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Battery died again today in the Caddy. Into the dealer on Monday. I asked Pam what color Lincoln she'd like.Then I went to take the 'Bird to the bank. You guessed it.
Battery died again today in the Caddy. Into the dealer on Monday. I asked Pam what color Lincoln she'd like.Then I went to take the 'Bird to the bank. You guessed it.
Ouch
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2002 Ford Thunderbird Premium - Evening Black exterior - Midnight Black interior.
1997 Ford Thunderbird LX - Black exterior - Tan/Black interior. 4.6L V8 with Eaton M90 supercharger. - 349rwhp/391ft-lbs
SCRAPPED - 1994 Ford Thunderbird LX - Opal Frost Metallic exterior - Black interior - 13.737@100.78 - 236rwhp/286ft-lbs - 0-60 5.08s
Hi All !
I purchased a new FoMoCo battery in April, 2008 for my 2003 JBE "Bird at a price of $109.00. I have not driven it much since then. The last time was sometime this past summer. I have started it up a few times since then, however, when I went to start it yesterday (Jan. 4, 2009), it was dead. I tried to charge it, but it would not take a charge. Any advice would be appreciated as to why the battery would not take a charge? It was only 8 months old! Thanks.....
Bob
P.S., The Ford dealer replaced the battery at no cost, so that was good!
Bob, It "may" have had a constant drain on it. There are several electronic items you might be careful about - 1 - high intensity interior light left on - should shut off but ours takes over 40 min which still shouldn't bother the battery but in our case, apparently did.
2 - leaving it alarmed for an extended period of time.
3 - and apparently the most common with the early years - the back window defroster, particularly if the hardtop was on.
and I'm sure others will chime in about reasons. Also could have been a bad cell or 2 in the battery.
I replaced the battery in our 04 last January and again today. The first one lasted 40 Months after we purchased it new. We don't drive it in the winter but it gets driven on short trips almost daily when the weather permits. Plus a few mountain cruises. It has about 8K miles. Paid the going rate of $109 both times which I thought was a little steep compared to Die Hards. (Supposed to get a refund when the deal is approved?) Not sure what that means.
What is puzzling is that the vent tube is missing. I recall specifically that I re-installed it when I replaced the first battery last year. I remember specifically because it was somewhat difficult to install. The only folks to have access to the car was the Ford dealer for a tire rotation. Seems kinda odd !!
Hi Dot,
Thanks for your response to my battery problem. I will check out the items you suggested as possibly being the culprit(s). I see that you live in Texas. I lived in Denton, TX for almost 4 years (2001-2005). Too hot in the summer and too cool in the winter!! :) I did enjoy my time there though. Thanks again........
Bob
P.S., My 007 Bird was owned by a guy in Bandera, TX (outside San Antonio). I obtained it from his estate after he died.
Hi Dot,
Thanks for your response to my battery problem. I will check out the items you suggested as possibly being the culprit(s). I see that you live in Texas. I lived in Denton, TX for almost 4 years (2001-2005). Too hot in the summer and too cool in the winter!! :) I did enjoy my time there though. Thanks again........
Bob
P.S., My 007 Bird was owned by a guy in Bandera, TX (outside San Antonio). I obtained it from his estate after he died.
Hey JBEBIRD,
Drive it more, keep the bat. chged up..
Good to see you posting...(U going to Wilington??????????
Hey Lloyd!
Yeah, I DO need to drive it more! As for Wilmington, I don't know yet. How about you and Bobbi? I've been really busy since before Christmas because my mom passed away in Novermber (7th), and I was named executor of her estate. Whew!
I assume that you haven't had trouble with the battery in your retro 'Bird? I've heard that some of the retros do have problems with a drain of unknown source while the car is sitting. Oh well, nothing's perfect! :) Guess I'll have to get one of those Battery Tender thingys!
Will you be attending the next VCTC outing? I'm not going to be able to attend, but maybe the Feb. outing. I'm hoping to have my mom's estate probated by then. But.... who knows what might happen! :)
Chat with ya later. Say "hey" to Bobbi for me.
Bob
Well I joined the "Dead Battery Club" today.Couldn't get it to start with the battery pack so I had to go to L/M and get one $109 + tax $116.55.Took about 20-30 min. to remove and install easy if you remove spare.Old battery had a label 7/06 .They wouldn't pro-rate as I was not the original owner.That would be 3 battery's since new.In S.Fl. your luckie to get 3 yrs out of a battery.
It's time to bite the bullet. Went to start the Bird today just to let it run for a while and the battery was dead. Have the charger on it now just to see what it will do. Guess I'll be making a trip to the local Ford dealer shortly for a new one. I can't complain at all on this orginal battery. It's now 7 years old, the same amount of time the one lasted in my 97 F-150.
I just got off the phone from two different Ford dealers. The one here in Sebring,Alan Jay, want's $109.95 for a replacement and Bill Jarrett up in Avon Park want's $74.95 for the same thing. Guess what, I'll be making the 10 mile trip up to Avon Park!!
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