Why not? put probes on battery terminals and get a reading... start engine..... get a reading of alternator output..... job done?????
Winter Prep - In Car
- Thread starter Magic Johnson
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Winter Prep - In Car
Why not? put probes on battery terminals and get a reading... start engine..... get a reading of alternator output..... job done?????
you can have a battery with 13 volts in it but only supplying say 500mah which wont start a car, (plates degrade and Sulfation occurs over time they still produce a good voltage but be unable to sustain it during cranking
a load tester "makes the battery work" and gives you a true indication of the battery's health
eg:
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=16711&Referrer=froogle
A battery as you more than likely know is marked with the amp hour its made for.... you clamp it on then read the relevant scale after 10 seconds of loading and it gives you a basic red amber or green on the battery's condition
a load tester "makes the battery work" and gives you a true indication of the battery's health
eg:
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=16711&Referrer=froogle
A battery as you more than likely know is marked with the amp hour its made for.... you clamp it on then read the relevant scale after 10 seconds of loading and it gives you a basic red amber or green on the battery's condition
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Thanks for the explanation 
I was taught when starting the engine with a volt meter connected the volts will drop - if they get very very low (under 6v) during cranking it's toast..... As I already have a volt meter I dont think I'll be buying a battery tester at £40 but for those with spare cash I guess it's a good tool to have.
I was taught when starting the engine with a volt meter connected the volts will drop - if they get very very low (under 6v) during cranking it's toast..... As I already have a volt meter I dont think I'll be buying a battery tester at £40 but for those with spare cash I guess it's a good tool to have.
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what does it mean if a battery charges fine on a battery charger and starts car, checks at 12+ volts then 14+ volts with engine running, but after driving for a few hours battery dies an wont even power lights?
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Alternator?
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Reason why i said it - just had a Weird fun with mine
Alternator / Battery Voltage ranging from 12v to 14v
And the belowed battery warning light - Turns out a connector was loose/snapping off
so i was running battery / then back to alternator
the Voltage indicator will atleast let you know if the Volts are correct
So when your stationary - you'll quickly see a weak idle voltage - So turn electricals off if you can
Ziggy
Alternator / Battery Voltage ranging from 12v to 14v
And the belowed battery warning light - Turns out a connector was loose/snapping off
so i was running battery / then back to alternator
the Voltage indicator will atleast let you know if the Volts are correct
So when your stationary - you'll quickly see a weak idle voltage - So turn electricals off if you can
Ziggy
Check amperage output of alternator (need a DC clamp meter) if thats ok check battery
if the battery has had a hard life the "memory effect" can cause it not to take a charge
could always try pulse charging it (however this has limited effect if the battery is already Fubar
