is there a way to load test a battery?

[chevyn0va1]

I have a ford 460ci truck ( I know not escort) I have tried to start it yesterday 18 degrees out and the first crank it fires then stalls out(normal) but when you go to crank it again it trys but the battery is drained. If I put a charger on it and wait it will start. Also if I restart it like after going to the store its fine. untill it sits for a couple hours.

When I put a volt tester its still reading +12v I think it has a dead cell but the battery is only about 1.5 yrs old (although stamped dec 2000)

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by chevyn0va1

I have a ford 460ci truck ( I know not escort) I have tried to start it yesterday 18 degrees out and the first crank it fires then stalls out(normal) but when you go to crank it again it trys but the battery is drained. If I put a charger on it and wait it will start. Also if I restart it like after going to the store its fine. untill it sits for a couple hours.

When I put a volt tester its still reading +12v I think it has a dead cell but the battery is only about 1.5 yrs old (although stamped dec 2000)

You are 'load testing' the battery when you try to start the vehicle. What does the battery voltage read befoe, during, or just after trying to start the vehicle? It sounds as if you have a marginal battery in size and/or CCA (cold cranking amps) rating. I would also check the battery voltage with engine running at approx. 1500 RPM, for a reading of approx. 14V. A battery stamped dec. 2000 is four years (48mos.) old, regardless of when you bought it. Less than 30% of batteries last more than 48 months.
Alvin

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by A. Souphound

You are 'load testing' the battery when you try to start the vehicle. What does the battery voltage read befoe, during, or just after trying to start the vehicle? It sounds as if you have a marginal battery in size and/or CCA (cold cranking amps) rating. I would also check the battery voltage with engine running at approx. 1500 RPM, for a reading of approx. 14V. A battery stamped dec. 2000 is four years (48mos.) old, regardless of when you bought it. Less than 30% of batteries last more than 48 months.
Alvin

thanks for the tips I will look into it. I was thinking the battery but my dad keeps saying no its still new-lol