Winter battery worries.

[08grey]

Thanks Cameron.

Can you verify that a reasonable way to determine drain can be measured with a volt/ amp meter by disconnecting the negative cable from the battery and connecting one leg of the probes to the battery and one to the terminal?

 

[Physh1]

Depends on the style of amp clamp/meter. The one I use actually clamps around the neg cable (everything connected) and gives an amp draw value with vehicle off & doors shut. Generally .8 amps or less is acceptable. .8-2.0a is suspect, & 2.0a+ is pretty bad.

If tested CCA value is roughly 1/2 of advertised than you'll see starting issues.

Example...you have a group size 78 in your truck. Avg CCA rating on those tends to be 800 so I'll use that as a reference. If your battery tests around 400cca (say 300-500) than you'll likely want/need a new battery.

For what it's worth I'm a AAA roadside guy/battery tech/road supervisor...I do this stuff all day long & taken more classes & seen more cars that I can count.

Cameron

 

[08grey]

I have this meter

 

[Stresst]

Costco and Optima are crap! I prefer Sear Die Hard Gold, interstate is good as well! First off you need to find out where the draw is coming from.....

 

[Physh1]

Do you have the manual for that meter? Looks like the top 'prongs' would go around a cable, like your negative, to look for amp loads.

Cameron

 

[08grey]

Yes is you slip the wire in the loop it gives amp readings.

 

[Physh1]

That that'll work. With everything off & doors closed you ideally want under .8amps.

- .8-2.0a is suspect...
- 2.0a+ is pretty bad...

If this checks outs, we know your alt is good, than it's a battery related issue.

Cameron

 

[08grey]

My current draw is the rse. The rear screen is on every time I start the truck. Can't shut it off with the remote.

 

[Physh1]

Well, as long as it's off when the truck is off than it doesn't matter. Only stuff that is on while the truck is off will affect the battery's ability to start your truck.

Cameron

 

[73shark]

Most auto parts stores will check the charging system, battery, and starting system for free.