My battery charger is automatic and stops charging at 12 volts. It does have a 2 amp slow charge and a 15 amp regular charge. If I used the 15 amp, it will shut down when the battery reaches 12 volts. If I use the 2 amp, it seems to continue charging (I think) to maintain a charge? Is there any way to get it to 12.5 volts other than with the alternator charging it?
Well, it has an automatic shut-off so that may be the problem. It charges at 15 or 2 amps. The 15 shuts off at 12 volts, I switched it over to 2 amp and let it continue for a few hours and now it's up to 12.5 volts. So looks like a built in safety switch on the charger so you don't overheat with the quick-charge 15 amp side.
-- Edited by kensmith on Monday 9th of November 2009 03:17:47 PM
I hate to say it, and not trying to be "Negative", but your battery might be a black water box.............the 1st place that look is to the battery........ If you live under the federal poverty level, O'Bamie might just give ya new battery... In order to qualify for federal help you have to meet the only and guide line.
Ok, so what is a good battery that can handle or store over 12.5 volts? I always thought fully charged batteries were 12.5 or so volts maximum? The battery in it is a NAPA 78 month battery.
Storing rates and charging rates are two different things.........yeah, probably 12.5 is a full charge.....but it would take a long time to restore a battery to a fully charged rate at 12.5 volts.......12.5 is a minimum for a charge charging rate.........it should read 13.5 at the altenator....
There has to be a gain.......I have the same chargers.......15 amps and 2 amps. A high rate of charge is known as a flash charge........it doesn't go deep into the cells its a surface charge........the slower 2 amp charge is a full charge, but in order to completely charge a battery it will take 8 hours.
If your having battery problems check your systems....... A few battery tools are not expensive. A load test should be done on a suspect battery...... A battery should always be in a fully charged state........a low charge leads to a battery that is sulfated.......the lead will will start to flake off in the cell and build up at the bottom of the cell.......that leads to a shorted or dead cell. The electrolite should have the right ph and the cell should be topped off.
Todays no service batteries are a joke.......they need service but it looks like they don't.
As far as getting a higher voltage at a charging rate.......I don't think so the chargers are not made to charge at a higher rate. Always go with the 2amp charge.......
So your NAPA battery is made in (shudder the thought) China? Nothing can be trusted to reliable anymore.......I buy Interstate for the price and Motorcraft for the value. An OEM battery is your best bet..... YOMV
Storing rates and charging rates are two different things.........yeah, probably 12.5 is a full charge.....but it would take a long time to restore a battery to a fully charged rate at 12.5 volts.......12.5 is a minimum for a charge charging rate.........it should read 13.5 at the altenator....
There has to be a gain.......I have the same chargers.......15 amps and 2 amps. A high rate of charge is known as a flash charge........it doesn't go deep into the cells its a surface charge........the slower 2 amp charge is a full charge, but in order to completely charge a battery it will take 8 hours.
If your having battery problems check your systems....... A few battery tools are not expensive. A load test should be done on a suspect battery...... A battery should always be in a fully charged state........a low charge leads to a battery that is sulfated.......the lead will will start to flake off in the cell and build up at the bottom of the cell.......that leads to a shorted or dead cell. The electrolite should have the right ph and the cell should be topped off.
Todays no service batteries are a joke.......they need service but it looks like they don't.
As far as getting a higher voltage at a charging rate.......I don't think so the chargers are not made to charge at a higher rate. Always go with the 2amp charge.......
So your NAPA battery is made in (shudder the thought) China? Nothing can be trusted to reliable anymore.......I buy Interstate for the price and Motorcraft for the value. An OEM battery is your best bet..... YOMV
Redwing funny you mention about Motorcraft Batteries be a good battery above for the value. Being in the Parts Business for the last 31 years I never found a better made battery with the lasting power of a Motorcraft battery. My 2000 Ford E150 Van that I use in my business has the original Motorcraft battery still in the Van. I also own a 2000 Mercury Marquis with the original Motorcraft Battery in it. Both of these vehicles are almost 10 years old. I have had similiar experience with Motorcraft batteries in other vehicles over the years.
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1967 Marlboro Maroon 4spd Coupe 1973 Dark Blue 4spd Coupe w/air, original 25,000 miles 1999 Black C-5 Hatchback Coupe 6spd LS1 1934 Ford 3 Window Coupe eng. code "ZZZ" 350-345hp Chevy Powered! 1970 Black on Black Monte Carlo(FOR SALE)Asking $18k
Motorcraft........its.......a good battery......also I never buy anything but Fords. I hate working on cars and Fords rarely break........GM is a second choice, but GM back in the day was the best.......
Japanese cars not on your life........Korean.......cat boxes........
I was searching the Internet for batteries and came across this information. Looks like batteries are manufactured by 3 companies and then carry different brand names. Here is the article:
The majority of car batteries are created by 3 manufacturers - Delphi, Exide and Johnson Controls Industries. Delphi makes some EverStart models sold in Walmart and ACDelco. Johnson Control Industries makes Duralast seen in Autozone stores, Diehard - sold in Sears, Kirkland - the Costco brand, Motorcraft - which Ford sells, some of the EverStarts, and Interstate. Exide makes Exide batteries, Champion, Napa and even a % of the EverStart batteries. A car battery is one of the few things that you will most likely have to replace if you own a car more than about 3 years. Most other parts and accessories will last longer, but the battery in a car needs replacing every 3 years or so. If you need to get a new battery installed, go to Goodyear, Sears, Firestone or Pep Boys. All these car stores carry large inventories and can install your battery onsite. Other retailers like Target, Kmart, and Walmart might offer cheaper prices for their batteries, but rarely do they install them.
-- Edited by kensmith on Saturday 14th of November 2009 01:11:49 PM
Replacing a battery every 3 years? That hasn't been my experience. My 03 battery is just fine............its going on 7 years.
I've seen Panasonic car batteries last for 10 years + Before I was forced out the labor force........I worked for a used car dealer......thousands of cars and a bad battery was not that common.......
I would say that a battery thats properly maintianed is good for 6 years easy.......
Replacing a battery every 3 years? That hasn't been my experience. My 03 battery is just fine............its going on 7 years.
I've seen Panasonic car batteries last for 10 years + Before I was forced out the labor force........I worked for a used car dealer......thousands of cars and a bad battery was not that common.......
I would say that a battery thats properly maintianed is good for 6 years easy.......
I agree. I remember it use to be buy a new car, battery would die after 3 years when the warranty was up. Most bottom line batteries are good for at least 3 years, my NAPA battery is now 5 years old and still holds a charge. But I am one who hates it when they die and it's usually in a place you don't want to be stuck at. I took the battery out of my 2004 Silverado and had it checked about 3 months ago. They said it was still good but just a little week. Well, it was almost 5 years old so I bought a new one. I noticed it was turning the motor over a little slower so I figured it needed replacing since I drive the truck daily and it is always at a full charge.
