replaced SI batteries......but

[JSF252]

Well,
I picked up some batteries today, and decided to replace the ones on my SI board. The guy at Radioshack said that there was no way to charge them, and that the car would have to charge them. I'm not saying he's wrong, but if the car is supposed to charge them, why would all the other DIY sites say that you should charge them before installing them? I'm kind of stumped, and dont want to assemble everything if the batteries are going to be dead and never work. I was just wanting to see if there was anyone else who's done this, and did they charge the batteries prior to installation?

Thanks,
Josh F.

[TimmyBigHands]

I have not had to replace mine (thank god)... but you CAN charge them before installing them. What would be the point of having RECHARGABLE batteries if you couldnt charge them?

If you have a digi-cam that uses rechargeable batteries, pop them into that recharger... or for that matter, ANY recharger for AA batteries. I would just use one from a digi-cam or something. They are easy to find - your local radioshack man is a moron.

[JSF252]

I was wondering about that my self. The problem I was facing, was that the previous owner of my car was a complete Dip-shit. I went to take the cluster out, and noticed that there were only 2 screws holding it in. I knew right away that someone had taken the cluster out before, and did a sloppy job of re-assembly. When I got he cluster apart, I pulled the SI board out, and noticed that the batteries had already been replaced with "Radioshack rechargables". They were old, and he used Silicone RTV on them to keep them from vibrating. I also notice that he must have used 5 feet of solder for each joint! The Solder was Caked on, and I had to use a ton of Solder wick to get it off. I tested my batteries before I installed them, the multi-meter said 1.2v. I know they weren't fully charged, but I thought (as the guy at Radioshack told me) that the car might "recharge" the batteries. I'm still not sure if that's the case, as none of my gauges work, due to another electrical problem that started last weekend. I wish there was more time in the day!

Josh F.

[TimmyBigHands]

Technically the car should recharge the batteries... I think it's more of a suggestion that you pre-charge them before installing. I hope you get the other problem worked out. I hate a half-working car :(

Post up in a new thread what your having difficulty with, these guys know their stuff, and are more than willing to help.

[Chris]

Technically the car should recharge the batteries... I think it's more of a suggestion that you pre-charge them before installing.

The car does "trickle charge" the batteries, but don't count on the car's system to charge fully discharged new batteries.

[Chris]

As long as you have Nicad or NiMH rechargeables, that have been already charged(which you say they were), then you're good to go.

[JSF252]

Yeah, the guy at Radioshack (I dont know if he's a credible source) said that Nicad batteries were always shipped with ~10% charge on them. He said that once they are fully discharged, they wont take to recharging like other types of batteries. I trusted him, because he "said" he was an electrical engineer...... but why the hell is he working at Radioshack????

Anyhow, after doing some reading, and looking at wiring diagrams all day, I've come to the conclusion that the relay supporting the blower motor is bad. It's now 11:38 in GA, and I've just got home from School (taking night classes). I'm off work on Friday, so I'll be working on it then. Other than that, the car runs great. I just have to stop everyday, and put some gas it, as I dont know how much is in the tank.

Thanks for the help guys, it's much appreciated.
Josh F.