How to understand that the battery is faulty

Signs of a dead battery: how to understand that the battery has “died”

“What are the symptoms of a “dead” battery? What are the signs that indicate that the battery is faulty?

Signs of a working battery are the ability to give and receive currents corresponding to its characteristics. For example:

— accept a charge current of 1/10 capacity;
— the ability to deliver currents corresponding to its power;
- starter capabilities - have the starting current declared by the manufacturer;
- ability to retain charge for a long time.

The inability of the battery to perform all or some of the above functions indicates its malfunction.

The signs of a 100% dead battery are clear to everyone:

— The battery cannot start the engine in the morning without a reasonable explanation (the battery was recently charged);
— the battery does not hold voltage at all (does not charge, or is instantly discharged);
— the electrolyte inside is cloudy or black;
— the battery gets very hot when charging (all or one of the cans), and does not cool down for a long time after charging is stopped;
— the battery has an unpleasant odor (by the way, the nose is an excellent tool for determining the condition of not only products).

For more accurate diagnostics, you will need special tools and devices: load plug, battery tester, multitester, charger with ammeter and voltmeter, current clamps. Using them, you can conduct a series of tests and understand how critical the deterioration of battery performance is. If you don’t have any of the above at hand, you can do a simple test to see if it’s time to replace the battery. The test is very simple. With the car not running, turn on the high beam headlights for 20 minutes, then try to start the engine. If the battery “dies” and its capacity is already negligible, or one of the batteries is the “weak link”, then in this case the engine will not start or the start will be difficult.

If the battery fails to start the engine, and you have a voltmeter (multimeter), then with an accuracy of 90%, you can use it to determine whether a serious breakdown has occurred or to find out the discharge level. We remove the terminals from the battery, set the multimeter to voltage measurement mode (range 20 Volts) direct current. We connect it to the battery current terminals: the red probe to the positive, and the black to the negative.

11.9 -12.2 Volts The battery is discharged “to zero”; in this state, sulfation occurs and the battery urgently needs to be charged. Severely discharged batteries are usually unable to reliably start the engine.

11.2-11.7 Volts, it looks like one of the plates is broken. The internal resistance of such a battery is increased, the voltage in the jar with the broken plate is reduced (such a jar does not charge but “boils”). Therefore, the starting current in such a battery is very small: 100-170 Amperes and it is not capable of starting the engine.

10.4-10.7 Volts, there is a high probability of a short circuit between the positive and negative plates in one of the cans. The battery quickly discharges through a short circuit. The voltage in a closed bank is about 0 Volt. Such a battery is also incapable of starting the engine and maintaining a charge.

> 9.0 Volts deep discharge due to a long period of inactivity or due to an unswitched load: an open trunk, interior lights or dimensions left on.

When installing a new battery, you MUST test the operation of the generator and starter, and then monitor their correct operation at least once a year.

Too low or too high voltage in the network will either undercharge or, on the contrary, overcharge the battery. A faulty starter may "unexpectedly" draw more starting current than expected.

During operation, the battery falls into various unfavorable modes:

— constantly charging (taxi mode);
— The battery is constantly discharged (rare or very short trips);
— too high loads (often and for a long time it is necessary to start the engine, turn the winch, power the pre-heater);
— malfunction of the starter or generator;
— the voltage regulator “pill” often does not work correctly.

Due to constant overcharging, the electrolyte boils away and the coating on the plates is destroyed. Undercharging causes sulfation, an increase in the volume of the plates, their warping and even a short circuit. In some modes, only 10-15% of the active mass in the battery works; the remaining part of the battery reagents, not involved in reactions, gradually, but unfortunately, forever loses the ability to receive or give current. Too high loads cause the battery to become unbalanced, and then the weakest bank to fail.

Most problems with the battery, if detected in a timely manner, can be corrected, operating conditions can be adjusted, and battery performance can be restored.

Timely inspection and maintenance will extend the battery life significantly. If you doubt whether everything is okay with the battery, come! Oil-Ok specialists will offer a full range of service and diagnostic services to determine the exact state of “health” of your battery.

