You jumpstarted the car, but the corrosion is evidence it is time to service the cable connections.
Service them so they are clean and tight, add water to the battery so it is 3/4 inch from the top in each hole.
Then use jumper cables and hold the rpm above 2000 on the jump car.
wait a few, while the available charge output goes to the jumpee.
Start the jumpee and keep its rpm above 2000 for several minutes.
If the battery can be gotten to a charger at this point, it would be the least wear and tear on the cars alternator.
If a lead acid car battery is run down flat, it can take 4 hours and 20 minutes to bring it back to 1270 specific gravity, or a "full charge"
When you were sure it had that, then you can judge its age and recovery to see if it is going to provide dependable service.
A load test is the definitive test. By a technician.
There are testers in use now that estimate a batteries' ability to recover after a minute load and time and voltage.
These are used by battery salespeople.
They are not the same as a carbon pile load tester, a professional battery charger, a specific gravity hydrometer, and the actual specifications used by a technician.
They save time and haz mat handling. They often put your alternator in jeopardy asking it to fully charge your battery as you drive.
As you can see, this sells more batteries and alternators, but does not require a shop, distilled water, knowledge, understanding, accountability. time spent cleaning, charging, adjusting the charger, and performing the required tests.
The guess result is decided without actual load and a high percentage of accuracy has been given to it.
I personally have seen it be wrong, so if it comes to a judgement call I have to make my own, and charge my own batteries and test them. service them, and add distilled water as applicable.
No. The meter is only telling you what you already know. Your batter is weak but it may be the battery or the alternator or a short somewhere. That corrosion is most likely the whole problem. Clean and tighten both cables. Can't tighten? Get a new cable.n If after running an hour or two the symptoms still exist, it is the battery or the alternator. Is your light on? Does the light work?
Try cleaning the battery terminals. Disconnect them from the battery, clean all of the corrosion off and put them back on. Make sure they're tight on the battery. Rusty jumper cables do matter. The electrical connection through the rust won't be very good. Clean your jumper cables when you're cleaning your battery. When the car is running, it gets power from the alternator, dirty or loose terminals can prevent the battery from charging while the car is running.
Do you charge the smartphone and any battery powered device in your home? What happens when the battery no longer hold a charge? You ask here or buy a new battery? Why is grabbing the smartphone required to text a message? I have an electric car. After I use it, I have to charge the vehicle. If a battery is not doing its job, is the battery or could it something else? From words it is very difficult to ascertain what is wrong with a car. My first impression is that you know nothing as to cars therefore the description could be incorrect. My first reaction to any car trouble is to go to my mechanic or to an auto repair shop. Why not do that? This 1931 Packard is in perfect running order due to mechanics. The system works. Why not try what works?
I suggest you take that battery to an auto parts shop or a mechanic and have it checked. It probably needs to be replaced. Clean the cables as suggested above by "T". Jumper cables are sometimes hard to place exactly. When using them place the negative cable on a good ground on the frame of the car and the positive on the plus side of the battery. The powdery substance you saw is corrosion.
I meant to say the dome and brake lights were working. Also I forgot to mention that a couple days ago my wife did leave lights on which meant I had to jump it. It was working fine before that. After that is when I have had the troubles. Do you think the fact she left lights on and drained the battery caused these problems? Do you suppose the corrosion on battery is indication of a problem with it?
Hi so most car batteries have a life of between 3-4 years generally so it sounds like this one is due to be replaced. if it has been changed with in the last year then the car has a charging problem as it could need the alternator belt adjusting or a new Alternator. yes they do go wrong and replacement is the only answer.
How old is the battery? If it's over 4 years, it's on its last legs. Leaving the lights on can cause the plates to overheat and warp and short out. A shorted plate can make jump starting much harder.
Take the 12 volt battery, in or out of the car ro any store that sells new ones *other than Auto Zone. Ask for a free 15 second battery load test which shows the reserve amperage capacity. Amperage spins starter motors not volts.
replace battery, use baking soda and hot water to neutralize the corrosion rinse with hot water as well. (after you do all that you can use a little grease to keep that from happening again as to the corrosion)
Yesterday wifes car was barely turning over ( cranking) but it was a slow crank and wouldn't start. I got jumper cables and 5 minutes later it started. This afternoon same thing. This time it took me 10 minutes to finally start engine. Tonight it wasn't starting. I tried to jump it but it wouldn't work. I hooked up meter reading to pos/neg parts of battery and it said " weak battery". The dome lights were as do brake lights though. Do I need new battery? There is blue powder on battery-corrosion I think. Also the jumper cables are rusted but I do not think that matters. Thoughts?
