YACT: Autzone Battery Checker

[Twista]

Is it possible for a battery to still work partially, but doesnt have the power to start up the car? Everything works in the car from the lights to the radio and even the horn/wipers. However, the car doesn't start up or doesnt give a noise at startup. We took the battery to autozone and they said it was okay, but could the battery still be the problem? We use to be able to jump the car and get it running, but now jumping doesn't do crap for the car.

 

[NeoAaronX]

Make sure you have a really tight connection on the battery cables.

I see this a lot. A loose connection will run stuff like lights/radio ect,... but won't start the car.

Double check all of your connections.

 

[phreaqe]

could be a starter problem. do they have tests tehy can do on those too? i am not an expert on this kinda of stuff though.

 

[Minjin]

Autozone should be testing your battery with a load. That load is supposed to simulate a starter turning the engine. If this tester says its ok, then it should be capable of turning the engine.

Of course, thats not the only element of the equation.

-wiring
-starter
-engine

All are possibilities.

 

[Vetterin]

Try hitting the starter solenoid with something (like a sledge hammer). Sometime they jam and prevent the starter from cranking. FYI don't really use a sledge, try the handle of a screw driver instead.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I had a "weak" battery a few years ago. It was 4 years old when the problems started.... My car would start, but it took about 2-3 minutes of the car running before it had enough of a charge leftover to maintain the electrical systems properly.

Best thing to do is throw a volt-meter on your battery and test it. See how many volts it has after you let it sit for a day or so... If it doesn't have close to 12 volts, it may not be holding a charge. You only need about 9-10 volts to start your car and it should be running about 12.5-14 when the alternator is running.

If the diode on your alternator goes bad, it basically can turn your alternator into a motor. Meaning it will actually drain your battery. This is why you want to take those readings.

Most batteries are rated for 60 months, but they can last shorter or longer. Just depends on the quality, average temp, use, etc...

 

[OrganizedChaos]

those autozone machines only pull about 500 amps, if its cold out and you've got a vehicle with a large/high compression engine and small battery cables you could pass the test but still not have what you need.