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Hello, please tell me the battery is not yet a year old, it’s been a day and in the morning it doesn’t turn at all, on the street - 20-25 the density is good, I’m wondering what the green lamp on the battery is talking about, I measure the voltage with a multimeter and it shows 12.44, but the starter doesn’t turn

Good afternoon
Arrived at work, left an hour later, does not turn at all. I lit a cigarette, it started with half a turn.
Shows charging in progress 14.7 Plug under load 10. Stands for twenty minutes and doesn’t turn at all

When connecting a pulse charger, the voltage was 16.3, the amperage was initially 12, dropped to 8.2, then began to rise again. The battery is not serviceable. What conclusion can be drawn from this?

Hello, please tell me after the car has been idle for three or more days, the battery runs out, what’s wrong with it?

Please tell me, the Daewoo Matiz car sat for a month without driving with the alarm on, the Bosch battery was not serviced.

The car won’t start, when I try to charge the battery the needle reaches 6 (I don’t remember what it’s measured in) and doesn’t go any further. Accordingly, it does not charge - as I understand it, it does not take current! Does this mean the battery is dead? Or is there a chance to do something?

The car battery is disconnected but still heats up, what's the reason?

Akum stood for 4 hours and died, even the starter doesn’t crank even though it was standing overnight charging what to do

In modern cars, when the voltage is below 8 Volts, the ECU turns off, which means all systems do not work. If the battery is severely discharged, then in 90% of cases when trying to start, the voltage will drop below the critical 8 Volts. Launch will be impossible.

Sounds like a problem with the starter. Rule out battery failure by installing a known good battery from another vehicle.

Will the starter turn if the battery is discharged?

On my car, when starting it, the headlights go out and the starter knocks and it doesn’t turn over. Is this related to the battery?

5 Signs Your Car Battery Will Need Replacement Soon

The battery is one of the most important parts of a car, but it has a limited lifespan. To avoid unexpected trouble, it is very important for motorists to know when the battery needs to be replaced. Fortunately, you can understand the approach of this moment by some characteristic signs.

Great age

According to manufacturers, the battery lasts on average from 4 to 5 years. For expensive AGMs this figure is 5-6 years, and for ultra-expensive AGM TPPL it is from 8 to 12 years. At the end of its service life, the battery may experience problems, so it requires periodic checking. Also at risk are those cars that often make short trips lasting no more than 20 minutes and are exposed to extreme temperatures. Their battery will require replacement much earlier.

Noticeable external damage

Drivers are advised to periodically inspect the integrity of the battery. Sometimes just one type of battery can indicate the need for replacement.

If the battery case appears swollen, cracked, or dented, it needs to be replaced. An alarming sign may be electrolyte leaks, which indicates internal cracks. Inspection is also required if the battery has been exposed to extremely low temperatures or has been damaged by impact.

Weak starter cranking and dim lamps

Most often, the cause of such problems is a faulty battery - it is responsible for the effective cranking of the starter and the operation of the lighting.

Also, similar difficulties arise when trying to start a car in winter, after it has been outside for a long time. Don't blame everything on the weather. Difficulties in operation are associated precisely with the wear of the battery and the need to replace it.

Low voltage after storage

If the owner of the car has not used it for a long time and has not started the engine, he may experience interruptions in battery performance. Experts advise checking its condition at least once every 1-2 months. Also, if possible, you should let the engine idle for at least 20-30 minutes, which will reduce the risk of draining the battery.

When checked with a voltmeter, the average voltage readings should be 12.6 or 12.7 Volts. If during measurements the device shows 12.1 Volts or lower, the battery needs to be charged immediately. But do not forget that the time interval between stopping the engine and measuring should be several hours. Otherwise, the readings will be clearly overestimated.

Battery does not comply with manufacturer's recommendations

Some car enthusiasts, wanting to save money, purchase a weaker battery than the one recommended by the manufacturer. For example, on cars with a “start-stop” mode, instead of an expensive AGM battery, a regular “plebek” is installed. The battery will, of course, last for some time, but since a simple battery is not designed for deep discharges, it can deteriorate much earlier than expected.

When installing a weak battery instead of a more powerful one, the car owner must understand that at the first sign of a malfunction it will have to be replaced.

There are a number of signs that may indicate battery wear. And, if the driver notices at least one of them, you need to check the battery as soon as possible and, if necessary, purchase a new device.

