| Author |
Message |
Guest
|
 Posted:
Sun Oct 30, 2005 12:04 am Post subject:
battery testing |
|
|
Just want other opinions about battery testing. I've got a cheap
battery (warranteed for 2 years and is almost 2 years old in age) in a
' 92 Corolla and on some of the cold mornings now, the car almost
didn't turn over on the first try (not normal) but did on second try.
My wife and I concluded it was most likely the battery. Of course
when I took it to Autozone, they said it tested ok (so no trade in
value for it) but I decided to replace it since it was near end of
its life and it was getting into winter weather. Last time I
suspected battery with similar symptons, I was right. The only other
thought now is if it's not battery, maybe the starter. Sympton was
one first try, when you turn the key, no engine sound but on second
try, all is normal. This happened so far maybe 3 times this week
(this week was our first cold mornings about 45 degrees F ) and car
sitting for about 11 hours outside. Car is otherwise in very good
shape and very dependable. I'm looking forward to this week in the
morning to see if all is well or not.
How reliable have you found these auto part stores battery tests?
|
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|
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Jeff Strickland
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 30, 2005 1:17 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
If you have a 24 months battery and you are within a few weeks of 24 months,
then it's an excellent bet taht the battrery is toast. Don't waste your time
diagnosing it. It's dead. You have the absolute cheapest battery -- 24 month
life -- that can be found. Even if it had a pro-ration, it would only be a
couple of bucks. Save you and your wife the aggravation and hassle of being
stuck somewhere, and get a new battery.
<Rob> wrote in message news:qjg7m1t7tqpl2l7l6kdnbvs1k42ihb7261@4ax.com...
| Quote: | Just want other opinions about battery testing. I've got a cheap
battery (warranteed for 2 years and is almost 2 years old in age) in a
' 92 Corolla and on some of the cold mornings now, the car almost
didn't turn over on the first try (not normal) but did on second try.
My wife and I concluded it was most likely the battery. Of course
when I took it to Autozone, they said it tested ok (so no trade in
value for it) but I decided to replace it since it was near end of
its life and it was getting into winter weather. Last time I
suspected battery with similar symptons, I was right. The only other
thought now is if it's not battery, maybe the starter. Sympton was
one first try, when you turn the key, no engine sound but on second
try, all is normal. This happened so far maybe 3 times this week
(this week was our first cold mornings about 45 degrees F ) and car
sitting for about 11 hours outside. Car is otherwise in very good
shape and very dependable. I'm looking forward to this week in the
morning to see if all is well or not.
How reliable have you found these auto part stores battery tests? |
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| Back to top |
|
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Ray O
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 30, 2005 1:18 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
<Rob> wrote in message news:qjg7m1t7tqpl2l7l6kdnbvs1k42ihb7261@4ax.com...
| Quote: | Just want other opinions about battery testing. I've got a cheap
battery (warranteed for 2 years and is almost 2 years old in age) in a
' 92 Corolla and on some of the cold mornings now, the car almost
didn't turn over on the first try (not normal) but did on second try.
My wife and I concluded it was most likely the battery. Of course
when I took it to Autozone, they said it tested ok (so no trade in
value for it) but I decided to replace it since it was near end of
its life and it was getting into winter weather. Last time I
suspected battery with similar symptons, I was right. The only other
thought now is if it's not battery, maybe the starter. Sympton was
one first try, when you turn the key, no engine sound but on second
try, all is normal. This happened so far maybe 3 times this week
(this week was our first cold mornings about 45 degrees F ) and car
sitting for about 11 hours outside. Car is otherwise in very good
shape and very dependable. I'm looking forward to this week in the
morning to see if all is well or not.
How reliable have you found these auto part stores battery tests?
|
If they put a load on the battery or used a Sun VAT 40 or something similar,
the test is pretty good. If they just used a volt meter, the test is not so
meaningful.
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply
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Gord Beaman
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 30, 2005 1:39 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
Rob wrote:
| Quote: | Just want other opinions about battery testing. I've got a cheap
battery (warranteed for 2 years and is almost 2 years old in age) in a
' 92 Corolla and on some of the cold mornings now, the car almost
didn't turn over on the first try (not normal) but did on second try.
