I guess the battery in my car died?

Question

So i lost my house phone charger, only have one for the car. I went out to the car, turned on the engine (did not rev it up) and charged my phone. Im thinking the car was on for 20-30 minutes. I go out...and the car is dead. That doesnt seem like a very long time for it to be on...i guess the battery was already low? I'm so irritated, been the worst week ever. My friend ison the way over with jumper cables...is that all i should need?

Answer 1

that should be all you need is a good jump start, if i was you though tomorrow i would take it by one of the parts stores and have them check it,they can tell you if its the battery getting weak in it or something else,30 minutes shouldn't kill a battery,i leave mine on all night sometimes,and it doesn't kill the battery at all,so it might be going bad,good luck on it.,,PS if you had the car running and it does you may have an alternator problem.

Answer 2

The starter needs a lot of amperage to crank, dash lights & fuel pump do not, [cell phones take next to nothing]. So a weak battery or dragging starter can cause a no-start. But, before going to procedure below, lightly rap on all relays with a screwdriver handle, a sticking relay can cause all kinds of problems.

Here is the test procedure for determining battery or alternator problem after requiring a jump start. Note, requires a voltmeter [$3.50 at Harbor Freight]
1] Check battery voltage on non-start vehicle. Will probably be under 12V. Verify good clean connections, look for cracked corroded or loose terminals.
2] Jump start. Note, always have the jumper vehicle running when performing a jump start, sounds basic but I actually had a friend who argued it should not, meaning he would be jumping with less voltage & could strand both vehicles.
3] With jumper cables removed, check voltage at battery. It should be 12.8V to 13.7V. If below 12.8V the alternator or voltage regulator are suspect. If in the range, the battery is either dead, low on water or in need of a full charge. If over 14.7V the voltage regulator is not functioning properly.
4] Failing those problems, with the vehicle shut off & the doors closed, disconnect the battery ground cable, put a 12V test light between the battery negative & a known good ground. If it lights, something, like an interior or glovebox lamp is staying on.

Take your time, be methodical & good luck!
I was an ASE certified Technician & GNB Battery, customer service rep.

Answer 3

I`m wondering about the one comment ..the car was on for 20-30 miniutes. I`m hope you where meaning that the phone charger was on for 20-30 mins. Well anyway. If you had your phone on the cig. lighter for 20-30 min. and it is dead. There is a good chance that is what needs replaced. Be sure to check battery for water level. If you have a dry cell it wont take a charge for long. Replacement of battery if it is over 4 years.

Answer 4

Did you get a Battery and/or Check Engine Light(s) before it Died? (Why Do you want the Engine to Reeve Up?) Engine should Idle as long as you have Gas unless it Overheats!

Sounds like Your Belts are Bad, Battery was Bad and Draining/Dieing Already or Alternator is Bad and Draining your Battery?

If you Jump the Engine and it Starts go and get the Battery and Alternator Tested!

Answer 5

IF it in basic terms "ticks" a pair of circumstances, THEN starts the subsequent time, that's a undesirable solenoid or starter OR the battery, or the alternator isn't charging properly. I even have had batteries final for 20+ years, yet maximum are fortunate to make it a 365 days previous the guaranty era. especially the greater moderen ones!! maximum motor vehicle areas shops, which incorporate AutoZone, will examine your battery, (load attempt), unfastened. If it attempt ok then it's time to look for different motives, as before spoke of.

Answer 6

Make sure once that you have jumped it to drive it around for at least 30 minutes without turning the car off or you will be having to use that charged cell phone to call you friend to come help again!

Answer 7

Before jumpimg the battery check to make sure you have water in it, if you can take the caps off. Make sure your alternator is working get it tested at Auto Zone for free. Make sure you have clean and good connections on your battery cables. After that make sure that you do not have a short or a drain on the battery. (this can also happen with the battery itself they will short out sometimes.)

Answer 8

i would try rumping but if the battery dies again then i would get the altinator tested it is most likely bad concidering that it died while the car was running. check the connection at the altinator first