ok, I'm the worst wife in the world. I dont know how to drive stick (dont even have a drivers liscence) so i've avoided starting my husbands car while he's been in iraq. Thats not the only reason I didnt do it. He's left it for months before without starting it and it was fine! So i didnt really worry.
Ok.. so I know theres some kind of cable that will start the car if i plug it into an outlet. What is that cable?
Next question: Will the car be fine after its charged and driven? Or will I need a new battery? Thanks for your help.
2007-10-03 20:51:25 · 2 answers · asked by marinelover28540 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Okey dokey. Thanks :D
What about if I can't drive it around? Should I just wait till I can?
2007-10-03 21:03:29 · update #1
Well I dont know who gave the thumbs down, but I think they were all good answers. So thank you all :D
I have tried to learn how to drive stick, but I'm only 4'2'' and I have to pull on the steering wheel to push in the clutch so its a little hard right now. Since he'll be home in such a short time, I dont have time to get everything I need for the car, and a liscence before he gets in. :(
2007-10-03 21:43:47 · update #2
What a great question for anyone who has been asked to looked after a vehicle for family or friends. Have a star!
It's potentially dangerous to charge the battery while it is still attached to the car with a regular battery charger. To charge the battery properly, you need to disconnect the battery and THEN connect the charger - and it takes hours to charge.
I would offer this alternative, There are portable jumper/charger devices - they are usually a large yellow box with a handle and thick red and black wires ending in large clamps. You plug these into your outlet to charge them up and then take it out to the car. Some of them have compressors to re-inflate tires. They are 'instant power' to get that engine started.
The red wire/clamp connects to the + terminal of the battery and the black wire/clamp connects to the - terminal of the battery or somewhere on the chassis is better (must be a 12V negative earth vehicle - if you are unsure, connect to the battery)
It's the same as if you had another car - i.e., you don't have to disconnect the battery.
I know they are about £50 in the UK but I reckon they should be less than $100 in the US. You should be able to pick one up at Home Depot, Wal-Mart, K-Mart or similar places.
Good Luck!
2007-10-03 21:14:32 · answer #1 · answered by Rob K 6 · 3⤊ 4⤋
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2016-12-23 01:18:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be best to get a new battery or charge the old one. There is a small item sold in auto parts stores that will "recondition" the battery as well as charge it. It use it on my riding mower battery at the beginning of the season.
The battery will continue to loose power (even with the cable you are talking about) unless it is properly, reconditioned and slow charged.
The car should be fine however the best thing for it is to have a trusted friend start and drive it around for at least 2-5 miles. This gets all parts lubricated. They are just like us the less movement we get over time the more problems happen.
You might surprise your hero and invest in a driving classes. This would also make you more independent and improve your ego. I taught/exposed all my girls to basic preventive care and repair of a car as well as how to drive.
2007-10-03 21:15:39 · answer #3 · answered by GERALD S. MCSEE 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You need a battery charger. It plugs into an outlet, and clamps on to your battery. You can find them at K-Mart, Wal-Mart places like that. If you have someone around that can drive stick, once it's charged have the person drive it around for awhile, the battery should be fine after that.
2007-10-03 20:59:51 · answer #4 · answered by Zyggy 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