Car Battery Troubles?
My car battery died about a week ago, we tried jumping it in order to get it home and once it got home it wouldn't start again. We then tried charging it and the charger said it was full of life, which was weird because when we put it in the car, not only does it not turn over, but the lights on the dash
board dont come on and lights dont work. We took it to two different auto stores for test and the battery passed both tests. We then took it and put the battery in another car of ours to see if it wasn't a battery problem. The battery wouldn't start the other car. So then we bought a new battery, placed it and once again same problem. Never seen anything like this, could use some expert help here. My vehicle is an '87 Mitsubishi Mighty Max
More Questions From This User See All
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Yeah, lead acid batteries can charge to 12volts but when placed under a load are not capable of supplying the needed current (amperage) to fire off the starter.
You probably have a fried starter solenoid.
If you look at most starters, they look like two cylinders attached to one another. The larger cylinder is the actual starter motor while the smaller cylinder is the starter solenoid. The solenoid allows a small 12v current from the ignition switch to close a substantial switch contact that connects and power the starter motor from the battery. We are talking some serious amperage here ...which is why the cable from the battery to the starter is such a heavy gauge. While only 12 volts, most car batteries are capable of supplying 500-700+ amps for the starter.
It sounds to me like the solenoid has failed. Usually this means replacing the whole starter since it's usually false economy to just replace the solenoid ...which you couldn't do anyway 'cause nobody sells just starter solenoids ...if the solenoid is toast, the starter motor is probably not far behind.
Battery stuffed, but simple put in another battery if it starts and car goes OK then, fixed. But you can buy a cheap volt meter,set on say 20 volts place positive on the + sign or the largest terminal if they are round, and the - on the negative terminal. When stopped should be close to 12 volts, when stared it should be say 13.5 or 14 volts as long as it is above the motor stopped voltage, the it is charging. If you do this the you can check any car voltage in the future, simple.
You didn't ask for a battery load test did you? A battery load test will tell the reserve AMPERAGE capacity. A battery can "appear" to be fully charged @ 12,6 volts yet have little or no amperage. Amps. spin starter motors not volts. Did you check to make sure all FOUR ends of the battery cables are clean dry and tight?
Could be as simple as dirty battery terminals.
Remove your battery cables and clean them inside and out using a battery brush.
Reattach the cables to your battery and start the car.