SL500 (1994) completely electrically dead

[dukegrad98]

I probably should have posted my original thread in this subforum. I'd appreciate it if you'd have a look:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=273001

Cheers, John

[tecqboy]

Batteries which get little use, even relativly new batteries, go bad. A low power wall type charger will not bring up a dead battery. If you are sure the battery is OK and you've checked the terminals for corrosion, follow the negitive lead to where it is grounded to the chassis and look for rust and corrsion there. Look on the engine block for the heavy cable which connects the block to the chassis and check for corrosion.

[dukegrad98]

Good suggestions, and I will check the grounding straps both places. Do you know off-hand where the engine block strap or starter strap ties to the chassis?

I really doubt the battery is bad -- it's only about a year old, and is generally kept on a Battery Tender during periods of non-use. I will admit that (thanks, Dad) the battery had been off the tender for about a month prior to this issue.

However, the charger I was using was not the tender -- it was a 10-amp charger with a 50-amp starter boost option. I've used this same unit before to bring back batteries I thought were "too far gone."

Even if the battery was shot, I would expect the interior lights to come on and the windows to function with 10A going into the electrical system. Instead, I've got nothing at all. Worrisome at best... Thanks -- will check and get back, and other ideas will also be appreciated.

Cheers, John

[meltedpanda]

I would second the bad ground