Battery/Alternator issue? Help.

[aldive]

How old is the battery?

You may have killed it with that God awful cold weather.

Good luck ....

 

[storlied]

At least a few months old, they wouldn't sell the battery up here if it couldn't withstand our harsh weather. The old battery died, and when I brought it in.. they said it can't be charged and it's just worthless.. they also said it was more for a vehicle that had a crap load of electronics.

 

[aldive]

At least a few months old, they wouldn't sell the battery up here if it couldn't withstand our harsh weather. The old battery died, and when I brought it in.. they said it can't be charged and it's just worthless.. they also said it was more for a vehicle that had a crap load of electronics.

Batterys do not like to be fully discharged.

 

[storlied]

Hm... what could happen?

 

[aldive]

Hm... what could happen?

>>Extreme cold by itself will not cause battery failure. If the battery is discharged for any reason, such as the alternator did not fully charge the battery last time the engine was run, perhaps something was left ON last time the engine was running or possibly even the battery had an internal short, then another condition can enter into the situation. A battery cell can freeze and crack the case if the cell is allowed to completely discharge. Also, if the cell completely discharges then sits for a period of time, the plates in the cell can "sulphate", making them unable to ever take a charge again. Understand that a battery is nothing more than a storage device. It does not MAKE electricity, it only stores what was produced by the alternator.<<

What is the voltage now ( on your "dead" battery?

 

[storlied]

No idea, I have nothing to test it besides my Radar.. and I doubt it would even turn on at this point. As for freezing, keep in mind.. my truck is plugged in and it has been.. there's a heating pad under the battery. Someone told me after so many days on this low battery... the security system and people getting in and out of the vehicle for stuff.. with the lights just slowly drained it til it was done.. plus the -45.

 

[aldive]

Maybe its time to invest in some tools and diagnostic aids with all the troubles you seem to have.

A voltmeter is an ess4ential. You can get one for only $2.99 at Harbor Freight ( http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90899 )

Good luck, my friend.

 

[storlied]

Isn't this no different than if I accidentally left my headlights on all night, and then the next morning I have to get a jump and drive around letting the battery recharge?

My ex did that once at work with my Explorer and once she got it jumped it was fine. (that was the old battery though)

 

[CDW6212R]

Each time a battery is run to a low point, it loses life, it will not last as long. Do not allow a battery to fall under a voltage of say 11 volts. FYI, a low voltage can kill the fuel pump, and some other sensitive electronics.

You should have a voltmeter of some kind. If the voltage is under say 10 volts, then the engine will be harder to start than if you disconnect it. Once a battery gets that low it needs more charging than just a casual drive. If it gets that low than just to start the engine, one battery cable should be removed.

We are trying to help, it is very hard when you don't know what any of the voltages are. Regards,

 

[storlied]

I'll see if I can go find out.

 

[winsorcoke]

At this point it doesn't really matter until the new alternator is installed. Get that thing installed when it comes, jump the truck, and go from there. If you can get your hands on a charger, do it. That will make things easier once the alternator is installed. It's a new battery. You have to assume it's good at this point. It's either going to take a charge or it's not. If it doesn't, just bring it back and exchange it.

 

[storlied]

Without a proof of purchase?

 

[storlied]

And see, that's what I figured.. New battery, it's just dead.. the new alternator will solve this problem once I get the truck fired up.

 

[winsorcoke]

Where did you get the battery? If it was a national chain they can probably look it up in their computer. If not, just go in their and see what they have to say. This is after you install the alternator of course. Like I said, you have to assume the battery is good at this point. I would try real hard to find a charger though. You don't want to let that battery sit without a charge for a long period of time. It could ruin the battery.

 

[Turdle]

Whoa-
it's time to do some testing and get away from just swapping stuff-

It is possible for a weak battery to knock a new alternator right out, the minute you start the vehicle.

First, make damm sure the battery will hold a charge before you throw a new alternator on there. As mentioned, a battery which has been drained a few times and exposed to cold temps might just be toast.
Get yourself a multimeter.

 

[winsorcoke]

Possible does not mean likely. If we lived in a perfect you could do everything by the book, but....
He lives in Alaska and apparently has no family, friends, or neighbors with any type of tools and he has no money to buy them. Sometimes you have to just go with what ya got. And in this case he doesn't have much.

As for the advice of taking a battery cable off when you go to start it is not good. Of course it's going to be hard starting with a low battery, but the alternator could knock out your entire electrical system if you don't have the battery connected. I can point to multiple instances on the web where this has happened.

Like I said, if at all possible, get your hands on a charger.

 

[CDW6212R]

Without more information everything has been said that could be helpful.

 

[winsorcoke]

Agreed.

 

[storlied]

I'm trying to find a charger I could borrow from someone.

 

[aldive]

You can purchase a charger from Harbor Freight for $20.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=45005