2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission batteries

[Tractorat]

The batteries in my truck are getting kind of old (original batteries in my '02). I bought the truck the week after 9/11, so they are now 8 years old. I haven't had any problems with them, and I would like to get another year out of them. But, I don't want to have any surprises this winter either. Also, I understand that weak batteries are hard on the alternator.



I heard on the radio that a good easy way to check battery health is to first check the voltage with the key off. Then, turn the key on and check the voltage again (dont start the engine). There should be a voltage drop with the key turned on.



Has anyone heard of this ? Is it reliable ? If so, can you tell me what is an acceptable voltage drop when the key is turned on ?



I know I should take the truck to auto zone or someplace, and have them test the batteries. Or, what I should really do is just buy new batteries. But, I'm feeling pretty lazy. And if this is a good reliable test, maybe it would suffice in the short term.



Thanks,

TRat

 

[drag racer]

The only reliable way to check a battery is under load test. You can have a battery that couldn't turn over a leaf still have 12V across the terminals.

 

[Grizzly]

After that many years, the safe thing to do may just be to put two new batteries on your truck.



I just put a new battery on my 03 Avalon, which I purchased in Jul 02 and it still had the original battery. I knew that the battery would be going out anytime, so a carried a booster battery in the trunk of the car, which I did use the day the battery quit. I did re-charge it every three months. Our truck may require two booster batteries. Booster batteries are those portable outfits with a small compressor and light.



There are many places where you can take your truck in and get a load test. I don't believe they charge for that. They just hope you'll buy batteries from them. At least Sears doesn't charge.

 

[GaryOwen]

Here's a test you can do yourself to get an idea on battery condition.



YouTube - Poor Man's Load Test (testing battery)

 

[Road Dog]

The test you describe is worthless.

 

[BDaugherty]

I agree that if you can afford it, new batteries would be a great idea. Recently, I've been using Advance batteries due to the pricing I can get. I've only been using them for about a year, but they have worked as well as any other I've ever used.