Battery condition

[Johan]

The battery in my daily driver seems to be shot. I charge it and the battery discharges overnight even when the car was not started. Is there a way to check the condition of the battery with a regular volt/ohm/ampere meter?? (I.e what's the internal resistance supposed to be and how can I check that when there is still some power in the battery?)

/Johan

[Yoda]

This is very "old school" and backyard mechanic testing, BUT it does give you an indication the battery isn't living up to its worth ;)

Charge the battery and let it sit in the car for about an hour or 2 late afternoon, just before dark. Once it's dark, turn on the headlights and try to start the car. The lights should barely dim when trying to start the car, if the lights Dim significantly or slow the starter down, then you know you have a battery in early stages of Dieing :eek

Also if the battery is more than 3 or 4 years old it's a good bet it on it's last set of hoppers and ready for :puke ;)

Bud

[Johan]

Thanks. My battery is propably 5 yrs old, so I guess it's time for a new one...