Causes of battery failure and how to fix them

Motorists do not argue with the fact that for a modern car the battery is one of the main parts. But providing her with proper care is still a big problem for most of them. Many people do not know and do not follow the most basic rules, as a result of which malfunctions occur and the battery life is significantly reduced. The signs of a car battery malfunction are so diverse that it is quite difficult for car owners to independently suspect problems with the battery.

First maintenance is an important moment for the battery

Many car battery malfunctions are the result of improper maintenance, and in particular the very first one. To prevent battery malfunctions from causing constant stress and additional material costs, the first maintenance must be performed correctly:

1. Cleaning the battery case from dirt, oil, electrolyte.
2. Checking and tightening the battery fasteners in the engine compartment.
3. Gently but thoroughly clean the gas outlet holes in the plugs. To do this, it is convenient to use a toothpick or a thick needle.
4. Checking the condition of the wire tips going to the battery terminals, assessing the reliability of their fastening. If signs of oxidation are detected on the terminals, they are thoroughly cleaned with a wire brush and sandpaper.
5. The electrolyte level is controlled using a glass tube. If topping is necessary, use only distilled water.

Basic battery faults

The most common battery malfunctions are the following:

• destruction of plates;
• short circuit;
• sulfation;
• electrolyte contamination;
• intense self-discharge;
• reversing batteries.

Increased battery drain

This problem can be attributed to the main battery malfunctions, and it occurs for the following reasons:

• low timing belt tension;
• severe oxidation of battery terminals or poor fixation;
• voltage regulator malfunction;
• incorrect operation of the generator itself;
• low electrolyte level in the battery;
• severe contamination of the battery surface;
• problems with wiring in the car, incorrect installation of electrical appliances in the car.
  

In addition, high self-discharge can also be caused by “internal” problems, i.e. in the battery itself. These include such as a decrease in the density of the electrolyte, shorting of the output pins when it gets onto the surface of the battery through various leaks, destruction of the separators, and the entry of pollutants into the housing.

Destruction of electrode plates

The reasons for such a car battery malfunction are as follows:

• recharging the battery with high current;
• long-term storage of the device in a discharged state;
• using the battery in a climate that requires an electrolyte with different characteristics;
• old, loose battery mount in the vehicle.

You can independently determine such a battery malfunction by the very low efficiency of the battery that occurs when starting the engine.

Sulfatization

This problem can be attributed to a faulty battery for disposal, since normal operation of such a battery is practically impossible. It occurs during very long storage, when the battery is partially discharged or when the battery is frequently completely discharged. Separately, it is worth mentioning this malfunction, caused by a lack of electrolyte and constant contact of the plates with air. Sulfatization is greatly promoted by the high density of the electrolyte, its high temperature and self-discharge.

This battery malfunction is quite serious, and its main symptoms are:

• extremely low capacity;
• fast discharge;
• When charging, the battery temperature rises very quickly;
• Almost immediately, abundant gas emission begins when attempting to charge;
• very long time required to charge.

Electrolyte contamination

This happens quite often with serviced batteries, and the cause can be both unscrupulous manufacturers and car owners who violate battery maintenance rules. In addition, the cause of contamination is unqualified repairs or soldering of jumpers with unacceptable solder. The same can be observed when the solution comes into contact with copper wires without insulation of the latter. The presence of some chemical compounds in the electrolyte can be determined independently:

• the presence of copper is characterized by constant gas formation both during recharging and at rest;
• chlorine is determined by the presence of a characteristic odor and light gray deposits at the bottom of the container with the solution;
• In the presence of traces of manganese, the electrolyte acquires a crimson color when charging.
  

The contaminated solution from the battery must be removed, and you can do this yourself. To do this, first, all the electrolyte from the faulty battery must be drained. At the same time, observe personal precautions. After this, distilled water is poured into it, and the battery is charged at a modest voltage (0.05 C10), where it is “charged” for at least an hour. After this, all that remains is to fill the battery with clean, high-quality electrolyte and charge it.

