 Fix Battery: How To Fix Car Battery Problems
Posted by carsandtrucks on Friday, March 13 @ 14:27:48 PDT
You turn the key and the only response from under the hood, is a rapid clicking noise. After connecting jumper cables from a Good Samaritan's battery to yours, you turn the key and your vehicle responds by coming to life. It sounds like you have a bad battery. To determine if the battery is bad, you will need a voltmeter. To test the battery, you need the engine to be shut off. If the engine has recently been running then I suggest that you turn the headlights on for about 30 seconds. This will
eliminate any surface charge from the battery. I find testing a battery when the vehicle has not been operating for several hours is the best way to complete the test. Now connect the red lead on the voltmeter to the positive post on the battery and the black lead on the negative post. If that battery voltage is between 12.5 and 12.8 volts, your battery is ok. Anything less and the battery is suspect. Next start the engine and check the voltmeter. If the reading is 14.3 to 14.6 volts, then the alternator is good. This means the battery, which stores electric power is getting rejuvenated, but is unable to maintain the recharge.
Batteries fail due to a number of causes including old age, loss of sulfuric acid, which is the electrolyte that allows electricity to travel through the battery, shorted lead plates, excessive temperature changes, and other factors. On average a battery will give you 4-5 years of use without needing replacement. When the time comes to replace the battery, be sure to shop for a battery with at least a 4 year warranty. Generally, these warranties are of the prorated type where you won't get back full purchase price but you will see get some financial assistance from the battery manufacturer. The majority of today's batteries are called maintenance free. What this means is you do not have to add water to the battery. It does not mean that there is no maintenance required. The battery post and cable connections need to be kept clean and free of corrosion. Make sure that the battery cable ends are tight.
If you find that you need to replace your battery, it is a simple process. First, disconnect the negative terminal end, followed by the positive. Locate and loosen the battery hold down. Remove the battery, install the new battery. I recommend wearing safety glasses whenever you are working around your battery. When replacing your car or truck battery, be careful not spill acid on your skin or clothing, or you will experience a burn.
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