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Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2019 8:27 pm
by Swift
The battery in my Ford Fairlane had been allowed to go flat one time too many and won't keep a charge beyond 10.5 volts despite going for a 30 minute drive and leaving it on a 2.5a charger for 24 hrs. The battery is around 2 years old and I have lost the receipt unfortunately. My last ditch attempt to save it would be to go on a 1 hour freeway trip but I don't want to overload the alternator.
It turns the engine over slower than normal and actually required a jump start even after that 1/2 hour drive due to it struggling to turn over the engine. I just want to make sure I really need to replace it before going ahead.

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2019 9:13 pm
by boronia
Letting them go flat is the worst you can do. If it won't come good after a 24 hour charge, best forget it. There are some chargers which claim to be able to resurrect dud batteries, but they probably cost more than a new battery.

Get a gel cell replacement, and if you can, hook up a smart charger and keep it permanently connected.

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2019 10:24 pm
by Merc1107
I've heard it said a 3hr driving cycle is the minimum needed to properly charge a battery, but don't have much proof to back up the claim.

Batteries in very hot climates tend not to be very long-lived, something to do with the speed of chemical reaction. The RAC Calcium battery in my car surprisingly has made it into its sixth year of use - but is in the boot so the coolness must account for it.

Probably worth a new battery, maybe try contacting the maker and see if you can score a replacement. Might also be worth checking the car's alternator is working properly too.

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 9:03 pm
by boronia
An average battery in good condition should recharge within 3 hours, although it could be re-usable after 30 minutes. Depends how long it has been left flat, and in Swift's case how often.

Calcium and gel-cell batteries usually perform better than lead-acid.

Cold weather will also reduce a battery's performance. And cold weather will make an engine harder to start, requiring more amps from that battery.

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 6:19 am
by Swift
I charged it another 10 hours. No difference. It's had it.
I took a measure of it a day later. 8.7v.
That Fairlane doesn't like to sit. I think it's aftermarket alarm system drains it over several days and I have let it sit too long too often. The Laser will fire right up after sitting for a month.

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 8:30 am
by boronia
If you can't keep it on charge, get an isolator to disconnect it while it's sitting

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 9:25 am
by Swift
boronia wrote:If you can't keep it on charge, get an isolator to disconnect it while it's sitting
Are they easy to get installed? That would be a good idea. I wish I could isolate the alarm system.

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 9:55 am
by boronia
Something like this fits onto the battery terminal, so very easy to install

Image

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 7:21 pm
by Drain Jockey
With a voltage reading between 9 and 10 volts after charging indicates a dead cell , if you remove caps or cover strip and get someone to attempt a start you will see that the dead cell bubbles and gases .

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 7:41 pm
by Swift
Ok, opinions on where to shop for one??

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 10:04 pm
by boronia
Battery??
If you're in the NRMA, use their service. They will fit a new battery, take the old one away, and give your electrical system a full diagnostic check.
Battery World. They have mobile service, and you could discuss the best type of battery for your need.

or Isolator??

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 12:58 am
by Swift
I meant for a new battery, but isolator switch would be good to get leads on. Cheers. :)

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 7:23 am
by boronia
Get the isolator at Repco, SuperCheap, etc.

Re: Car Battery Troubles.

Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2019 2:11 pm
by Swift
I bought a conventional lead acid battery and a smart charger.