Background: my house battery has been noticeably powerful, meaning that over the last couple years we found we could run a lot of load without draining the battery too badly. Now it seems difficult to keep it properly charged even having charged it over the winter. How does one determine when it is time for a new house battery?
FYI: I do have a new A4 in and the alternator may be lower output than previous one. Also, at some point I could have easily drained the battery accidentally, but don't remember it!
TX for answers.
Cheers,
Clint
How do You know when you need a new battery?
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tartan30cirrus
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How do You know when you need a new battery?
Clinton B. Chase
Tartan 30 #388 Cirrus
Portland, Maine
Tartan 30 #388 Cirrus
Portland, Maine
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Figment
- Damned Because It's All Connected
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When a battery suddenly looses its stamina like that, I first suspect some sort of stray voltage drain. Disconnect the battery (like, actually take the cables off, don't just turn the switch) for a week and see if it holds a charge any differently.
My sense is that a change in alternator output wouldn't have such an effect. Bigger alternators just give more juice during the first ten or fifteen minutes, when the battery is able to consume more before it starts to level off. If you've changed your ratio of drawing time to charging time, on the other hand....
My sense is that a change in alternator output wouldn't have such an effect. Bigger alternators just give more juice during the first ten or fifteen minutes, when the battery is able to consume more before it starts to level off. If you've changed your ratio of drawing time to charging time, on the other hand....
Hi Clint,
I agree with Figment, however (you may already know this) pay close attention as you remove the first cable, any visible arcing would indicate a drain on the battery. If I wanted a quick test of the battery, I would take it to AutoZone or your favorite mechanic shop and get them to put a load test on it. Autozone does it free, or at least the one where I live does.
I agree with Figment, however (you may already know this) pay close attention as you remove the first cable, any visible arcing would indicate a drain on the battery. If I wanted a quick test of the battery, I would take it to AutoZone or your favorite mechanic shop and get them to put a load test on it. Autozone does it free, or at least the one where I live does.