Car will not start after sitting for several months

COLORADO JEEP

MEMBER
2009 JEEP PATRIOT
4WD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

I purchased this vehicle used roughly seventeen months ago and it currently has 70,000 miles on it. Until now, I have yet to have any issues with it.

Several months ago, I moved my car to storage, but I did not do the proper research beforehand and disconnect the battery and I have also neglected to start it every several weeks just to keep the battery charged (I understand this was dumb).

When I try to start the car now, the lights and radio turn on, but it will not turn over and start all the way. I tried jumping the car, but had no success.
I have done some research now and I feel confident it is an issue with the battery, but I am still not clear on what I should do. Should I try jumping it again, but this time wait longer before trying to start the engine? In some places I have read that this could damage the alternator. Should I have the battery removed and take it to be charged? Thank you for the help!

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

You need to start with a new battery. The old one has most likely sulfated and cannot be jumped or charged.

Start with that.

Roy

WARNING:
To protect the hands from battery acid, a suitable pair of heavy duty rubber gloves should be worn when removing or servicing a battery. Safety glasses also should be worn.

WARNING: Remove metallic jewelry to avoid injury by accidental arcing of battery current.

1. Rotate the two retaining clips (3) and remove the air cleaner fresh air duct (2).

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WARNING: The battery negative and positive cable polarity are different from the gasoline engine equipped vehicles to the diesel engine equipped vehicles. Please note the location of the positive and negative cables prior to service of the battery or related components.

NOTE: Diesel battery shown, gasoline battery similar.

2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable then the positive cable (3).

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3. Loosen bolt (1) and retainer (2) that holds the battery down to the tray (3).
4. Lift battery out of battery tray and remove from vehicle.
5. Remove thermal guard (if equipped) from battery.

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