Dead Battery - no voltage lights

[AdamLowther]

Hi 96Qt,

When I bought it, it came with a cheapo battery. Its been doing OK even in the cold here in Canada, but last couple days it has been dead.

Once I boost it, I have no idiot lights coming on when it is running, and headlights ect work fine. Therefore I am pretty sure it is the battery and not the alt.

Although it is warmer than it was last week, and last week when it was colder it was starting fine. Maybe the battery has just had enough.

Anyways before I go buy a new battery, anything else I should look at?

I also live in a smaller town, so it really doenst go for long drives regularly. I know this puts a drain on batteries as it probably doenst have a chance to fully recharge regularly.

Thoughts? I know batteries are relatively cheap, so no biggie trying things out.

[qship96]

Replace the battery NOW- every time you jump start it, the alternator must work overtime trying to charge a weak battery, leading to early alternator death. Consumers Reports November 2008 edition has ratings of batteries they put through a ringer of testing, choose the highest rated one that fits in your budget. Once battery is installed, check alternator output to confirm it is operating correctly to prolong new battery life.

[AdamLowther]

Sorry, I knew the answer. Was sitting at work bored, so I posted it. I'll minimize the ingnorance in the future.

[maxnix]

Canada is like the US south, tough on batteries.

Don't skimp and get the highest capacity one you can fit.

Additionally, they are less expensive than alternators and a hell of a lot easier to replace, especially in the snow, eh?

[AdamLowther]

For sure, its all abooot the CCA up here.

I got a monster. should spin the v8 for a few years to come.

- 35 cold starts are hard on everything, thank god for synthetics.

FYI my gas (house heating) bill for the month during the cold snap was $425.

Its nice in the summer though. 75-95 degrees in F.

[maxnix]

Man, and that's Canucky gas too!

AC bill is a little less in sumer here for 3300sf.