NEED HELP!!!

[DLTARNU]

My battery went flat so I had to jumpstart the car. No problem there, but now the care *idles* at 2,000 RPM.

I'm assuming the engine computer blanked when the battery died, so is this some 'relearning' process? Is it safe to leave the car idling in the garage while the battery recharges?

Now it's 'revving' itself. I can hear it from where I'm typing revving up and down.

Is this normal?

Gotta drive 2 hours to the family Christmas get together and I'm worried about driving with the engine like this, and pulling away from stop lights at 2,000 RPM should be a lot of fun, as well...

Help, please

 

[Lee00blacksilverGTS]

Yes it is relearning, but I don't think it will relearn by idling, but I'm not sure of that. Take it out for a 15 mile spin to make sure it's ok before you try a 2 hour trip, my guess is it will be ok after that, this normally is not a big deal unless there are other factors. One of which is that these cars seem particularly sensitive to low batteries and don't seem to run well or regrogram well if the battery is not putting out, hence the trail run suggestion, which may also help to recharge the battery. If you have an Optima it may NOT recharge and that may be the problem. Anyway you should know after a brief trial, this is not a car you want to have to find a qualified tow or flatbed on Christmas eve or Christmas day.
Best bet in future is always use a battery tender, even for a few days time, not worth the hassle to go through these battery issues. Good luck!

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Lee is of course correct...

NExt time it happens remember this:

1. Your PCM is reset.
2. It does not know what full throttle is.
3. You must teach it to save time.
4. Turn the key until the dash lights up (do not start the engine)
5. PRess the accelerator to the floor slowly...twice...all the way.
6. Turn off the key and count to 20.

Now go for a drive. It will take some time as Lee points out.

 

[Joseph Dell]

You need to _replace_ the battery ASAP. I wouldn't drive 2 hrs w/ that battery. It went dead b/c it needs to be replaced. And the rest of the car's computer memories are all now a mess. Resetting the PCM will help... But funny things happen to vipers with weak batteries.

Replace it. Quick. And it iant hard... 15 min job MAX.

JD

 

[ViperDave]

Had this once and i had it not hold an idle after jump starting also, a short drive didn't fix it, but once you have some charge back in the battery shut it off disconnect and reconnect and it should be fine. Will probably run rough for a bit while it relearns. The funny idle does seem to be a result of jump starting though, especially if you jump it form a corvette

 

[Steve-Indy]

AGREE with Joseph.

Be Prepared...and it WILL go well. Here's an old post of mine that may help:

It's not a bad job...goes well if you plan ahead and have tools ready.

Use a 3/4" (or 19mm) socket to remove left rear wheel. Then use 8mm, 11mm, and 10mm sockets to remove fasteners on splash shield in rear of fender well, and a pair of needle nose pliers to pull the plastic push pin that holds the battery cover to the splash guard...now disconnect the battery using 5/16" socket, and use a 1/2" socket to remove battery clamp.

Inspect the tray carefully...you will likely see corrosion...if so, neutralize it CAREFULLY by scrubbing with water and baking soda. DO NOT USE COMPRESSED AIR to clean this out !!!
After the area dries, I usually use a wire brush on an electric drill (wearing goggles and a respirator/face mask) to remove all remaining oxidation caused by the acid and/or rust. I wipe the tray WELL with rags, then allow it to dry. Then, after a couple more wipe-downs with ethyl alcohol to remore moisture, debris, and oils... I coat the tray bottom and sides with Rustoleum primer 2-3 times...and when dry, hit it with a couple of coats of Rustoleum black "engine gloss" even a semi-gloss. I have found that a used pizza box slid right under the battery tray makes a great "paint booth". After this is completely dry, install new battery (I PREFER a 75 series as they ALWAYS fit our various Vipers...and I always use a Sears Die-Hard Gold...noting that the LEAST amout of usage that these batteries have given me is 6.75 years). Then put it back together.

Note: SOME 94's will not start after battery disconnect...so you might wish to try it before installing the covers. If you have trouble...call me...or do a "search".

I do use a 9 volt battery plugged into the cigarette lighter...which maintains the clock and radio settings for a reasonable time.

HAVE FUN...and don't drop your Viper on yourself !!!"