| Answers: |
TOP |
How do I know when my battery is
failing? Here are some warning signals that may indicate a problem with your
battery or your charging system: |
| 1) |
When starting, your motor turns over slowly or in an interrupted manner. |
| 2) |
Your battery seems to lose power quickly in cold weather. |
| 3) |
Your headlights dim when you are idling. |
| 4) |
The battery/charging system warning light on your instrument panel stays
on for extended periods after the engine is running. |
To determine if the battery is failing, take it
to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible or try testing your
battery.
|
TOP |
Why did my
battery fail early? According to recent independent
laboratory tests, no brand of battery lasts longer than Interstate Batteries.
Batteries fail prematurely because of a variety of situations, including poor battery
maintenance, hot weather, hot engine temperatures and a failing alternator. Sometimes a
defect in the battery may cause it to fail early, and that's why Interstate Batteries
offers a warranty. |
TOP |
My battery won't
take or hold a charge. A battery may not accept a charge for several reasons.
Your battery may have a bad cell or an internal short and therefore be irreparable. Or it
could be so severely discharged that it will require a professional caliber charger to
charge it. Many home chargers have minimum voltages that must be present in the battery
before the charger will switch on. Normally these low voltages are well below those
exhibited by a battery that appears to be "dead."
Often however, the battery is not given the adequate amount of time to accept a charge.
One of the best tips regarding battery charging is to observe the charger's ammeter swing
needle (available on some chargers) during the charging procedure. After the charger is
connected to the battery and is on, the needle should deflect to a high amperage level if
the battery is partially discharged. If the battery is severely discharged, the needle
only deflects slightly away from zero. Continue to observe the needle in either situation.
On a normally discharged battery only, the needle will start to taper in amperage back
toward zero, usually in less than five minutes. This reduction in amperage typically
indicates the battery is accepting a charge. On a severely discharged battery, the needle
will start off very low then rise. This rise of the needle is a preliminary indication the
battery is accepting a charge. Remember, chargers vary in capability and always observe
safety procedures recommended by the charger manufacturer.
Always determine the battery's state of charge before and after recharging. The most
accurate method for a battery with removable vent caps is the specific
gravity test, using a hydrometer. If the battery will not hold a charge adequately,
contact the nearest Interstate dealer. |
TOP |
My battery light
comes on when I'm driving, and the voltage jumps back and forth from high to low.
This would typically indicate a charging system or cable connection problem. Take your
vehicle to a local Interstate
dealer to have the charging system, cables, connections and battery tested. This will
help determine what type of problem you are having. |
TOP |
My second
battery failed in less than a month. The possibility of getting two defective
batteries in a row is remote. If the battery is undamaged and it recharges and performs
well on a load test, then something else is wrong. Make sure
that:
- the battery matches the vehicle's make, model and year according to your vehicle owner's
manual or your Interstate dealer's application guide.
- the vehicle does not have electrical modifications, such as a non-factory air
conditioner, a large stereo system or extra running lights, that may call for an upgraded
battery.
- the battery hold-down is secure.
- there is no evidence of shorting or damage to the terminals or cables.
- the battery terminals and cable connections are clean and free of corrosion.
- the vehicle's electrical system is operating correctly.
|
TOP |
My battery keeps
failing even though I seldom drive the car. Like people, batteries need regular
exercise to remain healthy. Exercise to a battery is getting recharged so it can remain
healthy. Batteries will self discharge while sitting unused. Also, every vehicle made
since the late 1970s will have some key-off electrical drain, from the computer memories,
which may discharge the battery below a no-start condition within a few days to two weeks.
Connect a small charger to the battery occasionally. If this problem continues to occur,
have the vehicle tested by an Interstate dealer for excessive key-off electrical drain. |
TOP |
My battery
quickly gets corrosion build-up on the terminals. Although all batteries contain highly
corrosive sulfuric acid, corrosion should not occur under normal conditions without
spillage or one of the following:
Overfilling: Add distilled water to the electrolyte of
a fully charged battery if it is lower than 1/8" to 1/4" below the vent well at a
full charge. If the battery requires charging, only add water if the electrolyte is at or
below the plates.
Overcharging/overheating: Overcharging by the alternator or normal charging at an
extreme battery temperature can result in excessive gassing of the battery, which may
produce increased corrosion.
Inadequate metal contact: When current passes through poor or loose electrical connections, a form
of corrosion may form.
Metallic exposure: When an electrical wire is exposed to salt particles in the air,
corrosion will eventually occur. Remember to keep connections clean, tight and sealed by
protectorates. Do not overfill the battery or allow it to become overcharged or
overheated. If battery corrosion persists, check with your local electrical professional. |
TOP |
My battery
starts the car sometimes but not at others times. This is probably not a
battery problem. If the problem occurs only after the vehicle sits overnight or for a day
or more before starting, the problem is often a low state of charge. If the battery starts
the vehicle once the vehicle has been started recently, test your battery to determine its state of charge. Also, make sure that the alternator is
adequately charging and that all the connections are good. If problem continues, see your local Interstate battery dealer. |
