Car Battery Troubles.
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- Swift
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Car Battery Troubles.
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.
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.
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- boronia
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
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.
Get a gel cell replacement, and if you can, hook up a smart charger and keep it permanently connected.
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
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.
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.
- boronia
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
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.
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.
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- Swift
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
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.
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.
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- boronia
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
If you can't keep it on charge, get an isolator to disconnect it while it's sitting
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- Swift
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
Are they easy to get installed? That would be a good idea. I wish I could isolate the alarm system.boronia wrote:If you can't keep it on charge, get an isolator to disconnect it while it's sitting
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- boronia
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
Something like this fits onto the battery terminal, so very easy to install
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- Drain Jockey
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
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 .
- Swift
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
Ok, opinions on where to shop for one??
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- boronia
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
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??
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??
Preserving fire service history
@ The Museum of Fire.
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- Swift
- Posts: 13283
- Joined: Sat Mar 06, 2004 1:23 pm
- Favourite Vehicle: Porshe 911 Carerra
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
I meant for a new battery, but isolator switch would be good to get leads on. Cheers.
NSW, the state that embraces mediocrity.
- boronia
- Posts: 21582
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
Get the isolator at Repco, SuperCheap, etc.
Preserving fire service history
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- Swift
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- Joined: Sat Mar 06, 2004 1:23 pm
- Favourite Vehicle: Porshe 911 Carerra
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Re: Car Battery Troubles.
I bought a conventional lead acid battery and a smart charger.
NSW, the state that embraces mediocrity.