12v battery check

get an inexpensive volt meter, pop the hood in the evening, and the next morning, open the hood and check the voltage at the jump point in the fuse box.

this has been my go to method for 14 years, and hasn't failed me yet.

 

Solar BA5

 

pleasure.

 

Sounds low, 12.6 would be better. An electronic load tester (such as the one I mention above) would also assess the Cranking Amps, and give a verdict, suggest a course of action. They're about $60 in the States I think.

Another good item to have is a smart charger, 3~4 amp range. Use it periodically, or even just leave it on indefinitely (installing a quick-connect makes this easier) if the car is regularly idle for multiple days.

 

yes, except how long was it since the car had run, or since you opened a door?

 

that can effect it. try my method and repost in the morning.

 

Just a thought and option. A charger is cheap and a great thing to have around. So when the battery does fail, watch a YouTube vid, start your car and go buy a new one. Really easy to instal. (Again with the vids) Most places will install for you when ya buy a battery .

Just an another approach. But then it's not a choice of replacing and wasting money or being worried that you'll be stranded.

Left dome light on the other night and started fine. My battery is older and doubt a meter test would not suggest replacing.

Have seen never used and in the box chargers at yard sales for 2 bucks.

Great advice above. This is just mine and will be insurance for other cars as well.

 

Wut he said, ayup

 

Free'bee at HF. It's a cheap one but works fine and can't beat the price.

Pic didn't copy. But if you go to harborfreight.com , they have a flyer, email and also gives you a % off coupon.

If ya have any trouble ,lemme know. Hope it helps.

 

that's not bad, mine is 12.4, but i have the advantage of charging every time i plug in.
you could be fine for years, no way of knowing. check it once a month or so, unless you'd rather just change it prophylactically.
on major thing imo is whether or not you have ever run it down. if you have, that weakens it. if not, it should still be strong.

 

hehe. You said prophylactically


Wut?

 

That's actually a valid usage, means as a preventative measure. But yeah...

 

Been up working all night and laughed so hard the cat ran out of the room.

Yes, nap time and my apologies .

 

Here's a video discussing the various ways to test a battery, ending up with the Solar BA5. My only affiliation: I bought one, found it does what it's supposed to do. A voltage check is just that. A good first step, but not a good predictor of where you're battery's at. The BA5 and it's ilk do an electronic load-test of Cold Cranking Amps, and give a rudimentary verdict and course of action.