A common problem with a car battery
is low voltage. As a battery ages it loses the ability to store electricity resulting
in an insufficient flow of electrical energy to the starter. Most
starters are designed to
operate on a high amperage 12 volt system. When a
starter is subjected to
low voltage or amperage (flow) it will cause the starter to engage and disengage
rapidly producing the machine gun like sound. To fix this problem a battery inspection
or replacement is needed. There are two reasons that a battery will not perform
as it should, either the alternator has failed allowing the battery's state of charge
to become weak or the battery has failed and replacement is required.
Unfortunately
to check the alternator the
engine must be running, so you must either
jump start
your car or replace the battery to check the charging system. If the alternator
output test is ok then the battery
is bad and must be replaced. If while driving the charge light indicator on the
dash was not illuminated and the battery is more than three years old the battery
has probably failed.
Car Battery
Related Inspections
Check Battery Cable Corrosion - The
battery cables are used to transfer
electrical power from the battery to the starter. Battery acid causes corrosion
inside the battery cable and will inhibit electrical flow. To check for this condition
look for bulges near the top of the cable, these bulges indicate corrosion expansion
caused by the chemical reaction between the acid and copper wire. Remove the failed
battery cable to replace with new unit, then check charging system to ensure proper
operation.
Inspect Battery for Bulging - The battery supplies electrical
power to the vehicle, when a battery short circuits internally it can cause the
car to lose power and gain it back again. Inspect the battery; if the sides are
bulging it could have a warped plate that can short under certain conditions. To
check for this condition the battery needs to be disassembled which is very difficult,
and should not be attempted. This problem is rare but it does happen.
WARNING! Always wear protective eyewear, gloves and necessary
clothing before inspection or work begins. Never crank an engine over when you are
near the battery or engine. A battery is filled with acid that produce explosive
vapors that can ignite when extreme heat or a spark is present. A battery could
have residual acid on the outside casing so use caution when handling a battery
and the surrounding area. Use baking soda to neutralize any suspected acid residue
before work begins.
If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready
to answer your car questions.
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