will lose battery cable drain battery?

[kmarccoco]

My battery slowely went dead. when i looked at the positive post, i learned that the cable was really loose. i tightened it up and will now jump it. Will that drain the battery?

also will it take a charge again after tightening? or is a new battery necessary? thanks

[wtm442]

A loose battery cable should not drain the battery.

The battery is dead so you will have to jump it from another car. When it starts, take a look at the amp meter - it should be positive. Or use a multi-meter and check the voltage across the battery. When running, the battery voltage should be about 12.8 to 14 volts if the alternator is working. If voltage is only 12 Volts with engine running, there is something wrong with your charging system - most likely the alternator.

[HI Cobra]

Before you run off and buy another battery try charging it on a
charger. If it takes the charge ok then clean the posts and terminals
and hook it back up. Sometimes a loose terminal will be enough
resistance to keep it from taking an adequate charge while you are driving
and it eventually drains down. The loose terminal in itself won't drain it.

[kmarccoco]

thanks. the posts are clean. has a 64 month battery on it. might have been in there when car was built in 98.. i don't know. car has 5k miles on it. i jumped the car and drove it for about 10 minutes. it cranks over now, but not real strong. the amp meter reads right at dead zero at idle, and when i rev it up it reads about +30(after driving for 10 min).... i don't think it has a great battery. the brand is american something. i guess i should drive it more for a better charge? or replace battery? thanks..

[HI Cobra]

If the battery is possibly that old I'd say replace it and be done with it.
Sounds like everything else is working. Take it to a battery shop and
have them load test it - that will give you your answer, then you can
get a replacement battery and drive without worries. They tend to not
hold a charge when they get old (bad cells etc.) and can drive you nuts.

[kmarccoco]

thank you my friend will do...

[351-EM]

Another thing you may want to look at is the condition of the battery cables. I know that I chased a battery drain on my 67 Mustang fastback for nearly 2 years before I gutted the ground cable and found that corrosion had nearly severed the cable in two. All of that, and it looked good from the outside. Sometimes those cable sleeves can hide some really ugly stuff.

Good Luck,

Chris

[HI Cobra]

351-EM

You brought back some memories of frustration on that one - those
terminals do have a habit of corroding underneath the insulation where
you can't see it and does an excellent job of inhibiting electrical flow
coming and going. Very sneaky - be sure to check out that possibilty too!

[kmarccoco]

right on.. i bought a new optima spiralcell gell battery.. i'll see if it works.. and then check cables..