My wife and I concluded it was most likely the battery. Of course
when I took it to Autozone, they said it tested ok (so no trade in
value for it) but I decided to replace it since it was near end of
its life and it was getting into winter weather. Last time I
suspected battery with similar symptons, I was right. The only other
thought now is if it's not battery, maybe the starter. Sympton was
one first try, when you turn the key, no engine sound but on second
try, all is normal. This happened so far maybe 3 times this week
(this week was our first cold mornings about 45 degrees F ) and car
sitting for about 11 hours outside. Car is otherwise in very good
shape and very dependable. I'm looking forward to this week in the
morning to see if all is well or not.
How reliable have you found these auto part stores battery tests?
|
Rob, I'm getting two different symptoms from you...first one you
say (engine) "almost didn't turn over" then you say, on first try
"no engine sound" but "normal start on second try".
This makes me think that the engine did 'turn over' but very
slowly. then you say 'no engine sound'...hummm
So, we need some clarification. A common fault is to hear just a
click and have the engine not turn over at all, then on
subsequent attempts work fine... This is usually caused by poor
contacts in the starter relay...while very slow cranking is
usually indicative of a battery problem.
So wanna make another attempt to explain it?...listen closely to
see if you hear a click when you attempt a start it. Quite
important.
--
-Gord.
(use gordon in email) |
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Jeff Strickland
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 30, 2005 2:02 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
"Gord Beaman" <gord@islandtelecom.com> wrote in message
news:fim7m1trm0vmsvobboaojahl69ph35ucr4@4ax.com...
| Quote: | Rob wrote:
Just want other opinions about battery testing. I've got a cheap
battery (warranteed for 2 years and is almost 2 years old in age) in a
' 92 Corolla and on some of the cold mornings now, the car almost
didn't turn over on the first try (not normal) but did on second try.
My wife and I concluded it was most likely the battery. Of course
when I took it to Autozone, they said it tested ok (so no trade in
value for it) but I decided to replace it since it was near end of
its life and it was getting into winter weather. Last time I
suspected battery with similar symptons, I was right. The only other
thought now is if it's not battery, maybe the starter. Sympton was
one first try, when you turn the key, no engine sound but on second
try, all is normal. This happened so far maybe 3 times this week
(this week was our first cold mornings about 45 degrees F ) and car
sitting for about 11 hours outside. Car is otherwise in very good
shape and very dependable. I'm looking forward to this week in the
morning to see if all is well or not.
How reliable have you found these auto part stores battery tests?
Rob, I'm getting two different symptoms from you...first one you
say (engine) "almost didn't turn over" then you say, on first try
"no engine sound" but "normal start on second try".
This makes me think that the engine did 'turn over' but very
slowly. then you say 'no engine sound'...hummm
So, we need some clarification. A common fault is to hear just a
click and have the engine not turn over at all, then on
subsequent attempts work fine... This is usually caused by poor
contacts in the starter relay...while very slow cranking is
usually indicative of a battery problem.
So wanna make another attempt to explain it?...listen closely to
see if you hear a click when you attempt a start it. Quite
important.
--
-Gord.
(use gordon in email)
|
I hate to harp on this point, but he has a battery that is tagged as having
a 24 month service life, and he admits to having it for very nearly 24
months.
I have no clue how they get the life nailed down, but I swear that I had 36
month batteries in my motorhome, and they started to crank slow at 34
months, and refused to take a charge at 38 months.
This guy is at the slow crank stage, complete failure is just around the
corner. |
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Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 30, 2005 3:45 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 20:39:30 GMT, Gord Beaman <gord@islandtelecom.com>
wrote:
| Quote: | Rob wrote:
Just want other opinions about battery testing. I've got a cheap
battery (warranteed for 2 years and is almost 2 years old in age) in a
' 92 Corolla and on some of the cold mornings now, the car almost
didn't turn over on the first try (not normal) but did on second try.
