Electrical problem
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 708
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria VA
Electrical problem
Came out to the car this morning to go to work, battery dead. Ok, car is 7 years old, has original Delco battery and 45k miles on it. So I jump start it, no big deal. Voltage meter showed 13.6 - 13.8 at idle and 14.2 while moving. Once I get to work, at idle its showing 14.1 volts. I let it sit for a few minutes, turn the key to the ON position, voltage meter showed 12.4 but it still started and only went to 13.8 volts.
What makes this weird is that yesterday it was perfectly fine but overnight somehow the battery died completely!
Any advice, comments, tips would be greatly appreciated as apparently I may be stranded tonight and unable to make the meeting at Fast Eddie's in No. Va. tonight. :-(
Mike
What makes this weird is that yesterday it was perfectly fine but overnight somehow the battery died completely!
Any advice, comments, tips would be greatly appreciated as apparently I may be stranded tonight and unable to make the meeting at Fast Eddie's in No. Va. tonight. :-(
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 13
From: Coal Valley IL
CI 4-7, 9 & 10 Veteran
Re: Electrical problem (Bravery)
The voltage readings you indicated are normal while running 13.8-14.1 and normal for battery only around 12 volts. You may simply have a cell in the battery going bad depleting the charge. Or, it's possible (not likely) that one of the relays contacts for say an accessory item got stuck in the closed position draining the battery. If you have a multimeter, you can disconnect the battery ground and measure the current draw by inserting the meter on current range to see if there is a large draw from somewhere. I hope this helps.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Electrical problem (Bravery)
You have a 7 year old battery and you are surprised it suddenly won't start your car??????????? I'll bet you still believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer too! :D One thing that kills car batteries is particles that flake off the plates and when the pile touches the plates it provides a leakage current path and the battery will not hold a charge. Longer time guarantee batteries have more space at the bottom of the battery for these particles. Your battery is most likely at the end of its useful life and its time for a new one.
