05 Sedan No Elec Power

[Glacier64]

Last night went to start my 05 Sedan, and battery was completely dead for no apparent reason. Jumped it easily. Went to move it, and all dash lights came on, system said "Check Brake System" then lost all power. Jumped it again, same lights on, pulled into garage, turned off. Tried to restart right away, and it is completely dead, no power at all. THoughts?

[shorod]

Are you sure the battery cables are clean and tight?

Is it cold where you're at? If so, maybe the battery had a low charge and froze. If that's the case, you don't want to charge it as it could explode, but rather let it thaw and replace it. Once a battery freezes, it's rarely worth trying to save it.

If you don't believe the battery froze, then take it to the local auto parts store and have them test the battery. Or, if you have a multimeter/volt meter, you can test it for voltage with the engine off, during a start attempt, and when running. If you're not sure what to do with these three numbers, post them back here and we'll help you out.

-Rod

[Glacier64]

The battery cables are definately clean and tight. I don't think it has been cold enough for the battery to freeze yet. But would a frozen battery cause the car to lose all power driving?

[shorod]

Originally Posted by Glacier64

The battery cables are definately clean and tight. I don't think it has been cold enough for the battery to freeze yet. But would a frozen battery cause the car to lose all power driving?

No, probably not assuming the charging system is working. I didn't gather from your first post that you were driving it at the time, I read it that you went out to your car to start it and it was completely dead, but you were able to jump start it and move it a short distance. If that's the case, then yeah, a frozen battery could do that since the charging system would not be able to charge the battery, you'd possibly have just enough juice to run accessories for a short time, but with no reserve capacity, the PCM voltage would quickly drop below 9.5 V, especially if you were using brake lights, radio, interior lights, etc., and stop working, causing the car to stall. If the battery were able to take a charge and the alternator is charging, you probably could have gone a few blocks before the car would have you walking, depending again on the electrical load.

-Rod

[tripletdaddy]

Is there a chance this could be caused by very low battery level? There are still plenty of the add water batteries out there and I know if they get to low, like down to the lead plates, they won't deliver like its dead. Add distilled water and a good charge, I've had one just recently come back to life. Just a thought, but I would also question the altenator too before I 'd stop at the battery.

[Glacier64]

Thanks for all the suggestions. The Battery is sealed, so couldn't add anything. I did buy a new battery last night and installed it, and seems to be running/starting fine now. Was weird to me, as I have never had a car die while driving due to the battery. Thanks again, I really appreciate it!!!!

[shorod]

If a connection to one of the plates or one of the cells broke while driving due to vibration, a computerized car with a heavy load on the charging system could certainly experience a system voltage drop below the minimum threshhold to keep the PCM functioning properly, leading to the car stalling. On your '05, the PCM controls or provides input to everything from the fuel pump and fuel injectors to the transmission and even the brakes (ABS and traction control).

-Rod

[tripletdaddy]

Did you ever verify that your altenator is putting out like it should? If you have a DC voltmeter you can check it. If not have someplace that sells parts check it for free. In a case like yours, I would check this and not assume the battery died on its own. Expect the battery to be around 12.5 v after sitting awhile and then around 14.5v while running.