Short circuits

Signs of a faulty battery in which short circuits occur are not very typical, and these include reduced capacity, low density, and reduced voltage. The reason for this phenomenon is the destruction of the separators, as well as the formation of growths on the plates. The formation of bridges between the plates is often observed, which is due to the high level of sludge inside the battery. To eliminate this difficulty, you can use the following method. The battery is completely discharged by the 10-hour discharge current. After checking that there is no voltage at the terminals, the battery is disassembled and the root cause is determined and must be eliminated. Activities may include the following: replacing separators, cleaning the plates from any build-up on them, washing the plates and completely removing sludge. After assembly and filling of electrolyte, the battery is charged.

Battery reversal

This is a malfunction of the battery, which, after a long and incorrect switching on, spontaneously changes its “poles”. If this type of polarity reversal is observed, it can be eliminated by carrying out several charge-discharge cycles. After which the capacities are restored, and the battery is ready for use. In particularly severe cases, the battery must be disposed of. If you connect a normal battery to opposite poles of old-style chargers or rectifiers, a polarity reversal is almost guaranteed to occur.

It also threatens batteries consisting of series-coupled elements, some of which have plates cut out - in case of uncontrolled discharge. In this case, charged and completely “empty” elements will be present in one case. This results in a “reverse charge” situation – from charged cells to empty ones, as a result of which the polarity inside the battery changes. In this case, a mixture consisting of spongy lead and zinc dioxide will appear. This causes very significant self-discharge and, as a result, sulfation. Literally everything about the battery structure in a car and its malfunctions is described in the video:

Main signs of a dying car battery

One of the most unpleasant incidents on the road can be the failure of a car battery, so every driver simply needs to know the characteristic signs of its malfunction.

It’s even worse when the engine doesn’t even respond to external power sources and won’t start. It is important to distinguish between symptoms: whether the battery is simply dead or it is time to change it. Possible financial costs depend on this. And if the car stalls in the middle of the road, outside help from a specialized service may be required. To avoid such situations in the future, learn what to do in such a situation.

The battery just died: main signs

To avoid getting into an awkward situation on the highway, you should pay due attention to checking the battery charge. This should be done every three months using a hydrometer.

This device has a special scale on which the density of electrolytes can be easily determined. If such a device is not available to you, it’s okay - the car service center provides similar services.

We check the battery charge ourselves with a hydrometer

To understand that the battery is running low, when operating the car you should pay attention to the following points:

1. An unpleasant grinding noise occurs when the engine is turned on, and the starter starts slowly.
2. Lack of full illumination of indicators on the panel.
3. Periodic clicking or crackling noise from under the hood.
4. Malfunctions of the alarm system, jammed locks and doors that won’t open.

The indicator on the dashboard also indicates that the battery is not charging

If the battery has been in constant use for several years, do not be surprised that it begins to lose charge faster, even if it seemed high-quality and powerful when purchased.

This happens for several reasons:

Main signs that the battery is faulty

• End of service life, that is, the battery has simply expired.
• When there is a current leak.
• No charging from the generator while driving.
• Constant operation of fans, headlights, radio, which can be left on at night.
• Due to strong temperature changes, from warm to cold and vice versa.

It's time to change the battery: main symptoms

An indicator of a fully working battery is its ability to send and receive current in accordance with its characteristics. Eg:

• receiving current at 1/10 of the total capacity;
• current delivery with power corresponding to the declared one;
• starter capabilities, namely the starting current strength, equal to the indicators declared by the concerns for a specific make and model of car;
• maintaining charge for a long period.

If the battery cannot cope with the above functions, it is faulty.

All car enthusiasts should know the signs that a battery is “dying”:

1. The car battery is unable to start the engine for no apparent reason (provided that it is charged).
2. The battery does not hold voltage well - it cannot be charged or discharges in a matter of minutes.
3. The electrolyte appears cloudy in color, closer to black.
4. The battery heats up when charging and then does not cool down well.
5. The battery develops an unpleasant odor.

To carry out the most subtle and accurate diagnostics, it is necessary to use special devices and tools, for example a load fork, multitester, current clamps, etc.

We carry out battery diagnostics

But in the case when you do not have this list of tools, and for one reason or another you cannot go to the service center, there is a fairly simple way to determine the signs of a dying car battery.

Without starting the car, you need to turn on the high beam headlights for half an hour and then try to start the engine. In the event of a malfunction and a small capacity of the car battery, the car simply will not be able to start, or you will face a difficult start.

If you have a voltmeter or, more simply, a multimeter, you can easily find out about a serious breakdown or low charge level. The accuracy of this method is 90%.

