Battery Defunctus?

[Bee Elzebub]

I think I can safely assume that my Maverick 2.7TDi's battery is somewhat 'defuncticated'...

Last Saturday, the motor turned over sluggishly; I drove across town about 7 miles, then another 3 to Asda Ipswich, then it slugged a poor start-up. Got half-mile from home, it conked out with a big shudder, gave me a strained "Yurr-yurr" in response to the key - had to call for a tow home.

Put the battery on charge for 24hrs, the first hour of which was on "Boost"; full charge at 12.7volts, an hour after disconnecting from charger; next morning, 12.62 volts; next day, 12.43volts, ... three days further, 12.35volts - turned the key, it barely turned over, and the voltage dropped all the way from 12.35 volts to 9.26volts (although the engine did fire after just 2 very slow turns, so it can't be all bad!).

The voltmeter jumped straight back up to 13.7volts as the alternator obviously did its work, rising to 14.3volts when I eased the accelerator down & gently revved it - so I think I can reasonably assume that the alternator's fine, but the battery is...pooped?

 

[solarman216]

yes your battery has gone, Rick

 

[rustic]

yes your battery has gone, Rick

Sometimes you need to look at the battery terminal cables where they join to the battery clamp.

Hint:
When trying to measure the battery voltage, try to get onto the actual battery terminals, not just the clamp, as there may be resistance between the post and the clamp.

But from the symptons, I agree with Solarman. Battery ... no good.

Be aware of the clamping method of your current battery, and which side the positive is on. Some models differ, my Mav is bottom clamped, some have the over the top clamp.

Choose a high CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) battery. should last you 5 years+
My last one did 7+ years. It went slow once so I replaced it.
Best regards, Rustic