Do I need a new battery?

[ST12AT]

Hi everyone

The van died on me a few weeks back and needed a new alternator (I knew it was on its way out by the noise it was making). Got the van back, all was good.

I guess as the alternator problem was happening for a while I should have changed the battery at the same time but, alas, I didn't. Went to start the van Monday morning and it just kept trying to turn over and eventually died and wouldn't do anything.

Tried again today but its not different, although the battery is reading 12.1v. After trying to start it a few times the voltage dropped to 11.7v.

I figured the battery was the obvious place to start before the plugs?

Also, on a side note, I think the garage put in too much oil on its last service. The dash level is completely full and on checking the dipstick the level is quite a bit over the max line, could this be the cause of my recent sluggish performance and slight "tractor" noise?

Thanks!

[evdama]

Hi everyone

The van died on me a few weeks back and needed a new alternator (I knew it was on its way out by the noise it was making). Got the van back, all was good.

I guess as the alternator problem was happening for a while I should have changed the battery at the same time but, alas, I didn't. Went to start the van Monday morning and it just kept trying to turn over and eventually died and wouldn't do anything.

Tried again today but its not different, although the battery is reading 12.1v. After trying to start it a few times the voltage dropped to 11.7v.

I figured the battery was the obvious place to start before the plugs?

Also, on a side note, I think the garage put in too much oil on its last service. The dash level is completely full and on checking the dipstick the level is quite a bit over the max line, could this be the cause of my recent sluggish performance and slight "tractor" noise?

Thanks!

Battery should be at 14.4v so it probably is well shot.

The excess oil will find its own way out -unfortunatly it may not be in the most healthy way for the rest of the engine so its probably as well to drop a litre out then replenish with some fresh to the right level

[ST12AT]

Thanks

Hopefully that'll do the trick.

[ffrenchie]

The battery will read 12.6 or thereabouts with the engine off if it is healthy, 14.4 with it running and the alternator charging it up.

[ST12AT]

Well it was 12.16 with the engine off. Can't read it with the engine going as I can't get the engine started.

I can hear the glow plugs buzzing when the ignition is on...

[MudFT]

From what you say, battery sounds okay, however a battery must be tested under load.
Check volt reading when trying to start the car or get one of these:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produc...ery+tester

[ST12AT]

From what you say, battery sounds okay, however a battery must be tested under load.
Check volt reading when trying to start the car or get one of these:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produc...ery+tester

I take it that will provide the load instead of the engine...

[j90xxx]

From what you say, battery sounds okay, however a battery must be tested under load.
Check volt reading when trying to start the car or get one of these:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produc...ery+tester

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clarke-Battery...4d0aae0ae9

---

I have had something similar to this for many years.
Proved excellent for basic battery/alternator testing.
(And paid less than £5 for it.)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yato-professio...27cf9ea509
As mentioned in previous replies you need 12.5v + in the battery and 14.5v when engine (alternator) is running (charging). :thumbsup:

[MudFT]

From what you say, battery sounds okay, however a battery must be tested under load.
Check volt reading when trying to start the car or get one of these:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produc...ery+tester

I take it that will provide the load instead of the engine...

Yes, a very good tool to own.
J90xxx's ebay link looks a good option.

[ffrenchie]

Well it was 12.16 with the engine off. Can't read it with the engine going as I can't get the engine started.

I can hear the glow plugs buzzing when the ignition is on...

12.16 is a dead battery, anything below 12.5v is suspect. It will not turn the engine fast enough to start unless it is warm or a very good starter. Get a jump off a good battery then read the voltage the alternator is putting out Which will be between 13.8 and 14.4 if it is in good order. In reply to your first question I'd say yes you need a new battery and save the money for a tester to put towards it.