I recently put a battery tester on the battery (which is at least six years old) and though the tester came back with a status "Good Battery, Recharge" the voltage read 11.8v. Is it time for a new battery? Not sure if this makes a difference but the car alarm has not been armed and I have not driven the car in a week.

Thanks

 

Not sure how much of a draw there is on the system when the car is just sitting.... but, if it starts when you tell it to, it's all good. Just drive it far enough to charge the battery up.

 

Thanks, HeyYou! It might take the second crank to start but it works. I do drive it weekly, at least ~12 miles. That seems to keep it charged.

 

Try just turning the key to On, wait for the fuel pump to cycle, then crank the engine, see if it starts any better. (assuming you get a choice in the matter..... )

 

It's a little low and this winter might kill it. Normally, you want about 12.5 volts, more or less, at rest. If it's been sitting for a while that can lower it. With it running, you want to see 13.4 or higher.

 

Thanks, I'll give it a try tomorrow, charge it up, see where it lands voltage-wise. But I'm leaning with popping in a new one.

 

It is getting a tad long in the tooth.... Though, I have had them last longer, but, I was driving them every day too......

 

This a garaged 24/7 RT Classic with great weather. Yeah, it's an old battery.

 

Try a "load" type battery tester, I seen the ones that are the "no load" and don't trust them. See what the voltage drops to under load. It may be wise to just replace it, Don't want to take it somewhere and one day it won't start. Rule of thumb is 5 years for batteries but can last longer under the right conditions.

 

Thanks, and agreed, Moparite!