Mazda Miata: Dead Battery

http://www.westcobattery.com/miata.html


"Dave Molta" <edu> wrote in message
news:24.2.166... 



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Dave,

You may need a new battery, but before you spend the money to replace it you
might check the connections at the terminals. With the car running you
should have at least 14 volts across the terminals. If you don't have 14
volts, the alternator charging current is not getting back to the battery.
Next, remove the wires from the terminals. Clean the connections with a wire
brush or sand paper. Use a little grease on the connectors before
reinstallation. Charging the battery over night with a 1 ampere trickle
charger might bring it back to full operation.

The Panasonic AGM battery originally supplied on the Miata is often good for
10 years or more. the Westco replacement battery is usually the best choice
if the battery needs replacement.


"Dave Molta" <edu> wrote in message
news:24.2.166... 

Dave:

I'll just add to the good advice that you've been given, that my '96 needed
a new battery in 2003. I remember reading (probably in this group) that
later model Miata's (like ours) didn't get the 10 year battery service that
lots of the earlier ones got--mine was the aforementioned Panasonic,
however.

The replacement battery arrived quickly from Westco (don't know how your UK
experience will be), and other than the UPS man literally throwing it over
my fence (landed on concrete!), it is a nice, stock-like, replacement. My
Panasonic wasn't dead but wouldn't hold a charge over 2 weeks (the car sits
sometimes)...not an issue with the replacement.

Happy motoring,

M

"Larry Gadbois" <net> wrote in message
news:ebkGc.9262$news.atl.earthlink.net... 
you 
wire 
for 
choice 
was 
all 
but 

"Larry Gadbois" <net> wrote:
 

Vaseline, they used to tell me.

Leon

 

--
Leon van Dommelen Bozo, the White 96 Sebring Miata .)
To reply to me, the word Miata must be in the subject.
EXIT THE INTERSTATES (Jamie Jensen)

:-)

"Leon van Dommelen" <net> wrote in message
news:com... 
you 
battery. 
wire 
for 
choice 
been 
couple 
was 
all 
even 
but 
specs 
conclude 
push- 

I wanted to follow up and thank those of you who replied.

I brought the old battery to my local Autozone and they put it on their
load-tester. A couple minutes later, it responded with a "Battery is
Bad." I've never known whether to really believe those tests, but since
this was the answer I was hoping for (easier/cheaper to replace the
battery than to bring it to the dealer for analysis), I belived it. The
tech also noted that there was a date-seal on the old Mazda lead-acid
battery that indicated it was installed in 2001. Based on what I've read,
3 years isn't an unreasonable life span.

Anyhow, the surprising element of this was the fact that Autozone had an
"original fit" replacement in stock for $80. It is part of their Duralast
Gold prduct line (model 8AMU1R) that comes with an 8-year warranty, 3
years free replacement. I'm guessing that's better than Mazda offers and
it was a few dollars cheaper.

Since the car was undriveable and it was a beautiful day to drive, I let
my desire to fix it get in the way of ordering a replacement from WestCo.
It seems like most folks view that as the best solution, but for those
who are less patient, or simply prefer lead-acid, the Autozone option
seems to be a pretty good one in light of the warantee.

dm

Dave Molta <edu> wrote in
news:24.2.166:
 

Dave Molta <edu> wrote:
 

For an conventional lead acid.
 

I do not know why people would prefer "lead-acid" if a Westco AGM
cannot release corrosive or explosive acids and their fumes, hence
is very safe in the trunk for both car and driver, frees up a bit
of trunk space, is light, requires zero maintenance, and lasts ten
years barring mistreatment.

Not only does the long life of the AGM mean the cost per year
is *much* lower, also you do not have to go through the hassle
(and possible inconveniences) of dealing with a bad battery
every three years.

I guess to each his/her own.

Leon and Bozo, make mine an AGM
 

--
Leon van Dommelen Bozo, the White 96 Sebring Miata .)
To reply to me, the word Miata must be in the subject.
EXIT THE INTERSTATES (Jamie Jensen)

"Leon van Dommelen" <net> wrote in message
news:com... 

Less charitably - it's sad to see what we can do with our ability to
rationalize.