last winter my battery went dead in the evening. the only store available was walmart close so I bought a battery.

I've been noticing 2 things this winter.

1. it doesn't have very good cold cranking amps

2. the voltage indicator was always at the 12 o'clock position with the engine running, or so i thought. with the engine off it is slightly below 12 o'clock. now with the engine running it is 1/2 the way between the 12 o'clock and the first heavier black line.

I____I__x_I - engine running x is where the needle is

I__x_I___I - engine off

I___x___I - before the old battery went dead engine running.

I'm wondering if this cheapo battery is making my alternator work harder and will wear it out faster.

I've always used to purchase interstate battery replacement, but i haven't purchased a new battery in over 5 years. I don't know which one's are preferred.

thanks

 

when it is cold outside you ge a higher charge due to the battery temperature sensor under the battery. The PCM reads info from this and other sensors to adjust the charge (voltage regulator). Its normal when it is cold outside

 

Mine does the same thing too. I still have the same battery from when I bought the truck last year.

 

Now you know why.......

 

THANKS! Appreciate your time to respond.

 

Wow - I had no idea there was a temperature sensor under my batter.
(I'm prolly goina to find out soon though, it's -34 C here this AM, and my battery is 7 years old.)

 

^^^ And its a $50 sensor also.

 

Just a note, Walmart batteries are good batteries. Made by Exide I believe.