You will need to remove the terminals from the battery, and set the voltmeter to measure voltage in the range of 20 volts. The device is connected to the battery, to the corresponding current terminal: plus to the red probe, and minus to the black.

What do the obtained indicators indicate:

• In the range of 11.9 - 12.2 volts. The battery is completely discharged, requiring urgent charging. Since a severely discharged battery is unable to start the engine correctly, it can fail you at a crucial moment.
• The range of 11.2 - 11.7 volts may indicate a break in one of the plates. Because of this, the resistance inside the battery increases, and the voltage, on the contrary, decreases. As a result, the starting current does not exceed 110 - 160 A. This is not enough to start the engine.
• Range 10.4 - 10.7 volts. A car battery with such indicators discharges instantly and practically does not hold a charge. Therefore, using the battery becomes impossible.
• A result of less than 9.0 volts indicates a deep discharge when the vehicle is idle for a long time or the trunk is not fully closed, the interior light is left on, etc.

Conclusion

1. The main signs of battery failure are clear. To determine the faulty condition of this element, it is enough to take a closer look at how the car behaves.
2. Since most battery problems can be corrected and corrected, sometimes it is even possible to restore lost characteristics.
3. With timely inspection and proper maintenance, the service life of the battery can be significantly extended.

Did you know before how to properly check the battery?

Six signs of a bad car battery

There's nothing quite like the feeling of putting the key in your car's ignition, turning it, and nothing happens. You try once, twice, three times, and then the realization comes: your battery is dead. Truly, it is one of the worst feelings in the world. This situation can be avoided. Just look and listen inside the car for the following warning signs.

Six Warning Signs for Car Batteries

1. Slowly starting the engine with the handle

It takes a lot of power to start a car, and all of that power is generated solely by the battery. Once the car is started, the alternator holds the car's battery, replacing the power used to run the engine and the car's electronic accessories. When you put the key in the car's ignition and turn it on, only the battery starts the engine. Therefore, if the battery is already reaching its end, you may notice that the engine is running slower than usual. It's important that you notice this warning sign, but often drivers notice when the engine refuses to start again. If the engine doesn't turn over at all, the car will often make a quick clicking noise, signaling that the available power is too low to start the engine. Check the battery immediately and replace if necessary.

2. Problems with electrical components

In addition to turning on the engine, a car battery also needs to produce enough electricity to run your car's various electronic components. Most modern cars have many electronic accessories, including power windows, automatic seats, radio, windshield wipers, dashboard lights, headlights and more. They all require electricity supplied from your car's battery.

3. Dashboard warning light

Most cars have a warning light on the dashboard, usually in the form of a battery. It will light up if the battery is not charged or if there is an internal problem with the battery. Just like the Check Engine Light, the battery warning light can also mean that there is something wrong with the alternator or some other part of the electrical system. If the light comes on, your best bet is to have your vehicle's electrical system checked by a professional to determine what the problem is.

4. Swollen battery case

A car battery is essentially a chemical reaction contained in a box. As with any chemical reaction, sometimes things can go wrong. When a car battery is exposed to excessive heat or cold, the flat sides of the battery case may swell or buckle. If, for example, the battery is in a car that is not heated in winter, the battery will discharge and may freeze. Freezing and swelling from excess heat often results in battery failure that cannot be repaired and will require replacement.

5. Old age

On average, a car battery lasts about four to five years. This average run time will fluctuate depending on temperature extremes, number of deep discharges, and whether it goes through full charge cycles. While five years is the average lifespan for most batteries, once you reach the 4-year mark, it might be a good idea to have it checked by a professional to see how long it has left to live. If you don't know how old the battery is, you can find the manufacturing date on the battery case.

6. Strange smell

When a battery freezes, overcharges, or shorts internally, its casing may release gas. He often smells like rotten eggs. If you happen to notice a rotten egg smell under the hood of your car, get your battery checked as soon as possible because you won't just need to replace the battery - the sulfuric acid can eat away at other parts of the engine, causing corrosion that should be avoided at all costs.

You can check the condition of a car battery yourself using special equipment - a battery tester. This equipment is designed to check the condition and degree of wear of the battery. Allows you to check batteries with or without removal from the vehicle.