Car battery/alarm question

I need a new battery for car.  The current one is so dead the dashboard lights don’t even glow.  

When I tried to jump it to go get a new battery the alarm went off.  This didn’t happen when I jumped the car a couple of months ago… starter replaced.  This is the first time I’ve had the alarm go off when the jump circuit is completed.  Even with the key in the ignition!!!

Any ideas and experiences will be greatly appreciated.  THANKS

BTW- I’m surprised there isn’t a general “CARS” category on MOL.

Your battery is definitely dead. Dead batteries can trigger the alarm as a warning that you may have to change your battery. Does the car have a backup battery? If you have a key fob you should check the battery in that also. 

@Jaytee

Thanks for your time and thoughts.

Since this never happened before I’m afraid the alarm going off like that may be an indicator some other electric problem.  I guess then that it’s safe to just change the battery.  That’s certainly simple enough.

BTW, I’ve never heard of a backup car battery…did I misunderstand something?

Apollo_T said:

@Jaytee

Thanks for your time and thoughts.

Since this never happened before I’m afraid the alarm going off like that may be an indicator some other electric problem.  I guess then that it’s safe to just change the battery.  That’s certainly simple enough.

BTW, I’ve never heard of a backup car battery…did I misunderstand something?

some cars have an auxiliary battery. I think Chrysler had done it with some models. The 300 is one. Get a new battery and make sure you give the old one in so you can get the deposit money, lots of people don’t do it.

Seems that core charges are only returned by store where old battery was purchased.  Will be ordering online w/ free delivery.  BTW,  Walmart has gotten some really great reviews for their Ever Start batteries…and very reasonably priced.

Apollo_T said:

Seems that core charges are only returned by store where old battery was purchased.  Will be ordering online w/ free delivery.  BTW,  Walmart has gotten some really great reviews for their Ever Start batteries…and very reasonably priced.

Walmart is good for batteries. 
When I used to buy batteries at buy wise they would take my old battery (without receipt) and not charge me the core charge on the new battery. I have been buying batteries at Home Depot lately, cheaper and they take the old battery so I don’t pay the core charge. 

jaytee may be correct about the alarm trying to tell you about the battery being bad.

Try removing the battery and hooking the jumper cables directly to the vehicle's cables. You MUST ensure that the positive jump to vehicle's pos cable DO NOT touch any metal, other the cable to cable conncetion.

The battery's shot; ya got nutin to lose.

Happy motoring.

TomR

P.s. whatever you decide to do, let us know. Your fix may help sombody else.

@Tom_R

Thanks for your thoughts.  I’ve wondered if that would work, in the past.  Discretion has beaten curiosity every time.

Apollo_T said:

Seems that core charges are only returned by store where old battery was purchased.  Will be ordering online w/ free delivery.  BTW,  Walmart has gotten some really great reviews for their Ever Start batteries…and very reasonably priced.

My son bought a budget walmart battery for his first car which is still good 4 years later. I'd imagine the Everstart line would be excellent. 

@the18thletter,

Thanks.  That brand has gotten some pretty good write ups for performance and value.

Apollo_T said:

@Tom_R

Thanks for your thoughts.  I’ve wondered if that would work, in the past.  Discretion has beaten curiosity every time.

Again, Let us know what works.

TomR