It was in the single digits here today and my truck didn't want to start. I tried using the engine start setting on my diehard charger starter which is 50 amps, slow crank, clicking no start. Let the battery charge for a few hours at 10 amps, same result. I also checked the battery voltage with a multimeter after charging around 12.8 volts and after trying to start the truck 12.6 volts. Those numbers seem good to me, so why is the battery bad? Walked up to Meijer and got a power cell platinum battery (closest store,with car batteries). Starts fine now.
Cold today bad battery
- Thread starter bprat318
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This has happened to me (and a neighbor) more than once and every time it was corrosion on the terminals causing bad connection. The battery was ok.
Get yourself one of these battery terminal cleaners: http://www.harborfreight.com/battery-terminal-cleaner-94450.html
Unplug the battery and scrub everything. If you have dielectric grease coat before plugging it back (but you don't have to).
Get yourself one of these battery terminal cleaners: http://www.harborfreight.com/battery-terminal-cleaner-94450.html
Unplug the battery and scrub everything. If you have dielectric grease coat before plugging it back (but you don't have to).
couple things in answer to your original question. The voltage isn't the only thing that affects battery operation. What was the voltage WHILE trying to start it? and what is the specific gravity of each cell?
Of course dirty connections will also do it!
Of course dirty connections will also do it!
Have them test the old battery when you bring it in for a core charge. I still think corrosion.
Around upstate NY, Sat eve into Sun morning will show the marginal batteries. Forecast has it -8 at 9 AM on Sunday.
Your old battery cant put out enough amps to start the car.
Originally Posted By: Donald
Around upstate NY, Sat eve into Sun morning will show the marginal batteries. Forecast has it -8 at 9 AM on Sunday.
Mmhmm. Good time to be a battery company!
I think the Focus battery is about done-for. It cranked real slow tonight leaving work and it was 11 out.
We shall see
Around upstate NY, Sat eve into Sun morning will show the marginal batteries. Forecast has it -8 at 9 AM on Sunday.
Mmhmm. Good time to be a battery company!
I think the Focus battery is about done-for. It cranked real slow tonight leaving work and it was 11 out.
We shall see
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: Donald
Around upstate NY, Sat eve into Sun morning will show the marginal batteries. Forecast has it -8 at 9 AM on Sunday.
Mmhmm. Good time to be a battery company!
I think the Focus battery is about done-for. It cranked real slow tonight leaving work and it was 11 out.
We shall see
Yep, she's done for.
It was -18 this morn here and we are at 42deg N Latitude. You'd have had a new battery.
Originally Posted By: Donald
Around upstate NY, Sat eve into Sun morning will show the marginal batteries. Forecast has it -8 at 9 AM on Sunday.
Mmhmm. Good time to be a battery company!
I think the Focus battery is about done-for. It cranked real slow tonight leaving work and it was 11 out.
We shall see
Yep, she's done for.
It was -18 this morn here and we are at 42deg N Latitude. You'd have had a new battery.
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: ejes
It's about the amps, not the voltage.
Right.
It's about the impedance, which is the total resistance associated with conduction and the chemical reaction.
It's about the amps, not the voltage.
Right.
It's about the impedance, which is the total resistance associated with conduction and the chemical reaction.
A new battery in these temps could be worth the cost.
Trying to get the max life out of tires and batteries can be a let down at the worse time possible.
Trying to get the max life out of tires and batteries can be a let down at the worse time possible.
Years ago, when I worked at a service station the first cold snap of the season always revealed the weak batteries. It would be a busy day with lots of road calls to jump start cars and battery sales that day would be brisk.
Originally Posted By: SumpChump
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: Donald
Around upstate NY, Sat eve into Sun morning will show the marginal batteries. Forecast has it -8 at 9 AM on Sunday.
Mmhmm. Good time to be a battery company!
I think the Focus battery is about done-for. It cranked real slow tonight leaving work and it was 11 out.
We shall see
Yep, she's done for.
It was -18 this morn here and we are at 42deg N Latitude. You'd have had a new battery.
Jeep has a 6 month old battery, so one of the vehicles should start. Wouldn't be as big of a deal if I owned a set of jumper cables. Which I do not.
Originally Posted By: Miller88
Originally Posted By: Donald
Around upstate NY, Sat eve into Sun morning will show the marginal batteries. Forecast has it -8 at 9 AM on Sunday.
Mmhmm. Good time to be a battery company!
I think the Focus battery is about done-for. It cranked real slow tonight leaving work and it was 11 out.
We shall see
Yep, she's done for.
It was -18 this morn here and we are at 42deg N Latitude. You'd have had a new battery.
Jeep has a 6 month old battery, so one of the vehicles should start. Wouldn't be as big of a deal if I owned a set of jumper cables. Which I do not.
You just need a new battery. No big deal.
Btw -30 here tonight........
Btw -30 here tonight........
Originally Posted By: Donald
Around upstate NY, Sat eve into Sun morning will show the marginal batteries. Forecast has it -8 at 9 AM on Sunday.
Might be time for me to move my truck in the garage and let the newer company car sit out there.
Around upstate NY, Sat eve into Sun morning will show the marginal batteries. Forecast has it -8 at 9 AM on Sunday.
Might be time for me to move my truck in the garage and let the newer company car sit out there.
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