Can a bad battery do other damage or throw other symptoms?

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Rtheriaque
    Member
    • Apr 2013
    • 78

    #1

    Can a bad battery do other damage or throw other symptoms?

    I have an '89 325i.

    The other day, the car wouldn't start. Dead battery. A quick jump got her running.

    Today, same thing. She had a long run the day before, so it was down to bad battery, fault in the charging system, or a drain.

    I did some tests. Per Bentley, the car should have 13.5-14.2V at the battery with the engine running at 1500 RPM. I got 13.52. As I buttoned up, I noticed the battery was covered in condensation. No rain had touched the car. With a manufacturing date of 4/97, I think the battery was my bingo, but I load tested anyway. It passed easily. Hmmm...

    I threw the new battery from my '73 2002 into the car. I now get 13.7V at the battery with the motor running at 1500 RPM.

    So... I'm leaning toward the E30's battery as being bad. Any other opinions?
  • IRON-E
    I waste 90% of my day here and all I got was this stupid title
    • Dec 2007
    • 16548

    #2
    Your Alternator could be draining the battery. Take the battery to a local shop, to be tested and charged and go from there.
    @IRON-E30 aka Edwin:D

    Comment

    • Rtheriaque
      Member
      • Apr 2013
      • 78

      #3
      Like I said, original battery was load tested and passed. Unlike the alternator check, which barely passed, I got a go/no-go from the battery test. No idea if it was a strong pass or a barely pass.

      The fact the alternator was putting out more juice to one battery than the other feels like a clue to me.

      Comment

      • jlevie
        R3V OG
        • Nov 2006
        • 13530

        #4
        Put a new battery in and see what happens. It does sound like the one have is bad.
        The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
        Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

        Comment

        • george graves
          I waste 90% of my day here and all I got was this stupid title
          • Oct 2003
          • 19986

          #5
          What's your voltage after sitting overnight on the old battery?
          Originally posted by Matt-B
          hey does anyone know anyone who gets upset and makes electronics?

          Comment

          • atldohc
            Grease Monkey
            • Nov 2008
            • 359

            #6
            if you already have another battery why not throw it in and try starting it again the next morning. then youll know if its the battery or a parasitic draw somewhere

            Comment

            Working...