Battery charge

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Fri 4 Dec 2015 19:32
Battery charge - Doc

Is my battery failing?

I have a Varta 3 years old (OE)

I cannot get it to more than 12.5v on a charger, or after a 50 mile daylight run. (I understand that fully charged it should read 12.66v)

I have checked the alternator and that is charging correctly.

The car always starts with no hesitation even though this morning the reading was only 12.1v

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Fri 4 Dec 2015 20:01
Battery charge - RT

Go to a good local auto electrician - they'll test it, almost always for free, and tell you it's condition - they may well try to sell you a replacement but you can ask to think about it.

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Fri 4 Dec 2015 20:37
Battery charge - elekie&a/c doctor

Voltage is not always an indication of battery condition.A flat battery can read 12v plus.Find an auto shop that has a conductance battery tester.

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Fri 4 Dec 2015 23:53
Battery charge - Peter.N.

I would concur. Do you have 14.4 volts or there abouts with the engine running? You only need a small load on the battery to pull it down to around 12 volts.

Edited by Peter.N. on 04/12/2015 at 23:55

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Sat 5 Dec 2015 13:03
Battery charge - Doc

I would concur. Do you have 14.4 volts or there abouts with the engine running? You only need a small load on the battery to pull it down to around 12 volts.

14.2v with engine running. (No load)

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Mon 7 Dec 2015 13:18
Battery charge - Doc

Voltage is not always an indication of battery condition.A flat battery can read 12v plus.Find an auto shop that has a conductance battery tester.

I have had the battery tested as above and they say it is in good condition, but needs a charge.

I shall give it a long bench charge and see if I can get it fully charged.

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