Why did it go dead? If the battery just failed from age, it is not totally dead and no computers will have lost their memory yet. You don't have to disconnect it to charge it. Charge it at the lowest rate for at least an hour.
If the battery IS bad, which you can tell by measuring the voltage, use a memory saver to insure there won't be computer-related problems Most likely there won't be a problem, but why take the chance? If your cigarette lighter works with the ignition switch turned off, you can use a small device that plugs in there and has a 9 volt transistor battery. Be sure the interior lights and under-hood light are off before you disconnect the car's battery. That will not work if the ignition switch has to be on because that little battery isn't strong enough to run everything that will be turned on.
I use a small portable battery charger hooked to the engine block and to the positive battery cable, but you have to be very careful that cable doesn't touch any metal part of the car, and that the charger's clamp doesn't snap off.
SPONSORED LINKS
Monday, March 11th, 2013 AT 11:08 PM
