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battery reads 13.3-13.7 volts...dead? #1242931
05/31/12 08:46 PM
05/31/12 08:46 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,287
Dalton, MA
Slipknot440 Offline OP
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Slipknot440  Offline OP
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,287
Dalton, MA
I had to jump start my battery the other day and after a 30 minute drive it still won't read more than 13.7 volts. Tends to hang around 13.4 but drops down to 12.5 when I brake and if doesn't stall out, it will slowly work it's way back up to 13.3_13.4v if it idles long enough holding the brake. So..is my battery dead/dying?

Re: battery reads 13.3-13.7 volts...dead? [Re: Slipknot440] #1242932
05/31/12 08:52 PM
05/31/12 08:52 PM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 18,880
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RSNOMO Offline
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Load test it...

Re: battery reads 13.3-13.7 volts...dead? [Re: Slipknot440] #1242933
05/31/12 08:53 PM
05/31/12 08:53 PM
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dogdays Offline
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Maybe, but it sounds like your alternator/voltage regulator need work first.
Running you should be looking at 14.2 - 14.5 volts measured at the battery terminals.
Batteries will read around 13 volts charged and after sitting a while may drop down into the 12s, that doesn't mean they are dead.
R.

Re: battery reads 13.3-13.7 volts...dead? [Re: dogdays] #1242934
05/31/12 11:10 PM
05/31/12 11:10 PM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 624
Modesto CA
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BFASTER Offline
mopar
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Modesto CA
Quote:

Maybe, but it sounds like your alternator/voltage regulator need work first.
Running you should be looking at 14.2 - 14.5 volts measured at the battery terminals.
Batteries will read around 13 volts charged and after sitting a while may drop down into the 12s, that doesn't mean they are dead.
R.

R.






Not dead, but not maxed either. And yes, a voltage regulator could be malfuntioning. Take it and get a load test.....most professional repair shops and the big parts stores have them. If you can, check the voltage between the + cable and post. There shouldn't be more than a .3V drop, if there is then clean the connection thoroughly.


1969 Dodge Super Bee Hardtop 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5SE
Re: battery reads 13.3-13.7 volts...dead? [Re: BFASTER] #1242935
06/02/12 12:11 PM
06/02/12 12:11 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,424
Kalispell Mt.
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HotRodDave Offline
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Kalispell Mt.
Batteries get a surface charge that allows them to go slightly over a 12.5 or so normal charge, turn the headlights on for about 10 seconds after shutting it off and it should have around 12.5 or so volts.

Your problem has to do with a voltage regulator or bad connections or both.


I am not causing global warming, I am just trying to hold off a impending Ice Age!



Re: battery reads 13.3-13.7 volts...dead? [Re: HotRodDave] #1242936
06/02/12 07:01 PM
06/02/12 07:01 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,287
Dalton, MA
Slipknot440 Offline OP
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Slipknot440  Offline OP
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,287
Dalton, MA
When I redid the wiring harness in my 68 the new harness came with the attchment for early 70's model VR (the ones shaped like an electronic ignition box). Doesn't mean I didn't get a bad VR but the efi seems to like to die under 12.5 volts and I'm running an interstate megatron battery that's 1 month old. Btw I'm geting my voltage readings from efi computer.

Re: battery reads 13.3-13.7 volts...dead? [Re: Slipknot440] #1242937
06/03/12 01:00 AM
06/03/12 01:00 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,427
UPPER MICHIGAN, MARQUETTE COUN...
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NITROUSN Offline
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Quote:

I had to jump start my battery the other day and after a 30 minute drive it still won't read more than 13.7 volts




That in itself tells you there is a charging or battery problem.

Re: battery reads 13.3-13.7 volts...dead? [Re: NITROUSN] #1242938
06/03/12 06:34 AM
06/03/12 06:34 AM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,570
Downtown Roebuck Ont
Twostick Offline
Still wishing...
Twostick  Offline
Still wishing...

Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6,570
Downtown Roebuck Ont
Clean your battery connections.

Kevin







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