Interstate battery is 3 years old. Was on a battery tender all winter. Topped off the cells as some were low. Has started strong the dozen times or so I've ridden this season.
After work, wouldn't start, not even dash lights, dead. Got a jump, ran well for the half hour ride home, with the Volt gauge slowly going up to 14 within 30 seconds after startup. Parked it for an hour (at the top of a rise just in case) and again no start. Bump started it and this time: dash lights dim, Volt gauge never better than 10, poor running with no power. Got within a couple of miles from home and it gave it up. After trying some roadside diagnosis and repair, put it in my tiny pickup truck (no mean feat) and got it home.
I'm thinking bad ground. The top back of the engine, where the negative battery cable mounts, is oily. I've lived with this minor leak for years. Other thoughts? My cousin is visiting from Phoenix and we're slated to go for a day-long ride on Monday. TIA, Dave
After work, wouldn't start, not even dash lights, dead. Got a jump, ran well for the half hour ride home, with the Volt gauge slowly going up to 14 within 30 seconds after startup. Parked it for an hour (at the top of a rise just in case) and again no start. Bump started it and this time: dash lights dim, Volt gauge never better than 10, poor running with no power. Got within a couple of miles from home and it gave it up. After trying some roadside diagnosis and repair, put it in my tiny pickup truck (no mean feat) and got it home.
I'm thinking bad ground. The top back of the engine, where the negative battery cable mounts, is oily. I've lived with this minor leak for years. Other thoughts? My cousin is visiting from Phoenix and we're slated to go for a day-long ride on Monday. TIA, Dave