Struggling to start

[scuba264]

1st things first, yes I replaced the battery

About 2 weeks ago had my car in the shop, they ended up replacing my crankshaft and bearings. Not cool, especially at 22,000 miles but I got a rental and they covered everything. Whatever.

That day it cranked slowly in their lot but fired up, figured maybe it sat for the week, it'll charge the battery and we'll be fine.

Went a week+, intermittently was having it sluggish to start. Either cranking longer than it used to or more slowly but finally starting. Yesterday I stop for gas on the way home, it slowly starts again. Get home and wonder if my battery is going to die. In the garage turn it off, turn the key on and it just clicks.

I picked up a new battery and put it in and it started up. Now this morning it started ok in the garage, then about 15 mile drive stop at a coffeshop and on the way out it struggled to start again. What gives?

Dealer said they'd look at it, but POSSIBLE that a new battery can be low depending on how long it sat. I did only drive some 20 miles on it. Voltage driving says 14.4 volts so alternator should be ok right? Provided I actually get out of the parking lot at work I'm going to try putting it on my charger all night and see if that changes anything.

Ideas?

[Dimitrim]

All new batteries have a memory. Brand new batteries off the shelf have about 80%, memory. You have to charge them to 100% with a battery charger, no more than a 2 amp charger, before putting it in service. Was this done? If it was not done your battery will never get to over 80%. You will need to purchase an other battery.

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by Dimitrim

All new batteries have a memory. Brand new batteries off the shelf have about 80%, memory. You have to charge them to 100% with a battery charger, no more than a 2 amp charger, before putting it in service. Was this done? If it was not done your battery will never get to over 80%. You will need to purchase an other battery.

I'll wager a bet that 99% of people don't do this. They go to the store, buy the battery and install it.

[scuba264]

I've certainly never done that in my life haha. Likely one of those "correct" ways to do things but doesn't cause any real issues otherwise.

[Dimitrim]

Go to any battery web site and read for your self.
After filling battery with electrolite, put battery on a slow charge before putting in service. Especially if it has been sitting on a shelf in a auto parts store for any length of time. This is very criticle to obtain maximum CCA and longgevity.

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by scuba264

Voltage driving says 14.4 volts so alternator should be ok right?

There is only two things that comes to mind that will cause this across multiple batteries as quickly as you say; a bad alternator or a bad starter. My bet is the alternator. Just because the voltage in the car says it's good doesn't mean it is. I've come across a few instances of this, the voltage will be good but when removed and tested it comes up bad.

[scuba264]

I've got it on my charger now so I'll see if that changes anything tomorrow. Ugh, I don't want to be back in the damn shop.

[Dimitrim]

Originally Posted by scuba264

I've got it on my charger now so I'll see if that changes anything tomorrow. Ugh, I don't want to be back in the damn shop.

If this is the same battery you just purchased not too long ago, putting it on the charger now won't help. The memory of 80% of CCA is burned in to that battery. That battery will never get over 80%. Even though it shows good voltage signs, charging signs, battery load test signs, it will always stay at 80%.

If this is a brand new battery, charge it at no more that 2 amps until the charger shows charge complete. Then put it in your car and you should be alright.

[FLYNNZL1]

Originally Posted by Dimitrim

If this is the same battery you just purchased not too long ago, putting it on the charger now won't help. The memory of 80% of CCA is burned in to that battery. That battery will never get over 80%. Even though it shows good voltage signs, charging signs, battery load test signs, it will always stay at 80%.

If this is a brand new battery, charge it at no more that 2 amps until the charger shows charge complete. Then put it in your car and you should be alright.

Will a trickle charger work for this?

[Dimitrim]

Originally Posted by Flynnaz

Will a trickle charger work for this?

Usually trickle chargers charge at a rate of .75 - 1.0 Ahr; Yes it just will take a lot longer.

[kjkjr27]

Originally Posted by Dimitrim

All new batteries have a memory. Brand new batteries off the shelf have about 80%, memory. You have to charge them to 100% with a battery charger, no more than a 2 amp charger, before putting it in service. Was this done? If it was not done your battery will never get to over 80%. You will need to purchase an other battery.

I'll have to remember this when I purchase a braille battery.

[Dimitrim]

Originally Posted by kjkjr27

I'll have to remember this when I purchase a braille battery.

They make awesome batteries. I know for sure you need to do this pre charge on AGM.
If you get the Li Ion battery you would need to speak with their tech dept as for as putting into service. That is a whole different animal.