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Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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alexahorak
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Jan 20, 2008, 4:41 PM
Post #1 of 10
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Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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I have a 2000 Ford Excursion Turbo Diesel. I have had the batteries serviced and both are in good condition. However, when it gets very cold the batteries go dead. Last night's low was 25 degrees, which is low for Pensacola, FL. The vehicle tried to start but now just clicks when you turn the key. This is the third time its happened this winter, which is unusal. I took it to Sears for service, which checked out fine. What do you think the problem is?
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way2old
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/ Moderator
Jan 20, 2008, 5:07 PM
Post #2 of 10
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Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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How old are the batteries? Dying in the cold usually indicates the battery is weak.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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alexahorak
New User
Jan 20, 2008, 5:09 PM
Post #3 of 10
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Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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Possibly 3 - 4 years old? I've only had the vehicle since March 2007.
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way2old
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Jan 20, 2008, 5:16 PM
Post #4 of 10
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Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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I would purchase 2 new batteries and then have the charging system checked. I do not think Sears did a good amperage draw on the batteries. If they keep running down they take more of the life out of them each time it is dead. You might also check for a current draw when the truck is turned off, There could be something staying on causing the batteries to go down.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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alexahorak
New User
Jan 20, 2008, 5:28 PM
Post #5 of 10
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Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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I thought that it might have been my car charger because its light stayed lite after I turned off the vehicle, but I stopped leaving it plugged in while not in use after the first time the battery died.
The only thing that I see lite is the red Theft light, which should be on. Right?
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way2old
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Jan 20, 2008, 5:46 PM
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Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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It should be on. An easy way to test is to disconnect one of the battery cables and place a trestlight between the cable end and the battery post. The light should light up for a little while and then fade out after a few minutes. If it goes out, there is no draw. Just be sure you do not have doors open or the hood light is on. If you have an ampmeter that has at least a 10 amp setting, you can install it. The current should drop in stages down to about .055 amps.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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alexahorak
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Jan 20, 2008, 5:56 PM
Post #7 of 10
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Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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Thanks! We will give this a try. Unfortunately, it will have to be in the morning because my husband is glued to a football game right now. My husband doesn't know a thing about fixing vehicles so we might be buying batteries tomorrow anyway. Thanks again for the advice.
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way2old
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Jan 20, 2008, 6:00 PM
Post #8 of 10
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Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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I hope it is of some help. Let us know the outcome. Good luck.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
bugybumer@sbcglobal.net
Jan 20, 2008, 7:08 PM
Post #9 of 10
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Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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Do you have any Tire Kingdom stores in your area. They may have a charging system tester that will tell you the actual cold cranking amps that your your batteries are putting out and the state of charge of your batteries. Some testers can detect a draw on your system. Goodluck
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BurnNotice
New User
Jan 21, 2008, 8:15 PM
Post #10 of 10
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Re: Battery Dead in Cold Weather
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I actually had the same problem a few weeks ago. I got back from a trip and i took the other car, my blazer wouldnt start after not driving it for four days. you have a few possible problems here.
. your battery, although new, could have a bad cell in it. shops get dud batteries all the time, if thats the case, they should replace it for free since its their fault essentially.
. something could be draining your battery while the car isn't running. i had an electric short in my drivers side power seat that was draining the battery overnight, and it wouldn't start.
hope that helps a little!
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