i've taken the battery down to have it charged twice and it does fine for a while. the battery is not that old. what are some of the possible causes and solutions out side of getting a new battery. thanks
2006-08-18 11:59:34 · 9 answers · asked by Vlad 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Usually the alternator doesn't charge it enough. Lead acid batteries loose 50 percent of their capacity when they are drained all the way down. Check the voltage when the car is running. It should be between 12.8V and 13.8V DC. Check the AC voltage. If you see any AC on the battery, you are sure to have a bad diode in the alternator. Definitely sounds like a bad alternator or the voltage regulator in the alternator. Good luck.
2006-08-18 12:18:29 · answer #1 · answered by jeff s 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can see if in the dashboard has a battery light on when the engine is running, if so it could be the alternator is not charging the right voltage amount ( 13 --- 14.5 volts)
If that is okay is possible the battery or maybe there is a short in electrical system which leave something on when you remove the key from ignition switch.
My advice take it to mechanic shop.
2006-08-18 12:13:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure your battery has a full charge, it should be around 12 volts, then put a multimeter on it and make sure that there is not a draw on the battery while the car is off and no electronic parts are turned on. If you have no problems there then start the car and put the multimeter on it again there should be around 14 volts if it is not then check to make sure the belt is on the alternator if it is then you need an alternator. It also does not hurt to check all the connections to make sure they are snug on the battery and alternator.
2006-08-18 12:11:19 · answer #3 · answered by Josh T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the battery test OK, then you have a short in your electrical system that is draining the battery. The job of your alternator is to recharge the battery, but it only does this when the car is running. You may need professional help with finding the short or if there is another problem with your battery
2006-08-18 12:10:01 · answer #4 · answered by mr. Bob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you're sure its not the battery then you have a drain some where else. have your alternator checked. if you know how to use a digital mulitmeter:
1. engine off
2.disconnect cable from (-) terminal
3.set multimeter to current scale
4.connect meter between battery (-) and cable
5. if there is a drain, you will see a reading
6. if you have a reading, one by one pull the fuses from the fuse box
7.when you pull a fuse and the reading goes away, that part of the circuit has the drain, since the fuses are marked.
remember that all the new gadgets in the car are a constant drain on the battery, even when the engine is off.
2006-08-18 12:16:32 · answer #5 · answered by oldguy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1check your alternator it may be faulty not re-charging the battery.
2check the acidity of battery water it should be on green when tested with hydrometer.
3check the level of the acid that it is not below the minimum level.
4 check your terminals for effective contact.
2006-08-18 12:14:32 · answer #6 · answered by inix 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check the battery cables to see if there bad if not then u need to replace the alternator
2006-08-18 12:06:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, for sure it may be the alternator. Can you have someone check the connections for you?
try reading about this on www.cartalk.com Search alternator
Then pick the result that best matches your issue.
2006-08-18 12:06:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my battery kept dying in my new car after 5 months, it wasn't keeping its charge...there are 1 yr warrenties usually, you should look into that.
2006-08-18 12:05:33 · answer #9 · answered by mommy of 1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