car wont start (warning, idiot explanation inside)

[imurdaddytoo sport]

well we left for yellowstone a week ago and i left a light on in my car. I go to jump it and when i go to turn the key the car doesnt start. i pull off the cables and realized on my dads volvo i switched the red and the black, anyone w/ a volvo s80 knows the battery is in the trunk, so u connect the cable to 2 differnent sides of the engine bay. Well anyway i put them back the other way and the car ticked loud for like 4 seconds then slowly started up. I drove it for about 7 minutes then came back in. The next morning battery was dead again. Next time i jump it all i get is ticking, but the lights on the dash are dim, and the pats light is always on, doesnt blink. I think the battery is just really low and i should be ok with a trickle charge, any other thoughts?

 

[Ray]

if your pats light STAYS illuminated, it is the last step before it goes completely out. Sounds like an INCREDIBLY low charge.

trickle charge, or jump with QUALITY cables. cheap cables can keep you from being able to jump start.

look in to possibly needing to replace your battery