Re: Battery or Alternator

Hi,

> > For the past 6 months, my car battery died about 5 times and needed a > boost to recharge. > > What electronic upgrades do i have in my car: i have amps, subs and > upgrade speakers. The alternator is stock, and the battery is an > interstate one - all items replaced about 3.5 yrs ago. No capacitors. > > Symptons: > b. On most of the occassions, it died while i was idling in traffic > because of traffic jam, or died while in the drive through lane at Tim > Hortons or McDonalds, and playing my stereo. >

Sounds like your "system" is pulling more juice than the alt can produce... Someone with a volt meter can check to see if the system goes into negative charge with the system turned on at idle.

Reply to
Steve T
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At idle you should measure around 14VDC across the battery. This is sufficient to charge a good battery.

Reply to
Richard Tomkins

Hi Noela,

It could be either, but it sounds as if your car's electrical system requirements are exceeding the output of your charging system based on your driving habits and will need to be increased in order to keep the battery charged. In other words, you are taking more out of your battery than you are replacing. Continually deep discharging your car battery will prematurelly shorten its life and it should be tested for latent damage.

For more information, please read Section 5 in the FAQ on

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Kindest regards,

BiLL.......

Reply to
Bill Darden

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