Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Do I need a new battery?

Howdy back! How is the weather in Quesnel? We may be in for an ugly fire season this year if we do not get some spring rains. Very dry here in Merritt, Country Music Capital of Canada (Chamber of Commerce forces me to say that every time I mention the city name).

As for my battery, I bought our car after it had been sitting on the dealers lot for a year (build date Aug 95, bought new Aug 96 with less than 300 km) so I was not surprised at the short life of the original battery. The second did last about 5 years. When my wife went to get the dealer to replace the first one, all three that were at the two Kamloops Ford/Mercury dealers were dead. Had to wait 3 days for a battery to come out of Edmonton. And yes, I have heard since that an aftermarket battery is now available.

My car is 9 years old and the battery is the original one as installed. Original alternator too etc. etc.

I HAVE noticed that -- now that it's winter -- that if I leave her sitting (wifey and I commute to work on the LIRR here on Long Island) for a week -- that 'sometimes' the battery exhibits a 'weak' condition -- i.e. everything runs but the starter motor turns only sluggishly. Remedy: I hook up the charger for 2 mins and she's back to normal.

I HAVE noticed, tho', that even if I let the charger run overnight -- that - come morningtime -- it still shows the battery drawing 3.5 to 4 amps (where I'm expecting about 2amps).

I figure I've gotten enuf use (NINE years!) out of this battery so plan on changing her in January and, yep, plan on using the 'Ford' battery (perhaps for another NINE ?)

Latah,
Gerry