My 2001 Elantra still has the original battery.
I have only 40K miles on it, regular servcing
as per the manual.

The only time it failed to start was after being
in the airport parking lot for three weeks, the
battery needed a boost.

This morning the power door locks did not
operate but the car started and we drove away.
For the rest of the day the car door locks operated
normally, locking and unlocking under power.

My question is whether this is a sign the battery
is on the blink.

Original batteries last only 3 years, you're
way overdue. I would install a new battery
today.

Tom

pm4hire@excite.com wrote:

> Original batteries last only 3 years, you're
> way overdue. I would install a new battery
> today.

Ha, ha, ha... Tell that to the many OEM batteries I've had that lasted
5-9 years (yes, the OEM Delco in my 86 Jeep Comanche lasted 9 years).
Recommending that someone replace their battery because their door locks
don't work is simply stupid. Sorry, no way to sugar coat something that
far out.


Matt

Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in news:Lv5Bg.287$Db4.22947
@news1.epix.net:

> Sorry, no way to sugar coat something that
> far out.

With as far as you claim you went in school, they never taught you to try
and be nice once in a while? Maybe something like this:

Although 3 years is the battery manufacturers recommended replacement
interval, I've had many vehicles over the years that had OEM batteries last
much longer than that. One even last 9 years!! You may want to check the
battery in your key fob, or if you don't have one of them, possibly the
fuse for the door locks could be loose or "weak" and in need of
replacement. It is very unlikely that the car battery would be too weak to
open the door locks, but have enough juice to start the car. But if you
still suspect it, take it to a reputable shop and have it tested. Or test
it yourself if you have a meter and know what you are doing.

Eric

On Sat, 05 Aug 2006 19:00:57 GMT, "Eric G."
<NgOrSePeAnM99@Zoptonline.Znet> wrote:

>Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in news:Lv5Bg.287$Db4.22947
>@news1.epix.net:
>
>> Sorry, no way to sugar coat something that
>> far out.
>
>With as far as you claim you went in school, they never taught you to try
>and be nice once in a while? Maybe something like this:
>
>Although 3 years is the battery manufacturers recommended replacement
>interval, I've had many vehicles over the years that had OEM batteries last
>much longer than that. One even last 9 years!! You may want to check the
>battery in your key fob, or if you don't have one of them, possibly the
>fuse for the door locks could be loose or "weak" and in need of
>replacement. It is very unlikely that the car battery would be too weak to
>open the door locks, but have enough juice to start the car. But if you
>still suspect it, take it to a reputable shop and have it tested. Or test
>it yourself if you have a meter and know what you are doing.
>
>Eric
>
Thanks Eric, I was thinking along those lines,
will check the fuse for the door locks first.

While Eric's correct that your issue likely has nothing to do with the
battery, it's been my experience that the Hyundai OE batteries rarely last
longer than yours has already. It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep an eye on
it, but I don't think I'd replace it in a panic, either.

On Sat, 05 Aug 2006 17:10:01 -0400, "hyundaitech"
<notpublic@not.public.com> wrote:

>While Eric's correct that your issue likely has nothing to do with the
>battery, it's been my experience that the Hyundai OE batteries rarely last
>longer than yours has already. It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep an eye on
>it, but I don't think I'd replace it in a panic, either.
Thanks.
Any recommendations for a replacement battery.

irwell wrote:

> On Sat, 05 Aug 2006 17:10:01 -0400, "hyundaitech"
> <notpublic@not.public.com> wrote:
>
>
>>While Eric's correct that your issue likely has nothing to do with the
>>battery, it's been my experience that the Hyundai OE batteries rarely last
>>longer than yours has already. It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep an eye on
>>it, but I don't think I'd replace it in a panic, either.
>
> Thanks.
> Any recommendations for a replacement battery.

I wouldn't suggest a Hyundai battery after hyundaitech's comment about
three years being a typical life. That is abysmal for a car battery.
I've had good luck with both Delco and Sears Diehards (the top-end
Diehards, not the el cheapo versions). Interstate has tested well by CR
in the past. Buy one that has at least a 60 month warranty and you are
likely getting a decent one. The warranty is prorated so you may not
get much if your battery dies early, but the warranty is some indication
of the confidence the manufacturer has in the battery.


Matt

On Sun, 06 Aug 2006 02:25:31 GMT, Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net>
wrote:

>irwell wrote:
>
>> On Sat, 05 Aug 2006 17:10:01 -0400, "hyundaitech"
>> <notpublic@not.public.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>While Eric's correct that your issue likely has nothing to do with the
>>>battery, it's been my experience that the Hyundai OE batteries rarely last
>>>longer than yours has already. It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep an eye on
>>>it, but I don't think I'd replace it in a panic, either.
>>
>> Thanks.
>> Any recommendations for a replacement battery.
>
>I wouldn't suggest a Hyundai battery after hyundaitech's comment about
>three years being a typical life. That is abysmal for a car battery.
>I've had good luck with both Delco and Sears Diehards (the top-end
>Diehards, not the el cheapo versions). Interstate has tested well by CR
>in the past. Buy one that has at least a 60 month warranty and you are
>likely getting a decent one. The warranty is prorated so you may not
>get much if your battery dies early, but the warranty is some indication
>of the confidence the manufacturer has in the battery.
>
>
>Matt

My 2001 Accent still have the original battery and it is still
cranking strong. In the fall, a trickle charger is used to keep it
topped up. I plan to replace the battery at the slightest sign of
trouble.

I use contact cleaner at the battery posts and ground. It did wonders
for the pulse generator connection.

The replacement batteries aren't the same Korean crap (my opinion)
batteries that come in the cars. Replacement batteries are made by
Interstate. That said, you can probably find just as much battery or more
for a lower price at places other than the dealer. My experience is that
it's a crapshoot, but I definitely wouldn't want one of those Korean
batteries in *my* car.

The Korean batteries are typically branded "Solite" or "Delkor."