joemik

im having starting problems. when i turn the key the engine doesnt turn over. i checked the ignition swich--its good.

im getting a no load voltage of 12.30V at the battery terminals. im not sure if the battery is bad. shouldnt the engine at least turn over at 12.30V which would rule out a bad battery?

michaelathome

Try checking the ground wires at the starter. I am guessing that the battery is still charged and that all of the guages are working as well as fuel pump is sounding.

Michael

joemik

i tihnk the battery was bad. threw in a new one and works much better. the old one wouldnt crank the engine for more than a sec.

michaelathome

You should have the reciept for it. It is about a year old? If you don't next time you are around I can get it swapped for ya.

Michael

Charlotte944

No load voltage can be VERY decieving, and it should be at least 13.2 volts. Each cell should make 2.2 volts, and a "12 volt" battery has 6 cells.

89magic98

Sounds like a really weak battery:

http://www.repairfaq.org/ELE/F_Car_Battery.html

Open Circuit | Approximate | Average Cell
Battery Voltage | State-of-charge | Specific Gravity
12.65+ 100% 1.265+
12.45 75% 1.225
12.24 50% 1.190
12.06 25% 1.155
11.89 0% 1.120

[If the temperature of the electrolyte is below 70 degrees F (21.1 degrees C), then add .012 volts (12 millivolts) per degree below 70 degrees F to the reading.]

Peckster

Any place that sells batteries will test it for free. Sounds to me like it ciould have been a loose or dirty connection.

fmalgapo

Why not hook up some jumper cables from another car and see if it'll turn over then?

tod84944

Not enough volts....