So - when to just give up on the battery?

[SamSpade]

I’ve done everything short of an overnight trickle charge but -

Jumped the car several times, driven it a half hour at a time - but the damned thing can’t seem to hold enough charge to restart.

Battery is easily 5 or more years old - might even be the original.

Time to give up on it?

 

[Grumpy]

I’ve done everything short of an overnight trickle charge but -

Jumped the car several times, driven it a half hour at a time - but the damned thing can’t seem to hold enough charge to restart.

Battery is easily 5 or more years old - might even be the original.

Time to give up on it?

Last few batteries I've bought didn't last beyond 5 years. Last battery I replaced I had taken out of car and slow charged it overnight to 12 or 13 volts(can't remember the exact voltage). and it dropped voltage quickly after I disconnected it from the charger. Sounds like you need to give up on it.

 

[SamSpade]

Yeah - I figured. It simply died in the cold this month. Ah well.

 

[Sneakers]

Time to replace it.

 

[PrchJrkr]

Yeah - I figured. It simply died in the cold this month. Ah well.

I'm battling the same situation with the Jeep right now, but it seems my dead battery was a symptom. I'll be ordering an alternator.

I don't use the minimum recommended battery for my vehicles, but if I get 3 good years I consider it a win.

I believe I have a faulty diode, but the alternator looks to be original, so it's 20 years old. The standard replacement starts at over $200.

A cold snap like we experienced can definitely do a number on a marginal battery.

 

[Sneakers]

I don't use the minimum recommended battery for my vehicles, but if I get 3 good years I consider it a win.

I'm using the original factory battery in my Slingshot from 2016, but I think this spring it will get swapped out. Starter is turning a lot slower.

 

[SamSpade]

Just on the off chance it’s something worse - what would indicate failed alternator? It still sputters and the internal lights come on - and when I jump it, it runs as long as it’s keeps running.

 

[Sneakers]

Just on the off chance it’s something worse - what would indicate failed alternator? It still sputters and the internal lights come on - and when I jump it, it runs as long as it’s keeps running.

Do you have a voltmeter? Start the car and measure the voltage across the battery. It should be between 13.5 and 15 volts after it's been running for a few minutes. Less than 13.5 and the alternator may be defective, but before you call it, go to Advance Auto or AutoZone and let them test it. The bad battery may be dragging down the alternator output, best to test with a charged battery.

You'll probably see a charge light on your dash if the alternator isn't outputting to spec.

 

[SamSpade]

Since it won’t keep a charge - prolly gonna have to get a new battery anyway. Nuts.

 

[RoseRed]

I bought a new one in June or July and I have been getting the "low charge" notice recently. I figure due to the cold. Correct?

 

[Sneakers]

I bought a new one in June or July and I have been getting the "low charge" notice recently. I figure due to the cold. Correct?

I wouldn't assume that. Might be a low alternator output or a parasitic draw when parked, assuming the battery is still ok.

Is the car sitting unused a lot, like a couple of days in a row, and then you get the warning?

 

[Ken King]

Get it started, drive to AutoZone or other auto parts store, let them test it. If you need a battery they will sell it to you and install it for you, if its the alternator they will tell you and you can then set your path to either DIY or pay a shop to get it done.

 

[RoseRed]

I wouldn't assume that. Might be a low alternator output or a parasitic draw when parked, assuming the battery is still ok.

Is the car sitting unused a lot, like a couple of days in a row, and then you get the warning?

Sometimes. It's also in the garage.

Get it started, drive to AutoZone or other auto parts store, let them test it. If you need a battery they will sell it to you and install it for you, if its the alternator they will tell you and you can then set your path to either DIY or pay a shop to get it done.

That's where I bought it. They couldn't install, I had to take it to my mechanic.

 

[Ken King]

Sometimes. It's also in the garage.


That's where I bought it. They couldn't install, I had to take it to my mechanic.

Really, is it in a weird location or something or they couldn't find a wrench?

 

[GregV814]

I used to work at the Zone.... there are some circumstances where AZ wont let you install. One co-worker torched a car in the PARKING LOT BECAUSE she , pronoun person 1) didnt follow instructions, 2) was a dumbass to begin with 3) positive to negative on a foreign car is never a good idea.

 

[RoseRed]

Really, is it in a weird location or something or they couldn't find a wrench?

Weird location.

 

[Ken King]

Weird location.

Other then Hollywood.

 

[RoseRed]

Other then Hollywood.

There is that.

 

[ontheriver]

I’ve done everything short of an overnight trickle charge but -

Jumped the car several times, driven it a half hour at a time - but the damned thing can’t seem to hold enough charge to restart.

Battery is easily 5 or more years old - might even be the original.

Time to give up on it?

My battery was replaced in my truck about 2 years ago, It was SO cold for a week or so that my key fob wouldn't start it. I got in my truck and it started right up. I replaced the battery in the key fob a year ago. However, since it has warmed up they both work just fine. I will still go back to Batteries plus and have them give me a new battery for the key fob. I think the warranty was for 2 years.

 

[Clem72]

5 years is close to the normal age for replacement. Have you ever checked the electrolyte levels? If they are low you could add some distilled water and try charging again. I have done this a time or two and extended a battery another year or more.