battery problems

[Jagalag]

I got a 99 Avy, and My Die Hard Gold just plain Died!!! anyway... Does anyone who is cheap like me just try to top off with fluid to avoid getting a new battery? I charged it last night but I don't know if it will hold the charge....

[silverxls]

i'm not sure that i understand what you mean by top off with fluid. if the battery has removable caps, then yes, you should remove the caps and top up with distilled water on a regular basis (every 3 months or so). if the water gets too low, the plates will sulfate faster, which kills the battery.

[toyomoho]

If the battery will not hold a charge or ran out of water chances are it is shot. See how it holds up after being recharged, a dieing battery might be able to hold a charge for a few hours or a day, but not overnight.

Pickup a low cost digital voltmeter. A battery with a 100% charge will have a voltage of 12.6-12.7V. 50% 12.2, 10% 11.9V. Check the charging system with the voltmeter. Should be something like 13.1-13.8 when the battery is charging.

The battery may still have some of the warranty left.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Take it to a local auto parts store and ask if they'll test it for you. Usually they'll do that for free. You'll know right away if you need to replace it - and coincidentally - you'll be at a place that can sell ya one!

[avalontom]

Jagalag,

My advice is to buy a replacement battery immediately.

A battery going bad means low voltage/high amperage strain on your charging and starting systems including alternator, starter, battery cables, ignition switch, engine computer, etc.

Tom