Battery Reading <1 volt???

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Jul 19, 2008 | 01:05 AM

martinjp

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From: Shingle Springs California

Battery Reading <1 volt???

My battery went dead on my 78. I pulled it out of the car and the voltage measured less than one volt. I have never seen a battery that low. Any ideas??

Jul 19, 2008 | 01:39 AM

Project80

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If it went dead very suddenly, the internal plates may have separated. Regardless, once a battery falls below that 6 or 7 volts level, they are not considered very healthy.

Jul 19, 2008 | 06:56 AM

The Money Pit

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Orrtanna Pa.

Replace the battery for sure, and when you do,connect an ammeter in line with the positive battery lead. With the car no running,sit inside with the doors closed,nothing turned on, and see if you have a current draw. Mine had almost 10 amps,and I started pulling fuses to isolate the draw. Turned out to be the alarm fuse.

Now I use the Doberman for an alarm

Jul 19, 2008 | 07:06 AM

Jud Chapin

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From: Wellington, FL

St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25

Also check the alternator and the rest of the charging system.

Jul 19, 2008 | 11:34 AM

dannyman

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From: Kingston Ontario

Have it checked at your local supplier.

You must have had a large draw to knock it down to 1 volt. How long was it sitting before you realized that the battery was dead?

Jul 19, 2008 | 04:55 PM

martinjp

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From: Shingle Springs California

The car was only sitting for one week. I had never seen a battery go that low before. Time to get the old meter out and start checking all of the charging system. I would much rather be waxing it!

Jul 19, 2008 | 06:12 PM

Jud Chapin

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From: Wellington, FL

St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinjp

The car was only sitting for one week. I had never seen a battery go that low before. Time to get the old meter out and start checking all of the charging system. I would much rather be waxing it!

Actually batteries can go to "0" volts.

Jul 20, 2008 | 08:49 AM

FB007

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2007

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Project80

If it went dead very suddenly, the internal plates may have separated. Regardless, once a battery falls below that 6 or 7 volts level, they are not considered very healthy.

Actually, the sediment at the bottom shorts out the plates, resulting in dead cells.