My wife and I concluded it was most likely the battery. Of course
when I took it to Autozone, they said it tested ok (so no trade in
value for it) but I decided to replace it since it was near end of
its life and it was getting into winter weather. Last time I
suspected battery with similar symptons, I was right. The only other
thought now is if it's not battery, maybe the starter. Sympton was
one first try, when you turn the key, no engine sound but on second
try, all is normal. This happened so far maybe 3 times this week
(this week was our first cold mornings about 45 degrees F ) and car
sitting for about 11 hours outside. Car is otherwise in very good
shape and very dependable. I'm looking forward to this week in the
morning to see if all is well or not.
How reliable have you found these auto part stores battery tests?
Rob, I'm getting two different symptoms from you...first one you
say (engine) "almost didn't turn over" then you say, on first try
"no engine sound" but "normal start on second try".
|
You're right. I should leave out the word "almost" but keep in mind
this happened perhaps about every 2nd day or so for the first week.
I chose to replace the battery regardless whether it or the starter
was the problem because it was rated a 24 month battery whose age was
about 22 months old and we are getting into winter months now. If I'm
wrong, I'll probably end up replacing the starter but I don't regret
replacing the battery.
thanks |
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Gord Beaman
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Oct 30, 2005 4:00 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote:
snip
| Quote: |
This guy is at the slow crank stage, complete failure is just around the
corner.
I would agree with you if he 'is' cranking slow but I'm not |
convinced that he is...mind you I do agree that with winter
coming on a new battery is likely a good idea but I suspect that
he has additional troubles there...
--
-Gord.
(use gordon in email) |
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Jeff Strickland
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 31, 2005 12:30 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
<Rob> wrote in message news:25u7m1lu56bmtpcbhlsptk7hilcj6poitv@4ax.com...
| Quote: | On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 20:39:30 GMT, Gord Beaman <gord@islandtelecom.com
wrote:
Rob wrote:
Just want other opinions about battery testing. I've got a cheap
battery (warranteed for 2 years and is almost 2 years old in age) in a
' 92 Corolla and on some of the cold mornings now, the car almost
didn't turn over on the first try (not normal) but did on second try.
My wife and I concluded it was most likely the battery. Of course
when I took it to Autozone, they said it tested ok (so no trade in
value for it) but I decided to replace it since it was near end of
its life and it was getting into winter weather. Last time I
suspected battery with similar symptons, I was right. The only other
thought now is if it's not battery, maybe the starter. Sympton was
one first try, when you turn the key, no engine sound but on second
try, all is normal. This happened so far maybe 3 times this week
(this week was our first cold mornings about 45 degrees F ) and car
sitting for about 11 hours outside. Car is otherwise in very good
shape and very dependable. I'm looking forward to this week in the
morning to see if all is well or not.
How reliable have you found these auto part stores battery tests?
Rob, I'm getting two different symptoms from you...first one you
say (engine) "almost didn't turn over" then you say, on first try
"no engine sound" but "normal start on second try".
You're right. I should leave out the word "almost" but keep in mind
this happened perhaps about every 2nd day or so for the first week.
I chose to replace the battery regardless whether it or the starter
was the problem because it was rated a 24 month battery whose age was
about 22 months old and we are getting into winter months now. If I'm
wrong, I'll probably end up replacing the starter but I don't regret
replacing the battery.
|
I agree. I think the odds favor you having an old battery, and the starter
should be fine. All of the electrics on the car should be okay, yoiur
battery is toast. That's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it.
NOTE
You might get a few more weeks of service by taking the battery terminals
off and cleaning them so they are shiny then putting them back together.
They make a special brush for this job, it cleans the battery posts and the
inside of the cable terminals. You can accomplish the task with a
pocketknife if you want. |
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| Back to top |
|
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Bruce L. Bergman
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 31, 2005 1:05 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 17:45:55 -0500, Rob wrote:
| Quote: | I chose to replace the battery regardless whether it or the starter
was the problem because it was rated a 24 month battery whose age was
about 22 months old and we are getting into winter months now. If I'm
wrong, I'll probably end up replacing the starter but I don't regret
replacing the battery.
|
Now put it on the calendar to top off the battery with distilled
water every four to six months, and you'll get some extra life out of
this battery before you get the first 'slow crank' warning. You might
have to slit the top sticker on the battery and/or pry out the cell
top caps with a small screwdriver, but you /can/ get in.
(Wear gloves and splash goggles, of course, and have lots of baking
soda and fresh running water readily available. Because car batteries
go BOOM! in your face on rare occasions, and most people consider two
working eyeballs as an important part of their life....)
