Battery mystery

[jleyton]

Went to start the car yesterday and it was rather sluggish to turn over - most unusual. Left it a couple of seconds and tried again and all ok.

Today however, went to car and battery (bought new about 4 months ago) was totally and utterly flat.

Put it on charge but charginglight on charger didn't illuminate and there wasn't even the faintest spark when I connected or disconnected the charger leads. Put a voltmeter across it and got absolutely nothing. Then checked continuity with ohmmeter, in case it had gone totally open circuit, and did get a reading. Left it on charge for 2/3 hours but nothing.

Changed battery to spare - as you know a bit of a palava - and connected charger to removedbattery with same result - no charging light. Connected and disconnected leads a few times then suddenly a spark as I connected it one time. Charger now seems to be charging it properly.

I'm as sure as I can be that it's not a fault with the charger, as when I tried it onmy spare battery everything was as it should be.

I'm mystified :?any electrical whizz kids out there ? Can I trust this battery again or am I going to have to take it back (and sod's law says it will be perfect when/if I do :X)

Any advice will be most welcome. Cheers.

Julian

[Andrew S]

imported post

Hi Julian, my money would be on a fault or damaged terminal post making and breaking at the base. I have had this and it will not accept a charge and will be intermittent. If its only 4 months old, then run it back to them and they will swap it.

Andrew

[pcoleman]

imported post

I agree a dodgy post sounds most likely suspect,I used to get this when I was a youngster buying second hand batteries from the scrappy and they would usually fail when tightly parked between two cars with only an audible click from the starter but no turning power until I slightly turned the post then all was good again.

pete.c

[jleyton]

imported post

Thanks Pete and Andrew for your suggestion, I didn't realise that could happen, although wouldn't my continuity check rule that out?

So, what chance have I got of the supplier changing it if it's ok when I take it back ? (which it's bound to be :?)

Cheers

Julian

[pcoleman]

imported post

I'M not an electrician but I think your continuity check wont tell you how much current the battery will supply under load,your supplier should do a "drop test" on the battery to show this and test the battery under starting conditions when it will have to work hardest,I'm sure if you explain what's happening and tell them your reserve battery is OK in the car they will play ball and change it under warranty.

p.s. my motor factor gives a 3 year warranty on all new batteries. pete.c