Weak Battery

[phewop118]

Well, I think it's finally time I replace my battery. This past winter, occasionally if it was really cold and the car had been sitting overnight, cranking would be rather slow. I knew my battery would need replaced soon.

Now, this morning, it barely cranked at all and then stopped entirely. I tried again and it turned over just enough to start and it was fine, except the time was reset. After I got to work (30 min drive, so batt should be charged), I let it sit for 10 min and tried starting it. Same thing as this morning, but it eventually started. Also, when I lock it, the horn sounds VERY faint and the lights are dim. I'm going to get a battery on Monday (I'll probably get an A/C delco), but the positive terminal connector on the wire is all corroded and enlarged from acid leaking. Should I replace the connector also? Or should I simply clean it off with an acid remover.

[LittleHoov]

I say clean it off really well first, be sure and take the boot portion off of the end and clean that area as well. If it continues to give you troubles then replace it. Id rather spend 5 bucks or less on some cleaner and a wire brush maybe than 20 bucks for a new cable and get the same results, but thats just me talkin.

[harmankardon35]

could be your altenator not keeping your battery topped up while driving...I had this problem. Chances are if you had ANY altenator problems you would get a warning light on the dash. I had an optima battery from my boat I put in mine...cant kill it...headlights on for 3 to 4 hours? no problem!

[panzer dragoon]

Originally Posted by phewop118

but the positive terminal connector on the wire is all corroded and enlarged from acid leaking. Should I replace the connector also?

use a wire wheel or wire brush and get the corrosion off. If the inside of the wire is corroded cut it back. =you want good metal to make that connection. The once you have made your connections cover the metal with the plastic battery things or coat them with the battery connection chemicals.

Load test that battery. H-F has them for <$20 and most shops will test for free.

[Jimmy Olsen]

Baking soda mixed in water will get rid of any acid. Dunk the connectors in the solution and wait until the bubbling stops. After removing the old battery pour or brush the solution on the tray, hose it off, and then clean the whole area to get rid of any dirt.

The contact points of the battery/connectors should be bright. After installing the new battery cover the connection area with electrical grease.

I like the premium battery from auto zone.....8 year warranty and it has removable lids so you can add water if needed. The battery will take a higher charge rate than a "no-maintenance" battery.

I take the battery out every couple of years and clean the case and tray. A lot of batteries die early from dirt.

[phewop118]

Ok. I am having complications. The corrosion from the battery ate into the bolt head for the positive terminal (and the connection boot is swollen, making the bolt very tight) and when I tried to unloosen it with a ratchet, it stripped the head, making the bolt unremovable. I tried a can of battery acid cleaner, but the bolt is too far gone to turn. What do you folks suggest? Should I cut the bolt and replace it when I install the new battery? Is it possible to replace the connection/boot? OR do I need to replace the whole positive wire? If so, how hard is that?

[Jimmy Olsen]

^ I would cut the positive battery cable (make sure the negative cable is not connected to battery) and buy a new one. Get one the same length and it should not be too hard to replace.

[Rolm]

I will pass this advise I recieved from an alternator rebuilder. Allways replace your battery in the 5th year if you keep a weak battery all it will do is burn our your alternator. The alternator will woor at it's max output to try and re-charge the battery and you will be wasting all kinds of gas.

This is the best way of testing the battery and alternator

With engine off

test battery with volt meter if it reads below 12.35 volts replace battery and if more then 5 years old, If battery above 12.35 volts now turn on lights ( engine off) test battery if it reads below 12.00 volts replace battery. If battery tests ok start engine if you read less then 13.5 volts with engine ideling above 2,000 rpm replace alternator.

In conclusion

A good battery reads above 12.35 volts or 12.00 volts with lights on

A good alternator reads above 13.5-14.5 volts at 2,000 rpm.

[Jimmy Olsen]

Originally Posted by Rolm

I will pass this advise I recieved from an alternator rebuilder. Allways replace your battery in the 5th year if you keep a weak battery all it will do is burn our your alternator. The alternator will woor at it's max output to try and re-charge the battery and you will be wasting all kinds of gas.

This is the best way of testing the battery and alternator

With engine off

test battery with volt meter if it reads below 12.35 volts replace battery and if more then 5 years old, If battery above 12.35 volts now turn on lights ( engine off) test battery if it reads below 12.00 volts replace battery. If battery tests ok start engine if you read less then 13.5 volts with engine ideling above 2,000 rpm replace alternator.

In conclusion

A good battery reads above 12.35 volts or 12.00 volts with lights on

A good alternator reads above 13.5-14.5 volts at 2,000 rpm.

That's good information. I like to change my battery every 5 years just so the chances of being stranded are reduced. I might have a volt meter somewhere so I will see If I can find it.

[phewop118]

Well, I haven't had much time to work on this and I'm sick of jumping my damn car everywhere I go, so I just let the people at a Sears auto center get the old battery out and put my new one in.

[Rolm]

As a follow-up to my post. I tested my battery and here is what I found

Engine off Battery read 12.67 volts

Engine off with head lights and fans on Battery read 12.35 volts

Bottom line the battery is perfect. Tha Battery is 4 years old I will replace next year. Note always replace the battery in 5 th year, if you wait till the battery goes bad chances are you will burn-out your alternator and for you guys with 3.5 engines it's quite the job to replace. later

[Rolm]

Guys if you live in the Toronto area I can sell you a new GM sealed side post or Top Post battery for $60 and I can install it for another $10. As a Bonus I will test your charging system. I do this work at my home.

[panzer dragoon]

Originally Posted by Rolm

Guys if you live in the Toronto area I can sell you a new GM sealed side post or Top Post battery for $60 and I can install it for another $10. As a Bonus I will test your charging system. I do this work at my home.

for those not on the 4yr battery plan: -How much do you charge for an alternator?

Dialectric grease or sealer on those connections really cuts down on the corrosion and put those battery connector caps on to keep out moisture.

2000 Intrigue: battery died in 2006. Acted goofy for 2-3 days, tried to charge it and it wouldn't accept power. Totally dead on the pile battery load tester also.

[Rolm]

Originally Posted by panzer dragoon

for those not on the 4yr battery plan: -How much do you charge for an alternator?

Dialectric grease or sealer on those connections really cuts down on the corrosion and put those battery connector caps on to keep out moisture.

2000 Intrigue: battery died in 2006. Acted goofy for 2-3 days, tried to charge it and it wouldn't accept power. Totally dead on the pile battery load tester also.

I don't do alternators, just batteries. The new GM batteries I install will outlast most Intrigues.

[panzer dragoon]

Originally Posted by Rolm

I don't do alternators, just batteries. The new GM batteries I install will outlast most Intrigues.

Kid: You need to learn to upsell. Everytime I go to GM they want to only sell me a new car. I tell them it took me 7 years just to figure this car out (2000 Intrigue) and I'm still learning. Imagine the shock when you drive in a 1966 Dodge Charger or 1958 Buick --> I need this car Sun SuperTuned! -What the hell is that?

Anyway I wish you luck in your battery odyssey.