Had an adventurous drive home last night. Earlier in the day, I was listening to my radio in my 2014 XKR and the low battery warning came on my radio screen. So I started up the car and ran for 5 minutes and then shut it down. An hour later I drove it home with no incidence. Later that night, drove out to a friends house about 15 miles without incidence. On the way home, about 7 miles away all hell broke loose. I got a warning light that my batter was not charging. Then my radio shut down and all interior gauge lights. Parking brake light went on, wipers started working intermittently, ABS light went on, and every other warning light. Car continued to run so I kept driving. Stereo screen came on for a minute, then went off. This all continued until I got home. Pulled the car in the garage and could not get dial to put car into park. Locked in drive. So I just shut it down and it went into park. I'm hoping if I just replace the battery this will all resolve itself. Battery is about three years old. Thoughts?
Jim

 

Sounds like a battery. Age not really relevant, many factors cause battery failure. If you have a volt meter available, measure the voltage on the battery after it has been sitting for a while, also try load test by turning on headlights and check voltage again. These and many newer cars fair best when kept on a battery maintainer such as those made by CTEK.

If you have a proper battery charger or battery maintainer, you can try charging the battery. Higher end batteries usually have a 3 year free replacement.

 

Before replacing anything, check the voltage across the battery terminals with a voltmeter. There should be a minimum of 12.6 volts present with the ignition in the OFF position. If there is less than 12.6 volts, disconnect both leads and charge the battery for five hours at 2 to 5 amps and retest. If the voltage is still less than 12.6 volts, replace the battery.

 

Thanks! I will break out the voltmeter tonight after work.

 

Beyond what NBCat said, I use a 10-amp charger for 12+ hours. Nearly every new charger has 'smart' in it, they reduce charging amps continuously to match what the battery requires.
I have a big ole Schumaker 200 amp Starter-Charger and it has a 2 amp, 10 amp, 40 amp (I use this with SDD) and that 200 amp START.

 

And check the alternator while you’re at it... just to be thorough. Though I’m still on the original, 2 belts later.