something killing my batteries
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2008
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something killing my batteries
So, for about a week or so, my truck has been having a hard time starting. It sounds like the batteries are dead if i leave the truck sit for too long, but still starts. this moring it almost didnt. ive never had problems with it before and my gauges are reading that it is charging, and the alt was replaced about a year ago. im looking for things i can look or check myself before i go spending money until its fixed. i would think the batteries are not holding the charge, but how can i check these sorts of things?
Thanks for your time!!
Thanks for your time!!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 173
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From: Holland, Michigan
I had the same problem... There ended up being something wrong with my starter. When I would crank it over my voltage would drastically drop and it didnt have enough juice to start it, I would let off the key and the voltage would go back up. I believe the guys a napa said it was either something with the brushes or the windings on the starter... It seemed to start better after it sat for a few too.... I would take your starter out and get it tested.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,544
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From: Suffolk, VA
After it sits for a day or tow, get the volt meter out and check the battery voltage. Maybe they aren't holding a charge.
Then while the engine is at high idle, check the voltage at the back of the alternator.
Then while the engine is at high idle, check the voltage at the back of the alternator.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
Start with pulling the cables and cleaning the connections. ONce back on, check your voltage,m 12.7 is what you are hoping for. See if she starts better. IF she does, you should be done, if not, once she starts check the voltage. 13.5-14.3 is what I would look for. If you get something lower, start looking for the alternator. If you get the 13.5-14.3, and you are seeing the 12.7, you might want to look at load testing your batteries. 1 may be dying, or close to. You will want to replace in sets of two sadly.
If you want a last ditch effort, purchase a cheap little 1.5-2 amp battery charger, connect it to your batteries, let her charge over the weekend.
If you want a last ditch effort, purchase a cheap little 1.5-2 amp battery charger, connect it to your batteries, let her charge over the weekend.
Hook it, I'll pull it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,037
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From: Grand Lake, La.
I had the same problem a few weeks ago. My truck was cranking slower then it had been. I would check my terminals with a meter and I had 14v coming from the alternator, then I would put the prob on the battery post and was only getting 11.XX volts. I sure didn't think my terminals were dirty, but after I cleaned them, I got 14 v going to the post. And now,the truck cranks like new batteries.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,259
Likes: 17
From: Gambrills
I had this problem a while back. After checking the charging system I thought there was a drain on the bats. I disconnected the batteries and they still died! I then seperated the disconnected bats and 1 went dead. Turned out the one battery was killing the other. X's 2 on replacing them in pairs.
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Freshman User
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well i thank all for the input. Derek, i think you hit that one right one the head, thats exactlly my problem. but my first coarse of action will be to clean the termials and check the bats and alt with a volt meter. depending on the results, the starter will be next in line. hopfully within the next hour or 2, so ill pop back in with some results.
thanks again!!
thanks again!!
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2008
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well, i think i identified the problem: ditry terminals!! i cleaned all of them up, which they all needed, checked the volts of the bats while they were both disconnected from each other ( 12.75 and 12.71 ) put everything back together and it started like it did when it was new. so hopefully thats the end, if not i have some good dplaces to start looking again. I want to thank you guys for the help, it was something as simple as that. if anything else, ive learned something today.
Thanks again!!
Thanks again!!
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 790
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From: Austin
My batteries were being drained by a defective DB Electrical Alternator. Touch your alternator in the morning, it should be cool to the touch, just like the engine block. If its warm, its draining your batteries.