Quick Help Needed - Volt reading with car "on" but not running?

TXSpeedDemon

Could use a quick helping hand.

Went to car after work today and it won't start. Barely tries to turn over. Only tries a single time then shuts off. I can put the car in "ACC" and in "On" (so don't think it's steering lock), just can't get it to keep trying to start till it catches. It only tries to catch for 1-3 whirls.

I'm guessing/hoping it's just a low battery. Meter reads just under 12 when the car is in the "on" position. I remember it reading closer to 14 when running, but never checked with the car just in the "on" position. lights and radio seem to work fine.

Can anyone run out to their car and check the reading with their car in "on" but not running?

I'm hoping their's will be closer to 14 so I can be more certain it's just a worn battery. Car is 09 with 26K miles with stock battery. I waiting for my wife to come get me now and debating towing to the dealership tomorrow or going home for tools then coming back to change out the battery tonight.

Thanks

DEpointfive0

That's a bit low, general rule is that UNDER 12 is a dead battery.

Have you tried getting a jump?

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TXSpeedDemon

No jump, everyone at work is already gone for the day. I work in advertising so it's either everyone out at 4:30 or everyone here till midnight. Wife gets off in 15 mins and works right across the street so not a huge deal. i just didn't want to waste time and money on a new battery if it read 12 normally. And don't really want to spend an extra 1-2 hours away form home tonight and still have to get it towed tomorrow (vs getting it towed now before the dealership closes).

The reduced crank attempts has me thinking it is the battery, but the working stereo and lights is throwing me off.

TXSpeedDemon

just got a jump. started right up. It was reading 11.8 before. will change it out tonight. thanks for the heads up!

SouthArk370Z

A good battery should read at least 12.7V. Yours sounds low but your meter may not be that accurate.

Before buying a new battery, check the water level in the battery. Use distilled water and distilled water only to bring level up in each cell (6 of 'em) to the marks. It helps to hold a flashlight behind the battery to check the level. If you have to add water, it goes a lot easier if you remove the trim piece that goes around the battery cover - check some of the "Remove the SLU fuse" DIYs for R&R instructions (only tool required is a small screwdriver to remove the body rivets).

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TXSpeedDemon

I replaced it last night. Old battery had water levels about half way between Min and Max. I charged it up for about 2-3 hours before getting the new battery in and only got it up to 12.1. It's 4 years old and for the last 3 years it's been pushing about 1200 watts of amps and has had only a 6 mile commute each way to work and little use on weekends so probably rarely got a full charge.

4 years on the stock battery under those conditions isn't too bad IMO. thanks for the feedback guys, appreciate it.