Main IndexAuto Repair Home Search Posts SEARCH
POSTS
Who's Online WHO'S
ONLINE
Log in LOG
IN









Battery Dead in Cold Weather


Search for (search options)
 



alexahorak
New User

Jan 20, 2008, 4:41 PM

Post #1 of 10 (11427 views)
post icon Battery Dead in Cold Weather Sign In

I have a 2000 Ford Excursion Turbo Diesel. I have had the batteries serviced and both are in good condition. However, when it gets very cold the batteries go dead. Last night's low was 25 degrees, which is low for Pensacola, FL. The vehicle tried to start but now just clicks when you turn the key. This is the third time its happened this winter, which is unusal. I took it to Sears for service, which checked out fine. What do you think the problem is?


way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

Jan 20, 2008, 5:07 PM

Post #2 of 10 (11424 views)
Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather Sign In

How old are the batteries? Dying in the cold usually indicates the battery is weak.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds


alexahorak
New User

Jan 20, 2008, 5:09 PM

Post #3 of 10 (11423 views)
Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather Sign In

Possibly 3 - 4 years old? I've only had the vehicle since March 2007.


way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

Jan 20, 2008, 5:16 PM

Post #4 of 10 (11419 views)
Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather Sign In

I would purchase 2 new batteries and then have the charging system checked. I do not think Sears did a good amperage draw on the batteries. If they keep running down they take more of the life out of them each time it is dead. You might also check for a current draw when the truck is turned off, There could be something staying on causing the batteries to go down.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds


alexahorak
New User

Jan 20, 2008, 5:28 PM

Post #5 of 10 (11417 views)
Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather Sign In

I thought that it might have been my car charger because its light stayed lite after I turned off the vehicle, but I stopped leaving it plugged in while not in use after the first time the battery died.

The only thing that I see lite is the red Theft light, which should be on. Right?


way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

Jan 20, 2008, 5:46 PM

Post #6 of 10 (11415 views)
Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather Sign In

It should be on. An easy way to test is to disconnect one of the battery cables and place a trestlight between the cable end and the battery post. The light should light up for a little while and then fade out after a few minutes. If it goes out, there is no draw. Just be sure you do not have doors open or the hood light is on. If you have an ampmeter that has at least a 10 amp setting, you can install it. The current should drop in stages down to about .055 amps.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds


alexahorak
New User

Jan 20, 2008, 5:56 PM

Post #7 of 10 (11414 views)
Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather Sign In

Thanks! We will give this a try. Unfortunately, it will have to be in the morning because my husband is glued to a football game right now. My husband doesn't know a thing about fixing vehicles so we might be buying batteries tomorrow anyway. Thanks again for the advice.


way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

Jan 20, 2008, 6:00 PM

Post #8 of 10 (11412 views)
Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather Sign In

I hope it is of some help. Let us know the outcome. Good luck.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds


Guest
Anonymous Poster
bugybumer@sbcglobal.net

Jan 20, 2008, 7:08 PM

Post #9 of 10 (11409 views)
Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather Sign In

Do you have any Tire Kingdom stores in your area. They may have a charging system tester that will tell you the actual cold cranking amps that your your batteries are putting out and the state of charge of your batteries. Some testers can detect a draw on your system. Goodluck


BurnNotice
New User
BurnNotice profile image

Jan 21, 2008, 8:15 PM

Post #10 of 10 (11390 views)
Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather Sign In

I actually had the same problem a few weeks ago. I got back from a trip and i took the other car, my blazer wouldnt start after not driving it for four days. you have a few possible problems here.

. your battery, although new, could have a bad cell in it. shops get dud batteries all the time, if thats the case, they should replace it for free since its their fault essentially.

. something could be draining your battery while the car isn't running. i had an electric short in my drivers side power seat that was draining the battery overnight, and it wouldn't start.

hope that helps a little!






 
 
 






Search for (options) Privacy Sitemap