"Maintenance Free" is just one of those lies that makes a 24-month
battery only last 24 months. They use less water, but not zero.
--<< Bruce >>--
--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net. |
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Bruce L. Bergman
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:18 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 21:56:13 -0600, Rob wrote:
| Quote: | Yeah, I learned that maintenance free isn't some time ago. I also
didn't realize that distilled water is still the way to go. I
remember doing that in the 70's but thought now it wasn't that
important so I just used tap water. Back then, I had a filter on top
of a container to make distilled water. Not sure how to get distilled
water now. Is it still a DIY job with a filter/container or do you
have to buy distilled water and where if so?
|
You have to use distilled - doesn't take much before the calcium and
sodium and other metallic ions wreak havoc with the chemistry in a
lead-acid battery. Those filter tops are junk - the theory is sound
if it does a double ion exchange to trap the minerals in the water,
they build permanent water filtration installations like that for
critical uses like kidney dialysis clinics and they work fine.
But if those little dime-store bottle-top devices do even work it's
for maybe 10 gallons before it is spent and should be discarded. And
there's no way to tell how they are working short of expensive
electronic monitors or sending samples to a laboratory. I don't trust
them, especially when distilled water is available at the grocery
store for pennies a gallon. About the same price as the generic
drinking water.
I have one job with two sets of solar cells and 4 golf cart DC
batteries, running the two 12V 20W monument sign lights at the 'back'
entrance. I go through about a gallon of distilled water in their
batteries each visit. I stash a few extra gallons of water and the
battery filler bottle inside the cabinets.
(Note: When planning a Condo community development, place power
sources for outside lighting, and conduits crossing under the streets
during the development phase. Afterwards, its very expensive. Makes
solar cells and added maintenance cheaper than major construction.)
--<< Bruce >>--
--
Bruce L. Bergman, Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) CA - Desktop
Electrician for Westend Electric - CA726700
5737 Kanan Rd. #359, Agoura CA 91301 (818) 889-9545
Spamtrapped address: Remove the python and the invalid, and use a net. |
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Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:18 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 23:27:12 -0600, "Ray O"
<rokigawa@tristarassociatesDOT.com> wrote:
| Quote: |
Rob> wrote in message news:vd5bm19qo2m9da8j93cibqa9pt4j7e4dek@4ax.com...
On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 19:05:32 GMT, Bruce L. Bergman
blPYTHONbergman@earthlink.invalid> wrote:
On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 17:45:55 -0500, Rob wrote:
I chose to replace the battery regardless whether it or the starter
was the problem because it was rated a 24 month battery whose age was
about 22 months old and we are getting into winter months now. If I'm
wrong, I'll probably end up replacing the starter but I don't regret
replacing the battery.
Now put it on the calendar to top off the battery with distilled
water every four to six months, and you'll get some extra life out of
this battery before you get the first 'slow crank' warning. You might
have to slit the top sticker on the battery and/or pry out the cell
top caps with a small screwdriver, but you /can/ get in.
(Wear gloves and splash goggles, of course, and have lots of baking
soda and fresh running water readily available. Because car batteries
go BOOM! in your face on rare occasions, and most people consider two
working eyeballs as an important part of their life....)
"Maintenance Free" is just one of those lies that makes a 24-month
battery only last 24 months. They use less water, but not zero.
--<< Bruce >>--
Yeah, I learned that maintenance free isn't some time ago. I also
didn't realize that distilled water is still the way to go. I
remember doing that in the 70's but thought now it wasn't that
important so I just used tap water. Back then, I had a filter on top
of a container to make distilled water. Not sure how to get distilled
water now. Is it still a DIY job with a filter/container or do you
have to buy distilled water and where if so?
Those filter kits for drinking water do not make distilled water. To
distill a liquid is to heat it until it evaporates and the trapping the
vapor so it condenses back to liquid form. Distilling water gets rid of
minerals in the water. It is the minerals in the water that is harmful to
your battery and clog up steam irons.
