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New battery causes problems???

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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 12:38 PM
  #2  
Old Rotor's Avatar
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From: Northern California
Originally Posted by RxDoogone
Ok so my battery was dying all the time on cold nights, and
also smelled like rotten eggs .
So I went to autozone and picked up a duralast.
Seemed great at first, but now the car starts but wont stay on
unless right after I turn it on I rev it.

Through out the drive the rpm's drop really low ( about the first line).
But so far hasnt died after getting it going.
My car has new coils and plugs. Never had this issue
before, so I am really confused as what it could be.

Any input is very much appreciated.. thank you


Give us some history on your car. What kind of driving did it get, reg or prem gas, short trips to work mostly city or freeway, was it driven hard or never red lined, oil change interval, 5X20wt oil or what, pre-mix used, oil consumption, just anything you can tell us....THANKS
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 12:44 PM
  #3  
Silver06's Avatar
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From: Western Canada, eh?
Piling on to Old Rotor's questions....

If a battery smells of sulphur (sulfur for your 'Mericans), then my first thought is that it is OVERCHARGING.

Did you have your alternator tested?


Note also that the car will have to go through several drive cycles to re-learn sensor profiles - idle may be affected.
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 12:57 PM
  #4  
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I would check the alternator
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 02:13 PM
  #5  
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From: Da swamps of La.
Does the exhaust smell of rotten eggs or the battery area? Exhaust could be cat convert., engine battery area is an overcharging alternator boiling the battery acid.
Keep us informed on what you find.
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 03:10 PM
  #7  
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From: PA
tighten up on the battery terminals
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Old Dec 28, 2008 | 11:27 PM
  #9  
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From: Canton, OH
Could check your intake and MAF... i just had this problem after I reset my fuel trims where the computer couldn't adjust my idle properly because my intake was gummed up...
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Old Dec 29, 2008 | 01:55 PM
  #11  
Razz1's Avatar
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From: Cali
Sounds like it was the ECU re-set.

Be carefule when hammering that cable on.... it is easy to break the post inside the battery.
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Old Dec 29, 2008 | 01:59 PM
  #12  
Nubo's Avatar
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From: SF Bay Area, California
Originally Posted by RxDoogone
I actually broke the positive terminal, and had to replace
it. The new one -had to hammer it on so tight fit.
Not good; you shouldn't be hammering on a battery. Double-check for cracks and/or leaks. You may also have created an internal short.

Next time you have a connector that won't go on use a terminal brush to clean both surfaces. Open the clamp bolt and use a screwdriver to open the gap -- while off of the battery. Don't apply excessive force to the battery posts. If it still won't go on then sand the posts slightly or ream the connector (if possible) until it fits. Or if it's a gross mismatch you may need different connectors.

Last edited by Nubo; Dec 29, 2008 at 02:02 PM.
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Old Sep 7, 2009 | 02:50 PM
  #14  
wireaddict's Avatar
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From: DFW
Mine does this as well, after I disconnect the battery. Seems that it takes several drive cycles to reset itself. Dealer says it's normal, I say it's a pain in the ***. Every time I come to a stop sign the car dies, then one day it sudenly fixes itself. I think the MAF is the culprit, so I have one on order from Mazdatrix. We'll see if that helps.
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Old Sep 7, 2009 | 02:56 PM
  #15  
ZumnRx8's Avatar
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From: So. California
I dont know what Im saying but when I changed my stock MAZDA battery to Duralast all was fine, it didnt have to reset or nothing.... and when I changed from Duralast to Optima Yellow All was fine and SUPER SUPER BETTER (especially having aftermarket stereo+sub+amp), so I dunno ur car is wierd...
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Old Sep 7, 2009 | 03:04 PM
  #16  
BlackRX82006's Avatar
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When you put in a new battery in modern cars, you car will go through a relearning process. Don't ask why because I can't give you a definite answer, I just know it does it. You car will idle like crap until it goes through some of it's drive cycles. It's nothing to be concerned with
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Old Sep 7, 2009 | 03:06 PM
  #17  
ZumnRx8's Avatar
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From: So. California
^yeah and through my 3 batteries my car has not gone into this idling u speak of...
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Old Sep 9, 2009 | 06:08 AM
  #18  
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When you reset the battery the car has to relearn how to idle properly, especially if you have any intake mods. Do the 20-stomp brake reset. When you hook up the battery again, let the car idle at full load (ac on max, fan on full blast, rear defrost, etc.) for 10 minutes while keeping it from dying, then another 10 minutes without load. Then give it a couple of drive cycles to relearn itself and you should be good.
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Old Sep 13, 2009 | 03:15 PM
  #19  
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I would first check the Alternator at Autozone for free, Duralast batteries are weak... best option would be a ADELCO or Yellow Top Optima.... you'll defenitely get your moneys worth it.

it's best with a lifetime warranty from Autozone on the alternator and battery, if it goes wrong , I simply get a new one ( no hazzle ) ...
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