Dead Battery Help

[EVLXB]

I sorta left my ignition on for 4 days and now my battery is sorta dead. It reads 1.7 volts (un-loaded)and I left it on a 13 amp charger for several hours yesterday with no change in the voltage.

Did I kill the battery or do I need to let charge longer?

 

[FIDOSOL]

Just to let you know the worst case scenario for a salvageable battery I've encountered/heard of so far was my own battery in my XB9, we had a cold snap so I thought cranking it everyday for about 5 minutes was good to keep the battery up...WELL...it's not it just drains the battery. I had to take the battery to Autozone for their longest deep cycle charge 3 TIMES before it would finally start my bike. I haven't had any problems out of it since then and that was a year ago. We just got another cold snap, so I took it for a nice 20 minute ride and haven't had the same problem, hope I've helped. Also, Autozone/Advance Auto will charge/re-charge your battery for free. If they try to charge you tell them to go to hell and go to their competitor. Also, I had bought nothing from this store before the battery went dead, but now I stop there first to check for parts. Hope I've been of some assistance.

 

[Buell_Cru]

Good info FIDOSOL...I left my ignition on also and it killed my battery. I borrowed my neighbors rapid charger and once I was able to get it to turn over I took it for a 30 minute ride and everything has been fine. I also suggest buying a trickle charger and making it a habit to plug it in after every ride. It will seriously pro-long your battery life.

 

[mrdozer2you]

I also suggest buying a trickle charger and making it a habit to plug it in after every ride. It will seriously pro-long your battery life.

Maybe not after every ride....but if you go a long time in between rides then yes[up] I use a battery "tender", not a trickle charger. The trickle charger lets the charge drop before charging it up so its a constant down up down up. The tender peaks the charge and holds it. Definitely a good investment either way.

 

[Buell_Cru]

Thanks for the correction MrDozer.[up][up] I did mean battery "tender". I was told from Harley that it won't hurt to hook it up after everyride in case you don't ride for a couple days. Better safe than sorry.

 

[EVLXB]

Thanks guys. I'll pull the battery tonight and take it to autozone at lunch tommorrow.

 

[FIDOSOL]

Let us know how it turns out man. Thanks for the input ya'll, always good to add to what little I know with what little we all know. A whole lot of nothing is nothing, but a whole lot of little stuff is a big thing.

 

[mrdozer2you]

I did mean battery "tender".

I figured you did[up] I dont know if they even sell the trickle chargers anymore, at least I havent seen any in ages.

 

[EVLXB]

So, I got it back up and runnung. I dropped it of at Advanced Auto and they charged it for a few hours and I charged it for a few more at home. Finally got it to start and run. Took it for a ride and let it do some more charging. all is good now.... so far anyway.

Thanks for the help guys.