Battery: Confriming It's Bad (Or Good) Request
12-02-2023, 05:30 PM
#1
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Join Date: 04-20-2010
Location: Detroit
Posts: 16
Battery: Confriming It's Bad (Or Good) Request
Hello All!
In our 2006 HHR, I think (guessing) the battery is bad because it would not turn the engine over a couple of mid-30 degree days this week. Today it is mid 40 degrees and the engine turns over fine. Last week, in mid 20 degree weather, it worked fine.
Below is what I found when testing voltages at the battery:
As- Found before starting car = 11.98 volts (Last run about 24 hours before test)
After starting car, letting it run for 5 minutes and turning it off: 12.00 volts Re-Checked 1 hour later = 12.00 volts
Voltage At Terminals While Engine Is Running: 14.51
Cranking With Fuel Pump Fuse Removed (so it would not start): After about 1 second = 9.60 volts After 10 seconds = 8.92 volts at battery terminals
After the above cranking voltage test = 11.78 volts
The battery is 8 years, 4 months old. It is Duralast brand. The car lives in south-east Michigan outdoors all the time. It's driven 3 or 4 times per week.
With this Grocery Getter - Church Goer Car, most drives are about 3 miles, then off for an hour or so, then 3 miles. Some drives are longer, up to 30 or 40 miles, but not every week.
Does it sound like the battery is due for replacement?
Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Paul
PS: Next to the battery at the Negative terminal there is a square fuse in a red holder. I can find not mention of it in the owner's manual. Just for back-of-the-mind knowledge, what's that fuse for?
In our 2006 HHR, I think (guessing) the battery is bad because it would not turn the engine over a couple of mid-30 degree days this week. Today it is mid 40 degrees and the engine turns over fine. Last week, in mid 20 degree weather, it worked fine.
Below is what I found when testing voltages at the battery:
As- Found before starting car = 11.98 volts (Last run about 24 hours before test)
After starting car, letting it run for 5 minutes and turning it off: 12.00 volts Re-Checked 1 hour later = 12.00 volts
Voltage At Terminals While Engine Is Running: 14.51
Cranking With Fuel Pump Fuse Removed (so it would not start): After about 1 second = 9.60 volts After 10 seconds = 8.92 volts at battery terminals
After the above cranking voltage test = 11.78 volts
The battery is 8 years, 4 months old. It is Duralast brand. The car lives in south-east Michigan outdoors all the time. It's driven 3 or 4 times per week.
With this Grocery Getter - Church Goer Car, most drives are about 3 miles, then off for an hour or so, then 3 miles. Some drives are longer, up to 30 or 40 miles, but not every week.
Does it sound like the battery is due for replacement?
Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Paul
PS: Next to the battery at the Negative terminal there is a square fuse in a red holder. I can find not mention of it in the owner's manual. Just for back-of-the-mind knowledge, what's that fuse for?
12-03-2023, 12:28 PM
#5
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-20-2010
Location: Detroit
Posts: 16
Thank You RJ_RS_SS_350, Greg8453 & OldBlue for taking time to reply with information & suggestions.
What you each said makes good sense & I don't want my wife stranded (me either!). Based on your comments, I'll skip the testing and get a new battery. (Thanks for mentioning the free testing, RJ_RS_SS_350)
That reliable car doesn't owe us anything. We bought it new and, not counting preventative maintenance, have only spent $1,354.00 on repairs. At least half of that was on items that probably should have been recalls, such as fuel & brake line rust outs. That seems good for a 17-1/2 year old car. (Only about 39,000 miles, but still it's been quite dependable.)
Thanks Again & I Appreciate Your Help!
Paul
PS: Thanks RJ_RS_SS_350 for explaining the mystery fuse.
What you each said makes good sense & I don't want my wife stranded (me either!). Based on your comments, I'll skip the testing and get a new battery. (Thanks for mentioning the free testing, RJ_RS_SS_350)
That reliable car doesn't owe us anything. We bought it new and, not counting preventative maintenance, have only spent $1,354.00 on repairs. At least half of that was on items that probably should have been recalls, such as fuel & brake line rust outs. That seems good for a 17-1/2 year old car. (Only about 39,000 miles, but still it's been quite dependable.)
Thanks Again & I Appreciate Your Help!
Paul
PS: Thanks RJ_RS_SS_350 for explaining the mystery fuse.
12-03-2023, 09:25 PM
#8
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Join Date: 01-09-2007
Location: SE USA
Posts: 15,870
TOPDON AB101 Car Battery Tester 12V Car Battery Load Tester on Cranking Charging Systems, 100-2000 CCA Automotive Alternator Analyzer for Cars/SUVs/Light...
I have one of these & is accurate as can be.. Can test about everything.
12-04-2023, 09:42 AM
#9
New Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 04-20-2010
Location: Detroit
Posts: 16
Tnhanks, Sleeper for the tool mention. That looks like it could be helpful for many diagnisis'.