You can purchase distilled water at a grocery store.
|
Thanks for the info. |
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Ray O
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:18 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
<Rob> wrote in message news:vd5bm19qo2m9da8j93cibqa9pt4j7e4dek@4ax.com...
| Quote: | On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 19:05:32 GMT, Bruce L. Bergman
blPYTHONbergman@earthlink.invalid> wrote:
On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 17:45:55 -0500, Rob wrote:
I chose to replace the battery regardless whether it or the starter
was the problem because it was rated a 24 month battery whose age was
about 22 months old and we are getting into winter months now. If I'm
wrong, I'll probably end up replacing the starter but I don't regret
replacing the battery.
Now put it on the calendar to top off the battery with distilled
water every four to six months, and you'll get some extra life out of
this battery before you get the first 'slow crank' warning. You might
have to slit the top sticker on the battery and/or pry out the cell
top caps with a small screwdriver, but you /can/ get in.
(Wear gloves and splash goggles, of course, and have lots of baking
soda and fresh running water readily available. Because car batteries
go BOOM! in your face on rare occasions, and most people consider two
working eyeballs as an important part of their life....)
"Maintenance Free" is just one of those lies that makes a 24-month
battery only last 24 months. They use less water, but not zero.
--<< Bruce >>--
Yeah, I learned that maintenance free isn't some time ago. I also
didn't realize that distilled water is still the way to go. I
remember doing that in the 70's but thought now it wasn't that
important so I just used tap water. Back then, I had a filter on top
of a container to make distilled water. Not sure how to get distilled
water now. Is it still a DIY job with a filter/container or do you
have to buy distilled water and where if so?
|
Those filter kits for drinking water do not make distilled water. To
distill a liquid is to heat it until it evaporates and the trapping the
vapor so it condenses back to liquid form. Distilling water gets rid of
minerals in the water. It is the minerals in the water that is harmful to
your battery and clog up steam irons.
You can purchase distilled water at a grocery store.
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:19 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 10:30:27 -0800, "Jeff Strickland"
<crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote:
| Quote: |
Rob> wrote in message news:25u7m1lu56bmtpcbhlsptk7hilcj6poitv@4ax.com...
On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 20:39:30 GMT, Gord Beaman <gord@islandtelecom.com
wrote:
Rob wrote:
Just want other opinions about battery testing. I've got a cheap
battery (warranteed for 2 years and is almost 2 years old in age) in a
' 92 Corolla and on some of the cold mornings now, the car almost
didn't turn over on the first try (not normal) but did on second try.
My wife and I concluded it was most likely the battery. Of course
when I took it to Autozone, they said it tested ok (so no trade in
value for it) but I decided to replace it since it was near end of
its life and it was getting into winter weather. Last time I
suspected battery with similar symptons, I was right. The only other
thought now is if it's not battery, maybe the starter. Sympton was
one first try, when you turn the key, no engine sound but on second
try, all is normal. This happened so far maybe 3 times this week
(this week was our first cold mornings about 45 degrees F ) and car
sitting for about 11 hours outside. Car is otherwise in very good
shape and very dependable. I'm looking forward to this week in the
morning to see if all is well or not.
How reliable have you found these auto part stores battery tests?
Rob, I'm getting two different symptoms from you...first one you
say (engine) "almost didn't turn over" then you say, on first try
"no engine sound" but "normal start on second try".
You're right. I should leave out the word "almost" but keep in mind
this happened perhaps about every 2nd day or so for the first week.
I chose to replace the battery regardless whether it or the starter
was the problem because it was rated a 24 month battery whose age was
about 22 months old and we are getting into winter months now. If I'm
wrong, I'll probably end up replacing the starter but I don't regret
replacing the battery.
I agree. I think the odds favor you having an old battery, and the starter
should be fine. All of the electrics on the car should be okay, yoiur
battery is toast. That's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it.
NOTE
You might get a few more weeks of service by taking the battery terminals
off and cleaning them so they are shiny then putting them back together.
They make a special brush for this job, it cleans the battery posts and the
inside of the cable terminals. You can accomplish the task with a
pocketknife if you want.
|
Thanks Jeff. I just replaced the battery Saturday and so far not one
problem and probably started it about 8 times or more since then.
