Battery charging

KGETZ

MEMBER
2013 DODGE CARAVAN
59,413 MILES

I just put a battery charger on my van battery to give it a full charge since I mostly do more around town driving then long-distance driving. When it completed, I let it sit to let the surface charge wear off, and when I checked it with my volt meter. It is only sitting at 12.3 instead of 12.5 or 6. The charger I got recommends using it on 12 volts batteries with rated capacities 22-75 Ah. The battery in the van says its Ah is 80. Would this be causing it?

7 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I am Danny.

I would suggest having the battery load tested. It might not be holding a charge or failing under load. Your local auto parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly's, Pep Boys)will test for free. I have attached a tutorial showing what is involved. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

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Sunday, September 30th, 2018 AT 4:43 PM

KGETZ

MEMBER
88 POSTS

I just went out about fifteen minutes ago and it was up to 12.49.

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Sunday, September 30th, 2018 AT 4:44 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

What is the alternator output with engine running?
Danny-

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Sunday, September 30th, 2018 AT 5:22 PM

KGETZ

MEMBER
88 POSTS

Have not checked it. I do know it is a 160 amp alternator.

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Sunday, September 30th, 2018 AT 5:24 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Using a voltmeter I would suggest checking the alternator output with engine running to determine if the alternator is performing within specification. I have attached a tutorial showing how to test. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator