Batteries: When Getting Started is the Problem

If you’re sitting there listening to the click-click-click of your starter solenoid, instinct may tell you it’s time to call for a boost. It may also confirm your worst suspicions about how you maintain your charging system.

Robert Coates of DJR Service and Truck Repair in Chilliwack, B.C., says a battery can last almost indefinitely if everything goes well in its service life, but he admits that rarely happens. “Batteries typically ‘die’ because they’ve been too deeply cycled, too many times,” Coates says. “That means they’ve been drawn down too far by hard cranking, then not built back up again sufficiently.”

As well, a battery can suffer a slow death due to “sulphation,” a build-up on the lead plates suspended in the electrolyte, which reduces their ability to produce a charge. Sometimes the plates break, causing a short across the cell, which draws down the rest of the cells within the battery-and eventually the rest of the batteries within a system.

When batteries are connected together, current flows somewhat like water to equalize the potential from each battery. So if one battery in a four-battery system is only producing eight volts, current will flow from the others to equalize the output, which may be only 10 volts in total.

Cold temperatures slow down the chemical process within the battery, so if you’ve already got a problem, the cold will only make it worse. A battery charger will keep a trickle of current flowing, keeping the batteries warm as well as maintaining the charge. A good idea, but even if you’ve got a fully charged battery in good condition, the bitter cold will cause a battery to lose up to 25% of its charge.

One option is to run a set of batteries with a high Cold Cranking Amp (CCA) rating-that’s 900 or more, and as high as 1250. These batteries deliver a stronger punch for a longer time in cold weather. But a word of caution: being able to crank for longer may increase the possibility of frying the starter. Just because you can, don’t ever crank the engine for more than 30 seconds without allowing the starter to cool for at least two minutes between attempts.

Cold isn’t the only enemy of a battery. Check out these tips to keep your batteries in top condition.

o Reduce vibrations. Ensure that the battery restraints are firm, but not excessively tight: you don’t want to crack the case. Mount batteries parallel with the frame, and as close to it as possible. Try laying a dense piece of rubber, like a mudflap, in the battery box to further isolate the battery from vibration.

o Electrical current is like water. Its flow can be obstructed by poor connections and corroded cable, as well as by using a gauge of cable that’s too thin to carry the current needed by the starter. Use minimum “00” gauge cable-and, if possible, use two lengths of it in parallel from the battery to the starter.

o Check that the connections are clean, solid, and sealed to prevent moisture from seeping into the wire strands.

o If the cable has been damaged, replace the entire length. Check the cable ends frequently for the telltale green dust.

o Replace the connectors as necessary and trim off the corroded strands of wire. Use a crimp-type connector on all cables and seal the connection with heavy-duty heat-shrink tubing and a moisture-proof sealant such as petroleum jelly. Don’t overlook the ground connections.

o Use a wire brush to clean all contact points-buff them ’til they shine-then use a large-diameter flat washer under a self-locking nut to maintain the best possible contact with the frame.

o Above all, keep the battery charged. If the alternator can’t keep up with the demands of the electrical system, the battery will never fully regain its charge. Winter means longer periods of heavier demand on the batteries, through increased headlight and heater fan usage, coupled with longer periods of idle-time when the alternator isn’t running at its rated output. You may be drawing more off the battery than the alternator can replace. The battery needs all the help it can get, so be sure the alternator is able to maintain the charge, even when the engine is idling or running slowly.