can anyone help w/ my xk8 issue? it was sitting for a while and the battery died. i hooked up a jumper box frm Autozone. it sets the alarm to sound. when i unlock door, alarm turns off. all electric stuff works. however, it wont crank and startup. it clicks. how do i get it to start?

 

I think you are just going to have bite the bullet and buy a new battery.

AutoZone is going to be carrying the cheapest batteries quality wise . These cars are very particular about the battery strength. A cheap battery just won’t last long with the demands the XK’s put on it.


You can get a much better battery at NAPA Auto Parts without spending more than you have to. I bought NAPA’s best AGM battery and it didn’t break the bank.

Z

 

thanks! i’ll follow what u did exactly. Napa Autoparts, AGM Battery.

if i park it for weeks, i should just unplug the battery from now on?

 

Even a disconnected battery is going to lose its charge a little every day. And if it’s disconnected you won’t have the cars alarm system working.


I use a Delran Battery Tender + and keep it hooked up to the battery whenever the car sits for overnight or longer. that maybe overkill, but my batteries usually last over 8-9 years so I don’t mind the little extra effort.


Others here like the CTEK battery tenders. The Delran @ $49 is a little more economical and has worked very well for me.

Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger and Maintainer: 1.25 AMP Powersport Battery Charger and Maintainer for Motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs - Smart 12 Volt Automatic Float Charger - 021-0128


It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I’ve ran over mine 3 times and it still works perfectly. The metal case barely dented . I don’t know if the more costly CTEK tenders are as sturdy.

Z

 

I installed an auxiliary electrical panel in the trunk, just above the CD player, and I leave a trickle charger plugged into the panel. The battery remains at 12.9 to 13.0 volts.