In regard to the gauge that measures batter charge, what does it mean when the needle points in one direction or the other. It's been real cold out lately, and the needle has been far into the positive charge.
2006-12-08 03:28:29 · 4 answers · asked by Karate Kid 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I don't know how old the batter is. It's in someone else's car, and they bought it used. The car itself is 10 years or younger and I couldn't say new the batter is.
2006-12-08 03:51:21 · update #1
The alternator gauge in your car is telling you that its charging your battery, warm days/nights it's not needing a strong charge and cold days/nights its needing a stronger charge to keep full power in your battery
2006-12-08 04:01:47 · answer #1 · answered by Steven H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your meter is labeled "AMPS" you have an ammeter, which shows the rate of charge or discharge. Depending on how it is hooked up, it can either show the full output from the alternator, or just the excess above what is required to run your car (lights, ignition, heater fan, etc). Most likely yours is hooked up to show excess, which is the amount being absorbed by the battery. If you are drawing more energy than is being produced by the alternator, you will see the needle move into the "-" or discharge range. This is the amount being drawn from the battery.
In cold weather, it takes more power to crank your engine and you will usually crank longer. This discharges the battery more than warm weather starting, requiring more charging to replace what you used to start. This greater rate and duration of charge is what you are seeing when the needle is far into the positive charge.
Normal cars do not use nicads. Lead/acid is still the universal standard. Many airplanes use nicads because of their lighter weight.
2006-12-08 03:48:06 · answer #2 · answered by groundzero 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The cold preserves battery's charges better. The heat drains the battery of power. That is why it is showing a fuller battery in the gauge. This is also why many people store extra AAA batteries in their freezer.
The older batteries with water in them used to freeze up extreme cold weather and not crank. These batteries are no longer used - and nickle cadium batteries are used allowing cold starts everytime.
If you live in Houston - a 3 year battery lasts about 2 years if your car isn't garaged during the day or you drive it a lot in the hot summer.
2006-12-08 03:32:13 · answer #3 · answered by Christopher McGregor 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
first of all how old is the battery?
sounds like the battery is weak when a battery is old or week on a very cold or hot day could loose the charge or die batteries should be replaced every 4 years buy a good battery such as interstate or a sears die- hard i am a service advisor/technician for thae past 22 years dont buy a battery from a parts store they just not good i preffer interstates and have been using them for 22+ years
as long as your charge gage is in the positive side alternator is working but if the battery is weak will over work your alternator
here is a link for batteries http://www.interstatebatteries.com/estore/search.asp?N=21&Ns=product+Type%7c0||Rank|1&mscssid=AN53GDSTCS9K8PLUP26PV0JTBAC98MN7&js=1
hopes this helps
2006-12-08 03:45:38 · answer #4 · answered by johnchairez 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