not holding charge!

[snbeffort]

My 92 Delica will not turn over. It seems like it is the battery not holding a charge. If I jump the batteries with another car it will turn over. It will even turn over if I turn it off for a while and then try again within a couple of hours however if I leave it too long it's back to not starting. I have put a volt meter on the batteries and get a reading of 11.85 ( approx) volts. I'm not sure if the batteries are simply done and not holding a charge or there is another problem as well. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Steve

[Pajero]

If they are the original battery's from Japan then I would just replace them to be on the safe side, and 11.85v seems pretty low. The only other thing is a drain on the battery's when its turned off...but after only 2 hrs that would have to be a big drain


My bet is the batterys are done,

Joe

[Wildtrak]

If your battery is not holding charge, chances are your it is due for replacement.

Before buying a new one however, it will be best to have an auto electrician check ff

1) alternator to see if it is sending charge

2) cables (+) and (-) to make sure there is continuity

3) open electrical lines that are depleting battery load

4) alternator belt to see if it is snug. The alternator will not properly send charge if it is loose.

I also recommend that you have a dashboard voltmeter installed. Apart from giving voltage rating, it also gives you an indication whether your alternator is sending charge or not.

Also, keep in mind the "battery-alternator death cycle" - a bad battery can ruin a good alternator and vice-versa

[FalcoColumbarius]

Have you cleaned the terminals and cable ends lately?

Falco.

[yojimbo]

11.85 on charged batteries is too low, if thats when you took it, they are done. I would expect 12.5 on a battery that had eve a little bit of health left.

[snbeffort]

Ok, sounds like it is the batteries. I wil start there and see what happens. Thanks to all for there contributions.

Steve