[Zeus2112]

stupid question, but here goes...

went to start the 560SL just now, and she wouldn't turn over.

key in ignition, and all the dash lights come on (including battery one), buzzer sounds, but when i turn the key, it barely tries to crank, and won't turn over...

So, is the battery dead? should i try to jump start it?

its been a rather cold winter here in NJ, and this is the first time starting her in over a month.

thanks

 

[rowdie]

Bad things can happen jumping a 560 with cables. If you can disconnect the cables and hook up a battery charger that is a better way.

 

[Zeus2112]

Bad things can happen jumping a 560 with cables. If you can disconnect the cables and hook up a battery charger that is a better way.

Thanks Rowdie

i don't have a charger...

what kind of "bad things"?

Is it not like jumping a "normal" car? hook up cables to the battery in the trunk, etc?

thanks

 

[Ears]

Bad things can happen jumping a 560 with cables. If you can disconnect the cables and hook up a battery charger that is a better way.

Basically, I agree that improper jumping can be bad for any vehicle; however, I have jumped my 560 a few times, mostly with a jump box, with no ill consequences. Given my experiences may be a statistical outlier, If you are not well versed in jump-starting procedures, please take a safer approach, remove the battery, and take it to a vendor for checking...

Good Luck!

 

[Zeus2112]

Basically, I agree that improper jumping can be bad for any vehicle; however, I have jumped my 560 a few times, mostly with a jump box, with no ill consequences. Given my experiences may be a statistical outlier, If you are not well versed in jump-starting procedures, please take a safer approach, remove the battery, and take it to a vendor for checking...

Good Luck!

thanks...How long should it take (approx) to trickle charge the battery?
(perhaps i should just go get one of those?)

I've jumped cars before, without issues. thought it was pretty standard procedure, but if that's not the case with the 560SL, please let me know where the complication is.

thanks again

 

[rowdie]

The method is the same but any slip ups can blow the OVP and maybe the EZL. Safest way to my thinking would be ignition off hook up the cables for awhile then disconnect them and try starting. Of course I am probably being to cautious. You could just hook them up, wait a few minutes then start. Sounds like yours is not dead just weak.

 

[Zeus2112]

The method is the same but any slip ups can blow the OVP and maybe the EZL. Safest way to my thinking would be ignition off hook up the cables for awhile then disconnect them and try starting. Of course I am probably being to cautious. You could just hook them up, wait a few minutes then start. Sounds like yours is not dead just weak.

sorry, but are you talking about charging or jumping here? (for the technique)

thanks

 

[rowdie]

Jumping with the cables still connected. Just be careful with the positive.

 

[Zeus2112]

Jumping with the cables still connected. Just be careful with the positive.

thanks

i was looking into trickle chargers...what specs are good for this? 1.5 amps?
something like this?

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...0w&ei=-YMcVc-2KcSmgwSAl4PADQ&ved=0CL4BEKYrMAI


as for jumping:

both cars off
connect cables to doner car
connect positive to 560
ground negative on 560

start doner car
try to start 560
upon success, disconnect cables

is that correct?

thanks

 

[ChiefRider]

thanks

i was looking into trickle chargers...what specs are good for this? 1.5 amps?
something like this?

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...0w&ei=-YMcVc-2KcSmgwSAl4PADQ&ved=0CL4BEKYrMAI


as for jumping:

both cars off
connect cables to doner car
connect positive to 560
ground negative on 560

start doner car
try to start 560
upon success, disconnect cables

is that correct?

thanks

Basically, yes. Be careful not to let the loose cable ends touch or contact anything- keep them separated. If you have never done this, and don't have an experienced friend to assist, watch a youtube video as an example.

A low amp charger is a good thing to have on hand, and they are inexpensive. When I owned my 560, I found that any winter that I left the cables connected, there was enough of a drain in the car (clock, radio?) that the battery would be flat when I went to start it in the spring. Pull the negative terminal clamp when storing in the future.

 

[Zeus2112]

Basically, yes. Be careful not to let the loose cable ends touch or contact anything- keep them separated. If you have never done this, and don't have an experienced friend to assist, watch a youtube video as an example.

