First snow fall now the battery is failing

[Millertime1987]

So i was driving to get new wiperblades and had the rear defroster, headlights, and heater all on. Looked at the battery gauge and it was all the way down on L. Turned off the rear defroster and turned down the heater then it went backup to mid way again. I went to Checker and they did a load test but it said everything was fine. The guy at Checker suggested going to Sears or something to get another load test done.

What do you guys think the battery, alternator or could it be the serpentine belt thats the issue?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Clean the battery contacts, and check the charge with a multimeter.

 

[Donner]

So you have a Diehard already?

 

[Millertime1987]

i have had the contacts cleaned at least 4 months ago. Not sure if its a Die Hard battery cause i have never changed that battery since i got my Ex (3 years)

 

[Donner]

If it's not a mechanical issue, and there's no Diehard, pop a Diehard in there... They work no matter what.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Optima is also good, but it might not be a problem with the battery.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is an old thread of mine which is a poll on which battery you prefer: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159284

 

[Donner]

I just voted

 

[KPT]

Its probably a ground for the gauge or the gauge itself. One would think alternator since it happens with the engine running, but you would have had a dead battery since it would be supplying all the DC.

 

[rob17san]

THE CCA is Cold Cranking Amps. Basically, if your battery is weak, it is going to show when it is cold. I recommend just replacing with any new battery. DieHard is the best. Anyhow, good Luck. Winter always shows your batteries true colors.

 

[marcs]

battery???????

I agree with rob17san. Cold weather always tells the tale as to whether or not your battery is any good. At least that has been my experience with batteries.
One more thing that might help you.- I also own a 93 f-350 7.5 liter and I recently experienced the same thing your talking about. I did a load test on the battery and it failed. When I would be driving with little or no load, the volt gauge would indicate high up in the OK area, but when I would load the system down (AC,hi blower,head lights ) the voltage would stay low even when holding the engine rpm at above 1000.The battery had a shorted cell.

As-far-as terminals go, I NEVER buy batteries with clamp style connections ,or "posts". They are nothing but a serious hassle, and can lead to alternetor problems later on down the road, because they always loosen and corrode. I replaced my batteries with the type that use 3/8" studs to connect up the wiring. These are stainless steel, absolutely no chance of corroding or loosening. At least this has been my experience in all the time I have been using these types of batteries. I hope this helps a little.

 

[rob17san]

I work in the auto towing industry. every optima battery I have ever seen is no good. They dont recharge either in my encounters. These have always been the red tops. Judging by that, I would personally never get one. We have had 5 or so come through and they were all bad. Weird, or coincidence maybe. Or spaceage dry cell junk? I know I am going to be hurting some feelings with that statement, but hey, I saw what I saw.

 

[Millertime1987]

Well it ended up being the battery. The gage is still in the middle of the amp gauge, but at least its not draining anymore when i have the heater and rear defrost running at the same time. Thanks for info guys. So far never had a bad recommendation from anyone here.

 

[Donner]

What brand?

Which brand did you get?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update!

 

[Millertime1987]

Went with the Die Hard Gold. Thought about getting the SUV battery but i don't do allot of offroading currently. Hopefully at somepoint i will stretch the legs and get to some offroading though. Plus the old battery was an Energizer? Didn't know they made car batteries, the Die Hard should last for a long time though.

 

[Donner]

Nice choice!

They make an SUV battery? Didn't know that, thanks!

 

[Millertime1987]

Yeah its a SUV, Truck battery for the extra load they can put on batteries. Its like 20 or so dollers more for it then the Gold. I was already over on my lunch break though when i was paying out so i went with Gold. Here's a link to what they look like http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...tteries+&+Chargers&sName=Automotive+Batteries

 

[Donner]

We could quote everyone here...

THE CCA is Cold Cranking Amps. Basically, if your battery is weak, it is going to show when it is cold. I recommend just replacing with any new battery. DieHard is the best. Anyhow, good Luck. Winter always shows your batteries true colors.

Everyone posted well in this thread... I'd listen to what the cold weather people say about your vehicle too, the areas to check, etc. Cold over here is not much, we wear Winter clothes when it's 70 degrees Good luck!

 

[rob17san]

Well it ended up being the battery. The gage is still in the middle of the amp gauge, but at least its not draining anymore when i have the heater and rear defrost running at the same time. Thanks for info guys. So far never had a bad recommendation from anyone here.

My needle isnt even to the middle of the Gauge. Sounds like yours is pumping out some good juice and is showing more volts then mine does.