2007-07-26 05:53:47 · 18 answers · asked by DAVID M 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
easiest is to hook it up to a multimeter
2007-07-26 05:58:09 · answer #1 · answered by mark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually when battery fails and it is still on the vehicle, if the car won't start, with the ignition turned off, turn the headlights on, if the lights don't come on, only then you'll know that the battery is bad, but also this is taking into consideration that
your battery terminal are not loose, corroded, etc. If you decide to take your battery to an autoparts store have it checked at 2 different locations, believe you me that sometimes some electronic testing devices fail to give accurate results. Also when choosing a battery depending on the living area ( upstate( cold temperatures) or down south (hot environment) make sure you get the right one and not the cheapest one with a good warranty and best of all run off enough copies of the warranty since most of the times if you don't have your hard copy the autoparts stores will tell you that the computer CRASHED and they can't prove that you bought it from them ( # 1 excuse to make you buy another one
at full price even if yours was still under warranty) good luck!
2007-07-26 06:12:09 · answer #2 · answered by monchi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While the battery has been not used for twelve hrs. Do a battery voltage check with a volt meter. It should read 12.5 volts. If not check the acid / water to make sure every cell is full to the neck of the fill hole and re-charge the battery at 2 amps. for 12 hrs. with an automatic battery charger. Test voltage for 12.5 volts. Let the battery sit overnight and test again if the voltage has dropped under 12 volts, "it's battery time".
2007-07-26 06:01:35 · answer #3 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Easiest way is to take the battery to Autozone or some other place that tests and sells batteries. They will connect a load tester to the battery and you'll know within a few minutes if the battery is good or not.
2007-07-26 05:59:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont take it for granted your fan belts tight enough,they usually arn,t. I take it you have no equipment so if you can start the car remove battery lids no smoking turn on everything hrw headlights etc and look in to the top of each cell If its dead you will see which cell it is whether it smokes or goes milky Again if you have a charger and remove the lids it could be the same,smokey or milkey Also try a jump lead from battery earth to engine direct all the best
2007-07-26 07:31:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have multi meter put it on and it should read 13 to 14 volts. But best way is use bsttery tester with load if you do not have this instrument most Parts shops (Advanced Auto, O Reilley's Auto& Car Quest) will check for free
2007-07-26 06:03:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the safest and easiest way to check to see if the battery is still good is to take it to almost any major auto parts store and ask them to check it for you. They usually do this check for free, because it it is no good, then they hope you will buy your new battery there. PS- DO NOT PUT YOUR TONGUE ON THE BATTERY!!!
2007-07-26 06:03:21 · answer #7 · answered by Alex 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a mulitmeter.
Put the red connection of the multimeter against positive terminal of car battery... then put the negative connection against any non-painted metal part of the car.
It should read around 12 to 12.5 volts. Then do it again with the car started... should read around 14 volts. Multimeters can cost as little as $5 for one to do the job.
2007-07-26 05:59:19 · answer #8 · answered by Narky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the ones that say to take it to a shop that sells batteries. They can do a load test on it, to see if the battery is good or not.
If it is a matter of a shorted cell, then using a multimeter will tell you that. The voltage will read 9.5 to 10V with a shorted cell.
good luck.
2007-07-26 06:15:24 · answer #9 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it to Auto Zone or O'Reileys or whatever your local franchise of auto parts store is. At those locations they will test you battery and your alternator free of charge. If you decide to purchase a new battery from them they will even give you credit for your dead one (about $10 - $50) depending on the size of your battery.
2007-07-26 06:03:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many auto parts stores will check your battery for free. It requires a load test to see if it operates at design capacity.
Some gas stations with garages will also test as does Sears.
2007-07-26 05:59:42 · answer #11 · answered by Larry T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