A low amp charger is a good thing to have on hand, and they are inexpensive. When I owned my 560, I found that any winter that I left the cables connected, there was enough of a drain in the car (clock, radio?) that the battery would be flat when I went to start it in the spring. Pull the negative terminal clamp when storing in the future.

thanks
i may give the jumping a go over the weekend.

as for the trickle charger, 1.5 amps should be ok? saw a Black and Decker for around $25. When you say Pull the negative terminal clamp when storing, do you mean just attach the positive and ground the neg? or is it best to pull the battery and charge it in a warm room all winter?

thanks

 

[rowdie]

Trickle chargers are not good for long term use or much of anything IMO. A Battery Tender or other brand of float charger is best. For charging batteries get a variable 2/10/25 amp or similar. I have a larger 2/10/50/250 but you probably don't need that

 

[ChiefRider]

When you store your car for an extended time, leave the battery in place, and remove the negative terminal clamp from the battery post, pulling it aside and out of the way. If the car will sit for a really long time, remove the battery and use a battery tender or the occasional trickle charge to keep it from sulfating.

I agree with Rowdie that a good variable rate charger is worthwhile. As a resident of NYC, I don't know how frequently you might need ANY charger- sounds like you've made it this far without one! If you keep your battery disconnected during storage, and don't wait longer than a few months, a good strong battery will start your car once reconnected in the Spring, and the car's charging system will bring it back to capacity in short order. If your fully functioning charging system fails to accomplish this, it's time for a fresh battery.

 

[dugald]

There is nothing special about these cars in this regard. I have jumped my 560 many times without problems. Just watch you don't confuse terminals.
Incidentally, I started my 560 today after 2 months of brutal winter weather. It was stored with the negative cable disconnected, as recommended above.

 

[Zeus2112]

When you store your car for an extended time, leave the battery in place, and remove the negative terminal clamp from the battery post, pulling it aside and out of the way. If the car will sit for a really long time, remove the battery and use a battery tender or the occasional trickle charge to keep it from sulfating.

I agree with Rowdie that a good variable rate charger is worthwhile. As a resident of NYC, I don't know how frequently you might need ANY charger- sounds like you've made it this far without one! If you keep your battery disconnected during storage, and don't wait longer than a few months, a good strong battery will start your car once reconnected in the Spring, and the car's charging system will bring it back to capacity in short order. If your fully functioning charging system fails to accomplish this, it's time for a fresh battery.

Thanks

last winter was no problem, although i did make an attempt to start it every week or every other week. this winter, not so much, and seems that i'm paying the price.

that said, should I try to jump it this weekend? or buy a charger of some sort and try charging it, then starting? if the latter, what type of charger am i looking for?

thanks so much for the info

 

[ChiefRider]

If you feel comfortable jumping it, do so and be prepared to take it for a good drive. If your battery is robust, it will bounce back pretty quickly.

 

[cwmoser]

I'm cautious like Rowdie stated. Take a 13mm wrench and remove the negative terminal, then connect your battery charger to the battery. I do it this way to avoid any possible damage to the electrical system. Also, I've found that the Trunk light is a likely cause of battery discharge and have removed the lamp in both my SL's.

 

[Zeus2112]

I'm cautious like Rowdie stated. Take a 13mm wrench and remove the negative terminal, then connect your battery charger to the battery. I do it this way to avoid any possible damage to the electrical system. Also, I've found that the Trunk light is a likely cause of battery discharge and have removed the lamp in both my SL's.

Thanks

i don't have a charger. If i were to go buy one, what specs would you suggest? I saw some for around $25 that were 1.5 amp, does that sound right?

Schumacher XM1-5 Maintainer, 1.5-Amp - Walmart.com

6V 12V Battery Maintainer

thanks

 

[reno4u2]

I have the Schumacher XC10 (10/6/2amps) that I bought from Walmart and I like it. Disconnect the negative lead on the battery and then give it a 10amp charge. When charged it will go into the maintain (2amp) mode automatically. Reconnect the negative lead to the battery and you should be good to go. If the battery fails after that then it's time to R and R the charging system. If it checks out OK get a new battery.

Schumacher XC10 10/6/2-Amp Battery Charger - Walmart.com

 

[Zeus2112]

I have the Schumacher XC10 (10/6/2amps) that I bought from Walmart and I like it. Disconnect the negative lead on the battery and then give it a 10amp charge. When charged it will go into the maintain (2amp) mode automatically. Reconnect the negative lead to the battery and you should be good to go. If the battery fails after that then it's time to R and R the charging system. If it checks out OK get a new battery.

Schumacher XC10 10/6/2-Amp Battery Charger - Walmart.com

Thanks

I just bought a Black and Decker charger.

do i need to disconnect the negative terminal on the car battery? or can i ground the negative from the charger??

if i do need to disconnect the negative from the car, how should i hook up the two cables from the charger?

AND: Can i charge from the terminal under the hood? or only directly on the battery in trunk?

thanks