Help with my batt
Help with my batt
my batt keeps draining while my car if off and there is calcium build up when i check in any ideas. Thanks
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krazydriver
- Posts: 2443
- Joined: Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:24 pm
- Car: 2002 civic ex, 1993 KA-T 240sx - parting it out...
Re: Help with my batt (240Banger)
Buildup and the battery quickly draining could mean the battery itself is dying.Might be good to get a new one.
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Vegascorbin
- Posts: 732
- Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2007 9:56 am
- Car: 1990 240sx dirt track race car
Re: Help with my batt (240Banger)
The build up can be the cause of the drain. Start by cleaning any build-up from the terminals etc. then ensure the top and side of the battery are clean and dry.
NOTE: USE CARE WHEN DOING THIS CLEANING AS THE GUNK WILL HAVE ACID IN IT! Not a big deal aslong as you are carfull and wash up when done.
After cleaning teh battery check the voltage with the car off. Should be more than 12 volts. Then start the car. the voltage should then go to more than 14 volts. Both of these are messured from terminal to terminal. If you have less than 12 to start with then charge the battery befor trying the second test. Or better yet hav ethe batery tested at your local Auto Zone or such store. If you hav ethe 12 volts before but not the 14 when the car is running then hav eyou altinator checked.
If you think the car is draining the battery while it is sitting then check the voltage right after turning off the car. it should again over 12 volts. a little over 13 would not be a problem. Record that reading and wait at least 3 to 4 hours if not overnight. the reading should not reduce by more than 0.2 volts. Of course this assumes you did not leave the lights on or any such thing:)
If the voltage does make a noticeable drop then you need to find the drain. Other threads cover that subject so try a search.
Hope this points you in the right direction.
NOTE: USE CARE WHEN DOING THIS CLEANING AS THE GUNK WILL HAVE ACID IN IT! Not a big deal aslong as you are carfull and wash up when done.
After cleaning teh battery check the voltage with the car off. Should be more than 12 volts. Then start the car. the voltage should then go to more than 14 volts. Both of these are messured from terminal to terminal. If you have less than 12 to start with then charge the battery befor trying the second test. Or better yet hav ethe batery tested at your local Auto Zone or such store. If you hav ethe 12 volts before but not the 14 when the car is running then hav eyou altinator checked.
If you think the car is draining the battery while it is sitting then check the voltage right after turning off the car. it should again over 12 volts. a little over 13 would not be a problem. Record that reading and wait at least 3 to 4 hours if not overnight. the reading should not reduce by more than 0.2 volts. Of course this assumes you did not leave the lights on or any such thing:)
If the voltage does make a noticeable drop then you need to find the drain. Other threads cover that subject so try a search.
Hope this points you in the right direction.
Re: Help with my batt (Vegascorbin)
Also, you can check for a drain on the battery by getting a cheap test light from a parts house. Make sure all accessories are turned off, disconnect negative battery terminal and connect the test light between terminal and battery post. Alligator clip of the light connects to cable terminal and test light touches battery post. If it lights up, then there is a drain and you must pull the fuses one at a time to isolate which circuit is at fault.