scarfs

Hi forum,

I have a 1984 300SD that doesn't get used much. I usually start it up every 1-2 weeks and take it out for a short spin. I replaced the battery 2 months ago and it has started up fine since then, but today it wouldn't crank at all. The clock still had the right time, but the indicator lights on the dash were dim and got dimmer by the second which seems to me the battery was dead already. However, i tried to give it a jump; i left the jumper cables on for a few minutes and the dash lights were still dim and the engine wouldn't crank at all. Any ideas what the problem could be or where to troubleshoot next?

Thanks

Plutoe

Yes, you have a dead battery!!

scarfs

shouldn't i at least be able to jump start it though?

Plutoe

Yes, if the starting system is functional!!

scarfs

Well it seemed to be functional last time i started it. How can i troubleshoot this? I have the Chilton book as well as the 2-CD Model 126 Maintenance Manual... Thanks

scarfs

Since the battery was still under warranty, i brought it in for checking. It was dead, but got it recharged for free. After re-installing, the engine started right up and i was able to take it out for a test drive... everything worked fine. I set the analog clock on the dashboard. That was a few days ago. Tonight i checked the car again, made sure none of the lights were stuck on, checked that the trunk light was going off when the lid was closed. Everything is good so far, car started right up again... however i noticed the analog clock was already about an hour and ten minutes slow, which was never happening before.. that analog clock was always spot on. Any idea what could be going on? Thanks