Hey Guys ---

My car starts when it wants to and not when I want it to, and it acts like a dead battery BUT there is no click click click ... the interior lights work perfect ... and the radio doesnt lose its time. All of those things should happen with a dead battery.

What tool should I buy to put ON the battery while its in the car to make sure its not dead??

Right now my car is stuck in a parking lot and needs to be moved. It hasnt been started in 3 weeks ... but it has a new $150 Optima Red Top in it so the battery shouldnt be dead. I have started it after sitting for a month before.

Thanks ---

 

Bad opti? Bad starter?

...or you could get yourself a multimeter check the voltage. If that checks out, set your meter to read amps. Hook it up to the terminals, crank and see if it's pulling enough amps to start the vehicle.

 

I got an Optima Red Top in February and it started giving me problems last month so maybe you got a bad one like I did.
I love the Optima batteries but like everything you can get a bad one once in a while.
I would pull the battery and have it check first.
Most of the auto parts stores will check it for you.

 

I will pull it and atleast give it a good charge ... this is my TTA messing with me.

I have been having column cylinder problems ... but dont have time to pull it and re-key it with the chip resistor.

It has a new starter, and I have had problems with Red Tops before ... so I will start with the basics. A multimeter is now on the "things to buy" list ... THANKS ---

 

Fixed.

Most multimeters are fused at 10amps, and if you probe the battery terminals in amperage mode, you're creating a direct short through the meter. You'd need a proper battery load tester. Free in-car testing at Vatozone.

 

LOL! I guess I should've accounted for those with discount multi-meters.

I retract my statement. Listen to this guy.

 

All multimeters are like that. When you check current, it's going to take the shortest path to ground, which is through the multimeter, bypassing every load. You need an ammeter that can handle the proper load.

That doesn't mean your battery isn't dead. A battery can be dead below 11v, which is plenty to run accessories, but not the starter.

 

Carquest has new battery/charging system tester... OTC model 3167 Sabre HP It is a complete diagnostic tester.... Takes about 15~20 minutes from start/finish, but you will know what is wrong with the system...