Battery voltage a bit low?

[cythraul]

Hi everyone,

Found another post stating that battery voltage under 12v can indicate a bad battery.

I've always found my vibe to be slow to crank at any temperature but assumed they were like that. This morning exterior temperature was around -9C and did a quick test with my multimeter:

- At battery before start: 11.85v
- During cranking: around 9.5v (not entirely sure but first digit was 9. ;)
- Idle: 14.1v

I also have Torque on my Android that was running. Unfortunately, it register only the OBD voltage which seems 1.75v less (before start, did not check afterwards but could be higher) then voltage at battery. Does not look that it can be trusted.

Anyway, do you guys think I should get a battery? Alt seems fine. I should have the starter checked too obviously but for the battery, it would be good timing since CT has the "MotoMaster Eliminator Ultra Flat Plate AGM" on sale this week:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks!
cyth

[tpollauf]

Hmmmmmm Need a bit more info BUT I'd say without knowing more, and the fact that you're somewhere up in Canada (that means COLD) I'd replace it before we get anymore deep freeze temps What year & how many miles/kms? Are you the original owner? Update your profile showing your location. Some cars will get 7 years out of a battery and others maybe only 3-4. Juniors 2009 Vibe GT, manufactured in May of 2008, battery went dead on us just last month. That was roughly 4.5 years of service which I felt was a bit premature but then again here on the Ohio/Michigan border we do get our share of cold winter weather. Replace it

[cythraul]

Hmmmmmm Need a bit more info BUT I'd say without knowing more, and the fact that you're somewhere up in Canada (that means COLD) I'd replace it before we get anymore deep freeze temps :? What year & how many miles/kms? Are you the original owner? Update your profile showing your location. Some cars will get 7 years out of a battery and others maybe only 3-4. Juniors 2009 Vibe GT, manufactured in May of 2008, battery went dead on us just last month. That was roughly 4.5 years of service which I felt was a bit premature but then again here on the Ohio/Michigan border we do get our share of cold winter weather. Replace it :D

I'm on Montreal, QC, Canada.. http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pag ... ric_e.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Unfortunately I'm not the original owner. It's a regular 2007 automatic that I bought in June 2011. It had 141k KM on the odo when I got it and now I'm a bit over 160k. The battery is a Delco but I can't read a date on it. I *think* I remember the sale guy saying that he replaces all his batteries before selling his cars which I think is good practice for cars sitting for weeks (of not months) in a lot without running.

So at best my battery is not quite 2 years old, at worst it's the original. :)

Canadian Tires recommends a 650A cold cranking. Do you think it's enough on our Vibes?

thanks!
cyth

[star_deceiver]

The stock 330CCA battery in my Vibe worked fine, even at -40C. Even up to the day I traded it in (-24C that morning) it cranked over fine. 650CCA is plenty, but from the sounds of it you need a new battery.

[cythraul]

The stock 330CCA battery in my Vibe worked fine, even at -40C. Even up to the day I traded it in (-24C that morning) it cranked over fine. 650CCA is plenty, but from the sounds of it you need a new battery.

I checked again this afternoon. Identical voltages. I took some time to check the labels on the battery to locate a date. Closest I could find is 7/08 which either mean August 2007 or July 2008. Looks like it's a 500CCA so it's most likely a replacement since you say the stock battery is a 330CCA.



It's a pity that I don't have the receipt for that battery. It looks like it's covered for 60 months. :(

http://acdelcocanada.com/parts/battery/ ... rranty.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[beemerphile1]

Your battery is dead. Have you charged it? Probably needs replaced but I would charge it first. If it is bad that was a short life.

[cythraul]

Your battery is dead. Have you charged it? Probably needs replaced but I would charge it first. If it is bad that was a short life.

Nice chart! Where did you get it? By charging it, I assume, disconnect it from the car and charge it with an external charger? In any case, I don't want to risk the alternator so I'll probably go ahead and change it ASAP.

EDIT: Just found this site, it's awesome. ;)

http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles ... asics.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks!

[beemerphile1]

Nice chart! Where did you get it? By charging it, I assume, disconnect it from the car and charge it with an external charger? In any case, I don't want to risk the alternator so I'll probably go ahead and change it ASAP...

http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

Yes, put a portable charger on it. Are you certain the charging system of the car is working correctly? Get the car started and put a VOM (multimeter) on the battery terminals. If everything is right you will read 13.5 volts or more.

[cythraul]

Yes, put a portable charger on it. Are you certain the charging system of the car is working correctly? Get the car started and put a VOM (multimeter) on the battery terminals. If everything is right you will read 13.5 volts or more.

No problem there. It's charging at 14.1. I have the multimeter and the charger. Tho, it's not a smart one but it will do. It's looks like this one but the engine start is rated at 100A on mine IIRC. I got it on sale years ago precisely when one of my previous cars decided to drain it's battery for no reason overnight. :)

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I will attempt a full charge this week-end.

The car is mainly used for stop and go. At least 3 days a week, the car started twice in a day for a 10-15 minute drive then idle in the driveway for 48h or more. I'm assuming it's not ideal for the battery as it probably never gets fully charged on those small rides. I already warned my wife that, as long as we have these driving habits, we should get used to batteries failing prematurely on us.

I'm looking at Noco Genius gear and I'm wondering if it could be a good investment. Also thinking about a small solar panel that I could connect to the battery. Of course I'd need a controller of some sort. Also, route some cables thru the firewall... I think I'll investigate this. :)

Thanks!

[ehoff121]

From your picture of the battery, I'd conclude that this is the factory battery from 2007, thus past the 60 month warranty period.

You are getting 14 volts with the alternator charging the battery, so it wouldn't seem like a charging issue.

If you have a trickle charger or, better, a 'smart' charger that has a reconditioning mode, it would be worthwhile.

Also, consider reducing the load on the battery by changing the interior lamps (domes and map) to LED.

As this is a sealed battery, you cannot add distilled water to the cells thus may need to replace it soon.

[cythraul]

Also, consider reducing the load on the battery by changing the interior lamps (domes and map) to LED.

I've had the leds for months now but never quite find the time to install them. ;)

[circuitsmith]

I also drive mostly short trips that wouldn't keep the battery properly charged.
I ride a bicycle to work.
My solution is to charge the battery overnight every 3 months.
I've been doing this with my Matrix and the previous Accord for 22 years.
My batteries are still working after 7 years, when I replace them at my convenience.
I plan to replace the original batt in my Matrix next fall.

[cythraul]

Well it's been a year and my battery finally gave up last week. :)

I was able to boost myself with my charger and drove to CT to get that battery I wanted last year (posted URL in an earlier post.) Got it on on sale (-25$.) Good deal I think for that type of battery, considering that I paid CAA 125$+tx for a new regular battery (installed) years ago on my old Altima.

This new battery tested at 886CCA at room temperature. I have to say that even at -20C it gets me by surprise everytime I crank the engine. It's starts so fast!

Next purchase is definitely one of these NOCO charger. Probably the GENMini1: http://www.geniuschargers.com/GENMini1/specs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Actually before that that, a block heater. Mine gave up apparently. :(

Happy holidays everyone!
cyth
^