I'll wait till say Friday before I'm confident it's okay (being
conservative). |
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|
|
Guest
|
| Posted:
Mon Oct 31, 2005 9:19 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 19:05:32 GMT, Bruce L. Bergman
<blPYTHONbergman@earthlink.invalid> wrote:
| Quote: | On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 17:45:55 -0500, Rob wrote:
I chose to replace the battery regardless whether it or the starter
was the problem because it was rated a 24 month battery whose age was
about 22 months old and we are getting into winter months now. If I'm
wrong, I'll probably end up replacing the starter but I don't regret
replacing the battery.
Now put it on the calendar to top off the battery with distilled
water every four to six months, and you'll get some extra life out of
this battery before you get the first 'slow crank' warning. You might
have to slit the top sticker on the battery and/or pry out the cell
top caps with a small screwdriver, but you /can/ get in.
(Wear gloves and splash goggles, of course, and have lots of baking
soda and fresh running water readily available. Because car batteries
go BOOM! in your face on rare occasions, and most people consider two
working eyeballs as an important part of their life....)
"Maintenance Free" is just one of those lies that makes a 24-month
battery only last 24 months. They use less water, but not zero.
--<< Bruce >>--
|
Yeah, I learned that maintenance free isn't some time ago. I also
didn't realize that distilled water is still the way to go. I
remember doing that in the 70's but thought now it wasn't that
important so I just used tap water. Back then, I had a filter on top
of a container to make distilled water. Not sure how to get distilled
water now. Is it still a DIY job with a filter/container or do you
have to buy distilled water and where if so? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jeff Strickland
Guest
|
| Posted:
Tue Nov 01, 2005 3:14 am Post subject:
Re: battery testing |
|
|
<Rob> wrote in message news:7f5bm1hs9im47g1afvsh1pfi3k80iabjng@4ax.com...
| Quote: | On Sun, 30 Oct 2005 10:30:27 -0800, "Jeff Strickland"
crwlr@yahoo.com> wrote:
Rob> wrote in message news:25u7m1lu56bmtpcbhlsptk7hilcj6poitv@4ax.com...
On Sat, 29 Oct 2005 20:39:30 GMT, Gord Beaman <gord@islandtelecom.com
wrote:
Rob wrote:
Just want other opinions about battery testing. I've got a cheap
battery (warranteed for 2 years and is almost 2 years old in age) in a
' 92 Corolla and on some of the cold mornings now, the car almost
didn't turn over on the first try (not normal) but did on second try.
My wife and I concluded it was most likely the battery. Of course
when I took it to Autozone, they said it tested ok (so no trade in
value for it) but I decided to replace it since it was near end of
its life and it was getting into winter weather. Last time I
suspected battery with similar symptons, I was right. The only other
thought now is if it's not battery, maybe the starter. Sympton was
one first try, when you turn the key, no engine sound but on second
try, all is normal. This happened so far maybe 3 times this week
(this week was our first cold mornings about 45 degrees F ) and car
sitting for about 11 hours outside. Car is otherwise in very good
shape and very dependable. I'm looking forward to this week in the
morning to see if all is well or not.
How reliable have you found these auto part stores battery tests?
Rob, I'm getting two different symptoms from you...first one you
say (engine) "almost didn't turn over" then you say, on first try
"no engine sound" but "normal start on second try".
You're right. I should leave out the word "almost" but keep in mind
this happened perhaps about every 2nd day or so for the first week.
I chose to replace the battery regardless whether it or the starter
was the problem because it was rated a 24 month battery whose age was
about 22 months old and we are getting into winter months now. If I'm
wrong, I'll probably end up replacing the starter but I don't regret
replacing the battery.
I agree. I think the odds favor you having an old battery, and the starter
should be fine. All of the electrics on the car should be okay, yoiur
battery is toast. That's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it.
NOTE
You might get a few more weeks of service by taking the battery terminals
off and cleaning them so they are shiny then putting them back together.
They make a special brush for this job, it cleans the battery posts and
the
inside of the cable terminals. You can accomplish the task with a
pocketknife if you want.
Thanks Jeff. I just replaced the battery Saturday and so far not one
problem and probably started it about 8 times or more since then.
I'll wait till say Friday before I'm confident it's okay (being
conservative).
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Trust me. You're in good shape with the new battery. |
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