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gyno · Dec 11, 2007, 06:42 AM

Car didn't start right away. Lights didn't go on right away either...

Here's the story, I'm in my car getting ready to go to the market, Went to to turn the lights on and they were really dim. Tried starting the car and it didn't start right away, it did start after trying for about 10 seconds..

Took the key out so I could try it again and it worked fine, the lights were bright like usual..

Should I be really concerned about what happened last night?

Battery is 1 year old. Thanks

CaptainRich · Dec 11, 2007, 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by gyno

Car didn't start right away. Lights didn't go on right away either...

Here's the story, I'm in my car getting ready to go to the market, Went to to turn the lights on and they were really dim. Tried starting the car and it didn't start right away, it did start after trying for about 10 seconds..

Took the key out so I could try it again and it worked fine, the lights were bright like usual..

Should I be really concerned about what happened last night?

Battery is 1 year old. Thanks

Have the charging system tested. The problem is likely a failed alternator. If you don't have this repaired, that relatively new battery could suffer. I hope this helps.

gyno · Dec 11, 2007, 06:53 AM

Originally Posted by CaptainRich

Have the charging system tested. The problem is likely a failed alternator. If you don't have this repaired, that relatively new battery could suffer. I hope this helps.

Charging system tested? How do I go about this sir?

Is my car safe to drive to work today?

CaptainRich · Dec 11, 2007, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by gyno

Charging system tested? How do I go about this sir?

You need specialized tool to fully test the system. But if you connect a voltmeter across the battery while the engine is running, you should have over 12.6 volts.

Is my car safe to drive to work today?

Safe? Perhaps. Reliable? Not so much.

If the charging system isn't working properly, all the loads are drawing from the battery and nothing is going back in. This could deplete the battery and shorten battery life.

.

gyno · Dec 11, 2007, 07:03 AM

Wouldn't my CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT come on if it were that problem sir?

CaptainRich · Dec 11, 2007, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by gyno

Wouldn't my CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT come on if it were that problem sir?

Not necessarily.
I don't even know what you drive, but if the criteria for the charge light hasn't been met (if the voltage isn't low enough) the light won't come on.
Check both ends of both battery cables. Insure they are clean and tight. Take your car to whomever you trust and have the system diagnosed.
Then again, it may only be a faulty battery (batteries have been known to fail prematurely)

gyno · Dec 11, 2007, 07:14 AM

Thank you for your help Rich. Go Pats!! Hope they kill the Jets by 50+