Folks,
Over the past couple weeks, our car (1998 Hyundai Accent) has been left outside through a couple rather cool nights (0-5 Celcius). This is contrary to being parked in our apartment building's heated (~20C) underground lot as is the norm.
The past few starts haven't been as strong as usual. Yesterday, as my wife turned the key to return home from shopping, the car wouldn't start at all. Dash lights, clock, radio and headlights all ran fine, however. When the ignition was turned on, the starter engages and then just pulls itself down to a stop--taking power to the dash lights, etc. with it.
She called for a boost, got the car started, drove home, and left it idling for about 20 minutes to bring up the battery charge. A couple hours later, I tried to start the car myself and it did start--No doubt thanks to the idle time earlier. (Thus I'm pretty sure the alternator can be ruled out.)
This morning, I tried to start the car again without success. Same symptoms that the wife experience yesterday.
Given that the starter tries to turn the engine over, that there is enough power to run accessories, and that a boost will start the car, I'm left to conclude that the battery is due for replacement. (Or so similar experiences in my days of radio control modelling have taught me: Battery packs can lose their ability to hold a peak charge with age.)
Are there any quick tests I can do to confirm, or rule out, the weak battery theory? I presume with a volt-meter across the battery leads, that the voltage drop between "at rest" and with the starter engaged readings should provide some information.
I haven't ruled out a loose connection somewhere either. Are there any trouble spots I should take a look at besides the obvious, being the battery leads?
Tkx in advance,
--Vincent G.