irwell

    kjones1200 Guest

    I would just charge the battery overnight with a 10 amp charger to even
    it out. If you can check the SP of the acid in the battery. If you
    can try getting a battery that still has the caps that allow you too.
    I think Wal-Mart still sells that type.

    Good luck.
     
    kjones1200, Aug 10, 2006
    #17
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.