Battery Done?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Battery Done?
My car battery seems to be done for, but I thought I'd reach out to the experts here to verify.
Basically, the car only runs when I jump it at this point. And when it's running, it does not shut off, but I do see the battery indicator on the center panel is far off to the left, leaving a small space between the needle and the bar.
This definitely means its the battery right? I'm going to go to Autozone to verify by getting it tested asap then if so, replacing it.
Any opinions appreciated.
Ivan
Basically, the car only runs when I jump it at this point. And when it's running, it does not shut off, but I do see the battery indicator on the center panel is far off to the left, leaving a small space between the needle and the bar.
This definitely means its the battery right? I'm going to go to Autozone to verify by getting it tested asap then if so, replacing it.
Any opinions appreciated.
Ivan
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
My car battery seems to be done for, but I thought I'd reach out to the experts here to verify.
Basically, the car only runs when I jump it at this point. And when it's running, it does not shut off, but I do see the battery indicator on the center panel is far off to the left, leaving a small space between the needle and the bar.
This definitely means its the battery right? I'm going to go to Autozone to verify by getting it tested asap then if so, replacing it.
Any opinions appreciated.
Ivan
Basically, the car only runs when I jump it at this point. And when it's running, it does not shut off, but I do see the battery indicator on the center panel is far off to the left, leaving a small space between the needle and the bar.
This definitely means its the battery right? I'm going to go to Autozone to verify by getting it tested asap then if so, replacing it.
Any opinions appreciated.
Ivan
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
And DIRTY BATTERY terminal connections and they also can be loose also.
Loose or broken wires at the alternator also.
Also...your description of where the needle is....would be a lot better if you post a photo of your gauge when it is running.
DUB
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Test the alternator, it should be putting out about 14.3 volts at the main power stud at the back of the alternator. The gage is saying less than that, so I'd suspect the regulator. The battery can be discharging because that's the only thing the car is running on now, without a alternator to maintain it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 943
Likes: 73
Since your bringing the battery to Autozone for testing, I had a battery die at a very inconvenient time and actually purchased a Autozone gold battery. I got it from autozone mainly because it was on sale, they had one for the car and I really needed it. Anyway, it's about a year and 1/2 old and hasn't presented any problems (so far).
Racer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 413
Likes: 22
From: Justin TX
Based on what you stated I would pull the battery and take it in. If the amp gauge is pretty much pegged you may have a shorted battery and if so driving it could damage the alternator.
With that in mind what voltage does the battery have when engine is at rest or disconnected? You should get around 13.6, if not the battery is severely discharged, has dead cell(s), or shorted.
If you do not have a voltmeter just run it up to part store to test. You A dead battery can't be tested, but Autozone will also charge it for you if it is discharged so that they can test. I don't put much weight on the lad testers but it is a good stating place.
With that in mind what voltage does the battery have when engine is at rest or disconnected? You should get around 13.6, if not the battery is severely discharged, has dead cell(s), or shorted.
If you do not have a voltmeter just run it up to part store to test. You A dead battery can't be tested, but Autozone will also charge it for you if it is discharged so that they can test. I don't put much weight on the lad testers but it is a good stating place.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
you need an alternator. the ammeter shows how many amps the alt is providing to either run the car or charge the batt. if off to left, it isn't charging. a battery will only give back electricity you give it. quick volt check; point car at a wall with headlights on and running. shut off engine. lights get dimmer? it is charging. lights get a LOT dimmer? it is charging and battery isn't holding charge. dirty terminals will act like a dead batt. they will allow in enough to charge batt, and allow enough out to run the car, but not enough to crank starter. and this car has 4 points for the ground path to be bad. regular cars have 1 big cable from batt neg to engine block that is usually 2 feet long tops. this guy has batt to frame and engine block to frame. and a 8 foot or so long positive cable. do the free struff before buying a battery.
Last edited by derekderek; Sep 24, 2015 at 07:59 AM.
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