Thread: Red Battery symbol, then abs dsc please help
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Old 12-21-2015, 12:36 PM
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bcredliner bcredliner is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StephenVA View Post
Before we start off the day's postings slagging everyone's automotive knowledge and the source of energy, I would suggest a few simple tests with a volt ohm meter.

AFTER CHARGING THE BATTERY
With the test meter connected to the battery posts, read the voltage_____
With Key in the engine on position, and meter connected to the battery the reading is _________
With meter still connected to the battery, crank the car. What is the LOWEST reading that comes on?___________
Engine running, what is the voltage at the battery?_______

Report back and and we can have a good understanding of the Starting system. This is the FIRST test in checking a starting/charging system. We will stay will volts as I am sure you do not have a carbon pile load tester in your garage that can load 50% of cold cranking amps RATING to the battery after charging 30 mins at 60 amps, or 2 hrs at 10 amps. This test shows battery condition and ability to hold and store energy. Most of the "parts store" employee hand held testers only load 100 amps and call it quits.

By the way, that above test was being done way back in the 40's, 50's, 60's by Sun Electric as the standard baseline for starting systems.

Now with TESTING, not guessing we will determine what is going on and be able to assist the OP.

Now back to flaming
Disagreeing is not flaming. As I see it you are the first to head that way.

Yes--it is easy to check the battery with a meter if you have what you need and know how to use it. And if he does that's great. If that is not the case and the route is to purchase one I suggest purchasing one that will do a load test. The tests you suggest should start with a fully charged battery that reads 12v. However that is not the only way to find the core problem without guessing and since the meter route had already been suggested I thought an another approach was a reasonable contribution, for OP and other readers.

Upallnight is correct that a car will run based on the alternator output only. I agree the primary function of the battery is to start the engine. However, the current needed to keep the vehicle running and power the electrical systems still comes through the battery not directly to the electrical systems. What electrical systems are connected directly to the output of the alternator?
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Last edited by bcredliner; 12-21-2015 at 12:46 PM.
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