I have a charger and i am now charging my battery, a little unsure if it is charging, as the dial isn't flickering, but it has moved up to number 3. Also how long will it need to be charged for and when fully charged how long will it last, if the alternator isn't working, i live 10 miles away and need to get my car home from work..
2007-09-24 20:58:21 · 13 answers · asked by Rich 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The thing is i have jumped and as soon as i take the leads off it cuts out
2007-09-24 21:09:50 · update #1
It really depends on the battery capacity and condition.
Your battery charger sounds like one of the constant voltage types that gradually reduce the charge rate as the battery becomes fully charged.
If your battery is rated at 36 AH then it would require about 12 hours to put a full charge into the battery at your indicated 3 amps.
Normally I would expect to leave the battery on charge at least overnight after making sure the electrolyte levels are correct.
As to how long it would last on the car - it would depend on the car and the amount of drain. An older car with no fuel injection would use considerably less battery than a more modern one.
If the battery is fully charged, and of good capacity, you should be able to get 10 miles on a carburetted car ( no high pressure fuel pumps or injectors), provided you don't have to use lights, blowers, wipers etc, if its a more modern injected car, no chance.
2007-09-24 21:12:00 · answer #1 · answered by rookethorne 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-12-22 23:30:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
normally the battery is only needed to start the car and then the alternator takes over to provide a charge to the car to keep the spark plugs sparking, and run all the other electrics like lights, radio, indicators etc...
if the battery has gone flat, it could be the alternator isnt working and therefore the car ran straight from the battery.
did you notice any lights on your dash like the battery light or the abs light (if you have abs) come on. if you did, this is a sign the alternator has gone and will need replacing.
if the alternator isnt working, I got 3 miles out of my car when i just left it over night. if you have charged it up for a few hours, you may get the 10 you need. just dont turn anything on except for indicators, try to brake as little as possible too as it all saves the power.
best bet is to try and get someone to follow you home. 10 miles isnt far, but better to be safe than sorry.
good luck
Edit....
sounds like its flat out. you gonna need a tow, sorry
you could try signing up to the AA or RAC for about £35 to get it home. if you can afford it
2007-09-24 21:19:35 · answer #3 · answered by Paul S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not be particularly worried just yet! However I would keep an eye on it! I would check to see if the belt is tight enough (if not using a "serpentine belt"), since most "V" belts have to be tensioned manually with adjustments! If she was driving in rain, possibly belt slipped for a little while. Also sometimes brushes in alternator hang up for a few seconds (or minutes), but later on just work fine - sometimes for a very long time! You could have somebody check charging system operation -- you can get this done free lots of places, -- just be aware that they sell parts and batterys. Auto Zone, and Wal Mart are commonly talked about, but lots of places do it! Just bear with a grain of salt, if they start telling you you need lots of things ( they may be trying to sell you things you might not need).. If this happens, better to take it to several places, and see if diagnosis matches! After all it is free, - so you only waste the time,-- and not much money! Personally I would just watch and wait to see if problem returns, as it is sometimes hard to tell anything when it appears to be working right!
2016-05-18 00:10:14 · answer #4 · answered by jamey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Car batteries are quick discharge types,it depends on the amp hours of the battery,if your alternater is clapped,then you are on the road to hell,get a reconditioned one,just take the old one off and swap it at the auto shop or garage.A boost charge can distort the plates in the battery,its not worth it.A proper charge at half an amp hour will take time as per the battery plate.If you have fuel injection the battery will last till work,but not with lights or anything else.I ran a volvo260 back from london one night with no lights ,my 3 scottish oppos, were calling me all the way back.The alternater was a mess.
2007-09-24 21:06:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had this problem i few weeks ago, when i jumped started it, it cut off as soon as i took the leads off,then i put a battery charger on for a couple of days, but tryed starting the car still nothing,it turned out to be the battery.i got told that a car battery can go just like that,even if you have drove 100 miles,my mates battery went after driving from cornwall to peterborough then he stopped to get petrol he went to pay,when he came back the car wouldnt start
2007-09-24 21:20:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ten miles is a long way to drive with no alternator. For a gasoline powered car, you need the battery for the spark to continue the combustion. I don't think you'll make it especially with that battery you have that's already been worn completely down once. It's probably best to get it towed.
If you can't afford one though, then it's worth a shot to try.. just make sure you turn off everything you possibly can that's electronic
2007-09-24 21:10:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The charging time depends on your charger. SOme take an hour, some take twelve. If your unsure if your alternator is working id make sure that you use no extra power ptions in yoru car( when you drive ). Its hard to say if you would make it or not. stop at a local autoparts store to have them test your charging system and battery. usually when alternators go down they like to take the battery with them.
2007-09-24 21:04:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
when you jump it off leave the leads on for about 10 minutes just ticking over with the other car, then leave both cars turned on and disconnect one at a time. your battery should read 3.5 i think, so thats a good thing. if your alternator doesn't work your gonna have to get a towe
2007-09-24 21:15:10 · answer #9 · answered by putonyourmittens 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once the car is started you no longer need the battery, so just a small charge should be fine - although you'll then not have much power for things like lights and wipers - all the even more important tunes! A full charge can take anywhere from 12- 24 hours, but it sounds to me like you'll have enough to get you home - or you could just get a jump start from some one. It won't last too long though if you keep starting it without the alternator charging it, especially in winter when you use more electricity in the car. Get that sorted ASAP
2007-09-24 21:03:16 · answer #10 · answered by board-stupid 3 · 1⤊ 6⤋