Hard to start sometimes
Laser17
02-18-2006, 07:28 PM
98 3.8 intrigue, it seems like every time i get in the car the battery has barely enough power to start the car. I just got the battery replaced 3 months ago, is it possible that the alternator is not charging the battery completely?
BNaylor
02-20-2006, 10:06 AM
Possible. Check the voltage at the battery with the car running and in off. You can go across the positive and negative terminals with a multimeter. If the alternator/charging system is good while engine is running it should read around 14 volts or no more than 17 volts. If that is good you may have what is called parasitic draw/drain which is killing the battery. Current cannot exceed 30mA depending on the reserve capacity of your battery.
Also, check the condition of all battery cables and the ground at the grounding stud located at the engine/tranny (left side engine) and to the engine compartment fuse box. Check connections on the alternator and the starter/solenoid.
Also, check the condition of all battery cables and the ground at the grounding stud located at the engine/tranny (left side engine) and to the engine compartment fuse box. Check connections on the alternator and the starter/solenoid.
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