Ready to go to work this morning, got in turned the key, cranked but would not start. Took the key out, stopped to allow the oil level check, told me it would take 29 min to check the level, cranked again wouldn't turn over. Shouldn't be a low battery, I drove it yesterday, no problem. This happened once before when I hadn't used the car for ~5 days; that time I assumed it was the battery and let it charge overnight and it was fine. This time, don't know. Took my other car to work, see what happens when I get home.
The 29 min for the oil level check suggests something is screwy with the electronics. Has anyone had this sort of problem?
Still sounds like a battery issue to me. How long was your trip the previous day? Do you think it was sufficient enough to charge the battery?
As to the timer on the oil level indicator. That time is normal if you cranked the engine. Usually if you turn the key without cranking the motor it takes 6 seconds. Once you crank the engine oil is pumped to vital parts. It can take up to 29 minutes for all of the oil to return to the pan for measurement. However the time can vary depending on the temp of the oil and how long engine has stopped (for more information look at page 131 in the 2007 owners manual).
>How long was your trip the previous day?
Yesterday evening drove 15 highway miles towards home from work, then did a couple of short stops to pick things up, then drove 3 miles on quiet roads home. Drove quite a bit over the weekend, haven't had any extended down times recently.
Thanks for the info on the oil measurement.
If it doesn't start tonight, I'll charge the battery overnight and see what happens.
Less than 20 miles doesn't sound like enough time to charge the battery to me. I'd charge it up like you said you were going to and if the problem persists, take it to the dealer.
Charging the battery by driving will depend on the state of charge when you begin, the speeds driven and the time driven. I agree with TX that you have not given it enough time to charge by driving. If you have not yet done so this would also be a good time to familiarize your self with the procedure to unlock the front trunk when you have a dead battery and make sure you have the tools to do so.
I don't know. I drove about 150 miles on Saturday, maybe 10 on Sunday, 18 Monday morning to work, and then back home. I don't see why it would have run down.
Did you have anything plugged into the power outlets? Like a cell phone charger or something of the like? Even if they weren't plugged into the accessory they are supporting it can drain your battery.
Did you leave your key in the ignition? There are a lot of easy ways to drain the battery.
Just curious, if the starter cranks the engine how is the battery low?
Did you try turning the key all the way to the left then restarting?
Other than that, I'm surprised of the many dead batteries I hear of!
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>Did you try turning the key all the way to the left then restarting?
Yes.
Got home and it did not start. Hooked it up to the charger, after a few hours it read fully charged, then it started but not smoothly and seemed to idle roughly. Took a short drive and it seemed fine. Let it charge overnight, this morning it was fine. Working late tonight, I'm a bit apprehensive about whether it will start or not.
I suppose I could bring it in and have them check the battery and alternator, the car is still under warranty. I too am surprised that the battery would have run down under these circumstances.
