Battery Kicking Posterior

Zderf · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 08:30 PM

So I've always thought that a full charge battery would measure at like 13.2V or so. If a battery is instead at 12.5V as measured off of the terminals by a high end Volt meter.. what does that say?

Then, the next day.. the battery does not have enough current available to turn the strarter over. Jump it.. it starts, runs, charges, starts for a few days, then one morning, no start again.

Is it a slow current leak in the electrical system, or is it the battery capable of fooling you by measuring 12.5V when it is actually hosed? (2.2 volts per good cell, right?) If a cell is bad, should the battery not meaure like 11V?

Whats the deal? Anyone?

Darn....

Zderf

KobraKarl · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2003, 08:42 PM

Zderf,

Take your battery (after you have fully charged it ) to your local NAPA or B&B and they will "load test " it for you. Your volt meter may read 12 or 13 sitting ,but under load an old battery will drop to 7 or 8.......your symptoms are typical for a battery getting ready to expire.

The " shade tree " test for a voltage leak is to pull off your positive terminal connector , shut off the garage light and just barely touch the connector to the terminal ,look for a miniscule blue spark.

Good luck KK

M & M · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2003, 07:06 AM

Zerf,

Sounds like it is time for a new battery. Yes you can show good volts, but like Karl says when put under load it will not hack it. Seen it many times.

A friendly shop will properly check it for you, and I am sure they will be happy to sell you a new one!

Mike

Zderf · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2003, 12:53 PM

Thanks for the advice... a quick leak check then off for a load test.

Damn Volkswagens!!!

Cheers...

Zderf