Is it battery time?

[xterror04]

My battery only has 12.1 volts sitting still, running my alt keeps it about 14.3 and a little less with all lights on... Should I get a new battery before making the 1700 mile round trip to nxm ?

 

[CrazySteve911]

You SHOULD be fine. But, I would definitely take precaution and at least watch it. If it dips anymore, get a new one.

 

[Tay-Lo]

Is the 12.1v with the engine off?

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but the battery is 12v when the engine is off and the alternator runs at around 14v ish when the engine is running. I say you're fine, how old is it?

 

[xterror04]

Yes 12.1 with it off... 3 years old

 

[Tay-Lo]

Well not to scare you or anything but 3 years is the normal age for a car battery to go kaput....it might still last you awhile longer but don't be surprised if you have to get jumped soon. My vote would be to buy a spare one and take it to nxm just to be safe.

 

[Muadeeb]

If you have an Interstate Battery near you, have them check it for ya.

 

[jmnielsen]

Well not to scare you or anything but 3 years is the normal age for a car battery to go kaput....it might still last you awhile longer but don't be surprised if you have to get jumped soon. My vote would be to buy a spare one and take it to nxm just to be safe.

Not ragging on you but I sell batteries for a living. 3 years is a short life. I would say the average life is 5 years but typically they last longer than that. 12.1 volts just means your battery is discharged. Technically speaking 12.0 volts is 0% charged and 12.77 is 100% charged. Your alternator will not charge the battery from that low, hook it up to a battery charger over night then take it in to get load tested. Not tested with an electronic tester but an actual load tester-they are much more accurate.

 

[xterror04]

Ok thanks jm.... Ill take it in

 

[rokdaddy]

Not ragging on you but I sell batteries for a living. 3 years is a short life. I would say the average life is 5 years but typically they last longer than that. 12.1 volts just means your battery is discharged. Technically speaking 12.0 volts is 0% charged and 12.77 is 100% charged. Your alternator will not charge the battery from that low, hook it up to a battery charger over night then take it in to get load tested. Not tested with an electronic tester but an actual load tester-they are much more accurate.

Sorry for the thread hijack but I have a question for our resident battery expert(s).

I have a fairly new AGM battery (Die Hard Platinum) that I ran down to 12v. I jump started the engine and the battery is currently holding about 12.4v at rest. I probably need to hook it up to a charger that has a "recovery" mode.

I've been putting off purchasing a decent battery charger for years and it's probably time to finally get one. I've looked at the Noco Genius G7200 and the new(ish) Optima digital charger. Any thoughts/recommendations on these or other units? I would like to keep the cost under $300 if I can.

-Rok

 

[jmnielsen]

We have an expensive ctek charger made specifically for optima batteries and other AGM batteries and never use it. A regular battery charger of known quality will work perfectly fine if not better than one specifically for AGMs. I have no other experience other than with ctek though. I've never had anyone complain about the $35 Schumacher battery maintainer we sell. If you need one that has multiple modes and amperage settings they can be had for less than $100.

 

[CHUG]

My battery is Stock, May 07. Still working.. BUT.. when I had the SMOD attack. The dealer tested my battery, Saying its Mid Range now ( yellow). (Green, Yellow, Red Says paper work)

With Factory Spec's 550 Actual Cramping amps 389. This report was this march.. Guessing.. I well over due for a new battery.. When the Cold weather hits.. I will be stuck D.O.A. ???