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Quote:
Originally Posted by s60
In regards to the old guy, this is the reason why I don't give jump starts to people. It is obviously his responsibility since, his battery was dead to begin with (alternator failure). Don't want to be a jerk but, people will cause you more trouble and no appreciation. If I get in mechanical trouble. I just call Triple A.
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I can use my higher CCA battery (1090 CCA) to jump my gas coupe (800CCA)
because they are two years between each other. (91 350SD swb, and 89 300CE coupe) but only from higher alternator output to lower. Also the age of the batteries is a telltale sign of what to jump and what not to.
Use a voltmeter to determine the DCV of the battery on the dead car. If it is below 8-9 VDC or around that then leave the dead car alone. Take the battery out and take it to a auto parts and let them test/charge it. If the dead battery is 9.1 VDC or above, (YOU MUST HAVE HEAVY DUTY CABLES IF YOU DRIVE AN MB) Then I have had success jumping off from other folks cars if you know the sequence to connect the battery cables:
1. connect the ground from the dead battery to the (-) anode on the running battery. Clip the two hots (+) clamps on the cables to themselves or have a person hold them and NEVER ALLOW THE (+) CATHODE TO TOUCH GROUND, either yourself or the vehicle. Then attach the dead car battery to the running engine (good) battery and (good) alternator cathode (+) this lessens the chance that you get exploded by trying to help out another MB owner.
2. Voltmeter simple tests for batteries:
a) required starting VDC: +/- 12.0 to 12.7 VDC
b) the absolute minimum on the dead MB battery you are trying to help MUST be at least, to be sage, around 9 VDC min. Less than 9 remove or call AAA
c) voltage at battery terminals on a running engine with wkg. alternator: 13.5 to 14.7 VDC (WHEN ALTERNATOR IS RUNNING)
d) as most of us do not carry load detectors we cannot properly adjudicate a battery's "charge worthiness" but you can protect yourself from damage before attempting to help ONLY ANOTHER MB OWNER simply using a voltmeter (DC) that anyone who owns a MB should keep at the ready, with spare battery for voltmeter, if digital. Marinecraft/ hope this helps someone.
ALSO: If anyone owns an older Benz, and more importantly ANY BENZ after 1998, then it is a good idea to get AAA plus or Premium depending on your driving habits. I once had to use them for the 200 Mile tow option on a 1982 Euro 300 TDT wagon that broke a flexplate on the Bonnet Carey spillway.
Best, BENZ owner since the mid 70's.