Not sure whats going on with my van.
Its running funny after I jumped it.

First off I think I have one bad battery.
I came out of work a few days ago to dead batteries had to get a jump to start.
I took it to the part store to get the batteries checked.
But I dont think he tested them right he wouldnt let me disconnect one battery.
He told me the batteries were marginal but should be alright.
I figure since he tested them together that I have 1 good 1 bad.
Sound right?

Well I came out tonight and they were dead again.
I got a jump and got it running but on the way home it acted funny.
It felt a little like the trans was slipping but it didnt rev up.
It had a slight loss of power I think.
It slowed down on me a little bit then sped back up.

I'm not sure what this could have been.
Not enough power to run it off alternator mostly?
But the headlights didnt fade.

Maybe gelled fuel?
It was 5 degrees out and I havent put additives in the last couple fillups.

Or could it be slipping trans?
It has felt a little lagging while shifting lately.

Im gonna get the batteries checked the right way tommorrow.
I dont really think its the alternator it continued to run after disconnecting both batteries the other day.

Thanks
John

 

You are correct, the batteries need to be tested seperatly. If 1 is found bad replace both or the marginal battery will ruin the new one.

Marginal batteries can cause the trouble(s) you described, especially if the alternator is weak too. Be sure to have it tested. The built-in voltage regulator has been known to fail and cause a drain on the batteries with the key off.

The IDM needs plenty of power, The injectors are fired by the IDM with 115 volts.

 

Well this is what I did.
After charging tha batteries all night the van ran ok no surging or whatever you would call the way it was running.

I took it down to the parts store the checked the batteries seperatly and I ended up with one a little worse but both stilllshowed the should be allright.
But not perfect I decided to change them anyway they are at least 3 yrs old Ive never changed them and the looked old when I got the van 3 yrs ago and Ive beat them pretty good.

Well they only had 1 of the batteries I needed I got the left side the 1000 cca one but I need the right the 750cca.

So when I got home I took the other old battery out nad put the battery from my dump truck in it its small only about 500 cca.

I let it sit overnight to cold soak no heater 11 degrees this morning went out to start it and it started it did stuggle just a little I figure because of the smaller battery.

I think Ive eliminated the chance that it was the alternator.
Sound right?

As far as the other battery does anyone know of a part number preferably NAPA to get a higher, maybe another 1000cca battery for the right side?
The right side is the narrow one.

 

Not sure if the CCA difference between the 2 batteries will make a difference when new, but....I've never replaced batteries of different CCA ratings. It's best to have 2 batteries that are as equal in power output as possible IMO.

Yep, alternator sounds good.

 

Would you happen to know a part number for the right side smaller one?

 

Ive seen this happen to my last truck my IDI one battery was bad and kept drawing down the other one. I found that Wal-Mart Everstart was a nice battery I put in 2 1000CA 850CCA and those batteries turn the starter and power the GPs nicely. I swapped them into my powerstroke when i sold my IDI and its deff worth the big batteries.
-----------Jeremy

 

Well Ive got a new 1000cca on the left side but the right side is a wierd size 12 1/2" long by 5 1/2" wide.
So far I'm not able to find a battery that size and shape that is a 1000cca.
Does Walmart have one that size and shape?
NAPA?