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View Full Version : Need advice: battery replacement + alignment

Rain
05-20-2011, 08:38 PM
Hey guys!

Your prodigal/seasonal YW daughter is back again.

My car has not been doing well lately.
I've had to replace for of my tires last month and I was told I need to get an alignment.
I've yet to get it 'cause I don't know where to go (and I haven't had much free time lately)
So any recommendations on where to get alignment in the Long Beach/LA area?

I managed to have my battery die on me three times this month so I finally took it to Autozone and was told that I need to have it replaced.

I called my dealer and was quoted $100 for battery and installation. Is that a good deal?
If not, where do you recommend I go?

Thanks in advance for your help :biggrin:
Ah Yum
05-21-2011, 12:25 AM
I picked up a battery from Wal-Mart in Washington state for $45. The auto technician can install it for free if you buy the battery there.

To do it yourself, you need a rachet with a 10mm socket to loosen the terminals and a 10mm deep-well socket to loosen the j-hook that ties down the battery. With tools and being not mechanically savvy, I changed it at the parking lot in 20 mins and returned the old one to get back a recycling deposit fee.
SilverBack
05-21-2011, 02:48 PM
3 dead batteries in a month isn't right. Are you leaving something on in the car while the engine is off?

Only other thing I can think off is that the alternator isn't working right. Hope you find a cure.
Rain
05-21-2011, 02:59 PM
I picked up a battery from Wal-Mart in Washington state for $45. The auto technician can install it for free if you buy the battery there.

To do it yourself, you need a rachet with a 10mm socket to loosen the terminals and a 10mm deep-well socket to loosen the j-hook that ties down the battery. With tools and being not mechanically savvy, I changed it at the parking lot in 20 mins and returned the old one to get back a recycling deposit fee.

Oh, thanks. I'll check Wal-Mart out.

3 dead batteries in a month isn't right. Are you leaving something on in the car while the engine is off?

Only other thing I can think off is that the alternator isn't working right. Hope you find a cure.

Yeah, I've managed to leave the light on xD
I've also been charging my stupid android phone on it a lot since it doesn't seem to hold a charge
SilverBack
05-21-2011, 04:11 PM
Yeah, I've managed to leave the light on xD
I've also been charging my stupid android phone on it a lot since it doesn't seem to hold a charge

lol That could probably be what's doing it.

Also, I didn't know that the charge socket still worked without the keys in the ignition. Must be a sedan-only thing?
Rain
05-21-2011, 05:54 PM
No, I put it the key on "accessory"
nemelek
05-21-2011, 06:10 PM
Sometimes Auto Zone will also do it for you.
SilverBack
05-21-2011, 11:37 PM
No, I put it the key on "accessory"

Got a house-plug outlet charger? :biggrin:
Rain
06-01-2011, 09:28 PM
Got a house-plug outlet charger? :biggrin:

that would be useful if I have a house :tongue:
why?
06-02-2011, 12:47 PM
The dealer battery is a terrible deal. I would get a good aftermarket one, and avoid the inexpensive ones.
SilverBack
06-04-2011, 03:44 AM
that would be useful if I have a house :tongue:

WTF... Are you living in your car? LOL
Rain
06-07-2011, 03:41 PM
The dealer battery is a terrible deal. I would get a good aftermarket one, and avoid the inexpensive ones.

Thanks! Will keep that in mind. I had my car service and dealership told me there's nothing wrong with my battery and I don't need to change it yet. Weird. -_-

WTF... Are you living in your car? LOL

I was... not anymore