Well, once again I need help from you guys. Quarantined for a couple of months. Of course, battery hard died. Not even a click from the push button. Multiple battery chargers would not even recognize it. dead, dead, dead. After a few days and a new charger, it started. Backed it outside and let it run for 20 minutes. Pulled it inside, cut ignition, tried to start. Nothing. dead. Does the engine need to be engaged for alternator to charge? All components tested good before we got locked down.

 

Get yourself a battery tender. Leave attached when car not in use for extended periods. This will maintain the battery without over charging. These may or may not work to revive a dead battery.

Letting the car idle for 20 minutes just wastes gas. I believe these cars use a smart alternator which puts out based on load. Solution above is best.

 

+1 for what Jsolo advises. A idling engine will never fully charge a "dead" battery. If your battery has been dead "for months" then likely it is shot and needs to be replaced.

I bought three of these from for my 2 vehicles and 1 for my tractor. Simple to install and the battery is always charged and ready to go. When I need to go somewhere, I simply unplug the tender, disconnect the cable, and go. Takes less than 30 seconds and I don't even have to open the hood.

Best $25 you will ever spend.

 

+1 for Jsolo's advice. When a car's electrical system only supported a coil and spark plugs that drew no current when the car wasn't running are long gone.