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Due to our wonderful Missouri winter weather and other assorted reasons, my smartie sat in the garage for the past 3 weeks or so and when I went to start it up, a big nothing happened except a click or two. I checked to see if I had left something on by accident but nooooooo. Got a jump from AAA, drove for about 30 minutes to bring it back up to snuff and so far so good. After reading several posts here on the board I discovered quite a few had similar problems after letting it sit too long and that there were a batch of cars with bad batteries that don't hold a charge once they have gone dead. I don't know if this will be the reason for my problem but I hope to get it checked out next time I go to KC to the dealership.
Anyway just wanted to let my fellow smartians know that like a pet dog, I guess it needs a bit of exercise. No more vacations and winter protection for LILTGR.
It does make me worry though about letting it sit over an extended vacation and if the winter conditions make any difference since this is just now happening? I know that this fall I was away for 11 days and had no problems.
I wish I could make it up for the Jan meeting but have decided that my Mizzou Tigers need my coaching that Sat - we have not gotten off to a good start! Have fun everyone.
If the link doesn't work the details are Deltran Battery Tender Junior 12-Volt 750 mA Battery Charger for $24.04
Have them on all my autos. Max, my 08 smart carb is enjoying the winter months inside the garage sharing space with the Jag. While the Rover and the Audi get to be snow covered.
I drove the cabrio all winter and left the Expedition and Escort sitting out in the cold (single and teens *F) for several weeks. Went out about a week ago to start them, temps still in the twenties, and both were dead.
So that somewhat surprised me and that if I needed it, I had no backup transportation. Well, still don't...
But I love driving the smart, so it matters not so much.
Dispite the sucky missouri weather, I've been taking mine out and about. No use in letting a great car sit...
Then again, I've only driven it when the streets were clear.. with the exception of once on ice.
yep, liltgr and I have been going out for a daily constitutional now after this lesson for the dumb owner. With my luck the Lexus will now probably die in the garage.... lol
Can't make it the 24th due to a Mizzou BB game - I'm bummed but the conference schedule has finally begun and they need all the cheering and support they can get. For a change, the MU/KU games should be even contests later this year.
An alternative to a battery tender if you have a charger . . . put your charger on a timer and schedule it to "top up" the battery for an hour or so every night.
An alternative to a battery tender if you have a charger . . . put your charger on a timer and schedule it to "top up" the battery for an hour or so every night.
It's really difficult to imagine someone unable to afford a battery maintainer today, when they are only $5.99 at Harbor Freight.
thanks all - got the one from Amazon ordered and it should arrive this week. Just wish the battery was a little more accessible. The AAA guy without thinking walked to the front of the car and I had to tell him to come to the side and said "you won't believe where this is". The hardest part is getting the foam block back into its space without tearing it up.
Amazon.com: Deltran Battery Tender Junior 12-Volt... 
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