Batterie problems.

[Alwaysdutch]

Maybe a stupid question,

Can a battery go down to 0 volt overnight and is it possible that you cannot jump start a 6-cil. van with a smaller 4-cil. car??

Thanks

[justen]

a battery can go dead in minutes if it's shot, And depending on the alternator, it doesn't matter what engine size you have to jump start. I've jumped started v8's with a little 4 cylinder no problem, just took a little longer to charge the battery. But if you work at a auto parts store, you'll notice some alternators fit a 4 cylinder, or 6 cylinder or even a 8 cylinder. All the same alternator with 55 amps. Newer cars, have more electronics so now, alot of the new cars have over 100 amp alternators.

[Daniel Wood]

Justin is right about the short, it will kill a battery in no time. Let us know what you find.

[Alwaysdutch]

So far I have tried to jump start with a small car and a SUV. While connected to the other vehicle, the cluster lights come on, the starter tries to turn but I only only hear a continues click while trying to start.

The batterie gives me 6 volts when I pull the connectors but there is nothing when I put the connectors on.

The batterie is about 5 yrs old.

Thanks

[Daniel Wood]

Originally Posted by Alwaysdutch

The batterie is about 5 yrs old.Thanks

If you didn't find a short or a switch on to draw the battery down and the alternator is working. Chances are it is the battery. 5 years is a real good life expectancy.

[Alwaysdutch]

The van was running great until I changed the idler pulley. After installing a new one, I found out that I had no juice at all. I am pretty sure that nothing happened while working on the pulley.

Thanks

[justen]

5 years, I think it's time for a new battery. Try a battery, and run it awhile, And see what happens.

[jjager2385]

are you sure it is a continuous click, or just one click? if it is just one click each time you turn the key it could be the starter, or starter solinoid. you could always take the altinator off and have it tested at a auto parts store for free. lets us know what you found out.

[justen]

I'm just hopeing, he routed the belt correctly.

[KA9MOT]

Unless you have massive cables it is not likely that you'll be able to jumpstart the van when the battery is completely dead. Get a charge (doubtful) in the battery or get a new one first.

A completely discharged battery will read in the nieghborhood of 11V. 0 volts is a shot battery. You will not be able to revive it.

[justen]

Personally, I don't buy expensive batteries, I always replace my batteries every 2 years even if they are good or not. I do get a battery with higher cranking amps, then what the vehicle calls for, so usually the batteries are bigger and more fun to get in and out of the battery box. But anyways, I buy cheap walmart batteries or if they have a good deal at auto checkers. It doesn't pay for me to buy a expensive one. And for that reason I've never since had battery trouble or charging problems. And it starts every cold winter day. When I change batteries, I like to test and check the condition of my battery cables. And make sure I have good connections. I replace them if they are bad.