My 02 Envoy's battery had a hard time starting this morning in this nice -14 degree weather. After a few cranks it started up. Just because it had a hard time turning over in this frigid weather, do i technically have a bad battery or is this weather just kicking it's butt? It will set me back $65 to put one in and really don't want to unless it's needed.
2007-02-04 04:37:34 · 11 answers · asked by Pipers02 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
They did tell me back a month ago that my battery was reading low and he was surprised that it was even starting at all. This was when the temp was in the mid 30's! I'm thinking that if it's 60 degrees colder with the wind chill, wouldn't that battery just have nothing left?? I would think so, but if I knew for sure, I wouldn't be asking...............
2007-02-04 04:49:14 · update #1
Have the battery load tested at most parts stores and garages. This is the only way to properly tell if the battery needs to be changed. You might want to have a block heater installed if you don't have one and use it if you do have one. The oil in the engine gets thick when cold and is harder to turn over.
2007-02-04 04:44:05 · answer #1 · answered by misc 75 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does the starter motor sound like it's going really slow? If not, if it just takes a few tries to start it up, but it sounds pretty normal, it's not low voltage, and there's nothing wrong with the battery.
If it does, take it to an Auto Zone or something and have them test your alternator. Make sure whether it's a matter of the battery not holding a charge, or a matter of it not GETTING a charge to begin with.
And yeah, cold weather will lower the output of your battery, but it usually isn't much of a problem above about -30F. (If it is, there's definitely something wrong)
2007-02-04 13:23:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If that battery started your car in that cold of weather, it is certainly a good battery. Like you said, the cold weather is just kicking its butt. Once it warms up some it will crank more normally. Also, during really cold weather, the engine oil and transmission oil (it has to turn the oil pump in the transmission while it cranks your car, too) gets very thick and that makes it a lot harder for the battery and starter to crank your car - the battety and starter really do have a much bigger load on them in that weather.
2007-02-04 12:50:33 · answer #3 · answered by boogie2510 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it more than 3 years old? If so, and it's failing, cold weather can amplify any problems it might already have. If not, probably just the weather. Wouldn't take long or cost much to have it tested if you have any concerns at all about it.
If it's more than 5 years old, don't bother to test, just replace. Look for a date sticker on the top of the battery if you aren't sure.
2007-02-04 12:42:28 · answer #4 · answered by oklatom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your 02 still has its original battery, it may be time to replace it. They do wear out in time. You can take your vehicle to auto part places like O'Rileys' AutoZone, or Advance Auto Parts and have them run a test on the battery. It is normal for a battery to have a harder time starting a vehicle when it gets below zero, and older batteries have to work even harder to do so. Just be glad you can reach that battery easily, some vehicles take up to a half hour to remove parts just to get to the battery. Good luck.
2007-02-04 12:44:38 · answer #5 · answered by Unforgiven Shadow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your battery is okay for now, but keep in mind that GM is all about sourcing the cheapest parts in order to remail competitive. Tires and batteries are components where GM seeks to save a lot of money by buying cheap parts that last a few years, then forces the owner to replace.
You may want to plan to replace the battery sometime soon.
2007-02-04 12:51:24 · answer #6 · answered by artsy5347 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a local Auto Zone store take it there they can check battery and charging system, dont worry this is FREE!!
Good luck. Your car is about the age where you might need a battery but they can tell you better after they test everything
2007-02-04 13:35:06 · answer #7 · answered by Mona 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring it in and have a charging system test done and have them load test the battery.
2007-02-04 15:08:20 · answer #8 · answered by stealth5033 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a shop,and if it started in thatt kind of weather its alright it just got real cold,and it makes them be slower sometimes ,temperature affects everything,but if it started and it that cold you have a good battery in their,good luck i hope this help,s.
2007-02-04 12:42:25 · answer #9 · answered by dodge man 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no its fine it just that its so cold and all the fluids are very thick, making it harder to start
2007-02-04 12:45:02 · answer #10 · answered by 88 grand marquis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