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Learn the causes and fixes for a dead or dying car battery
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If your car won't start and/or the electronics are malfunctioning, your battery could be to blame. But if you’re not sure, don’t sweat. There are a few telltale signs of a dead car battery, and they’re easy to recognize if you know what to look for. This article lists all the signs your car's battery is dead. Keeping to learn how to spot those signs, how to replace or fix a dead battery, and how to take care of your car’s battery so it lasts as long as possible.
Things You Should Know
- Signs of a dead or dying battery include difficulty starting your car, dim headlights, a battery light on your dashboard, and a battery that’s old, leaking, corroded, or swollen.
- Jumpstart your car to recharge a dead battery. If it still won’t start or dies soon after starting, replace the battery or have a mechanic check the electrical system.
- To help your battery last longer, always turn off lights and electronics when you park. Get the battery maintained regularly and replace it if it’s more than 5 years old.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
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Your car won’t start or takes longer to start than usual. If your car doesn't start or the engine "cranks" or "whirs" for several seconds after you turn the key or press the ignition button, it’s a sign that your battery isn’t producing enough power to start the engine. This is called a “slow crank,” and is a common sign of a dying battery. [1] X Research source
- If your car won’t start, the battery may be completely dead.
- If your car often cranks slowly when the outside temperature is above 20°F (-6.7°C), your battery may be dying.
- Slow cranking is normal when temperatures drop below 20°F (-6.7°C). If you live in a cold climate, don’t be alarmed if your car takes a bit longer to start during wintertime.
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Your car’s lights, dashboard, and electronics malfunction. When you try to start your car, the headlights and dome lights may appear dim. The dashboard’s backlight might also look dimmer than usual. Your windows might roll up very slowly, and the radio and clock might flicker or not turn on at all. [2] X Research source
- In some cases, your car’s lights and electronics may function normally, but the battery may not produce enough power to start the engine.
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Your car’s battery light is on. If the battery light on your dashboard turns on, your car’s electrical system isn’t working correctly. This could be caused by a dying battery that’s no longer producing enough power. If you see this light and you’ve been having trouble starting your car, your battery may need to be replaced. [3] X Research source
- A battery warning light can also indicate a bad alternator, corroded wires, or other electrical issues not directly related to the battery. If you replace the battery and the battery warning light remains on, your car may have other electrical problems.
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Your battery has a blue-green substance on it, indicating corrosion. Corrosion occurs when batteries leak, causing their materials to oxidize and change color. You might see corrosion on the battery’s terminals (the red and black posts marked “+” and “-”), or anywhere on the battery’s surface. [4] X Research source
- You may also notice visible leaking and a stinky “rotten egg smell,” caused by sulfuric acid.
- Corrosion can interfere with electrical connections throughout your car.
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Your battery is leaking fluid. If you see liquid dripping from the battery, or pooling on the ground under the battery when you park your car, the battery may have a leak. You may also notice a stinky, “rotten egg smell” coming from the battery. This is caused by sulfuric acid leaking out. [5] X Research source
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Your battery looks puffy, swollen, or cracked. The sides may bulge or the top may look “popped out.” This occurs when the battery gets overcharged by your car’s alternator. Swollen car batteries have reached the end of their useful lives and can’t produce electricity reliably. [8] X Research source
- Swollen batteries may also leak, smell like rotten eggs, and produce smoke.
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Your battery is more than 5 years old. Car batteries last between 5-7 years, depending on your car, the local climate, and the type of battery you have. All batteries produce less power as they age. But after 5 years, most batteries will be too old and won’t produce enough power to start your car and keep it running. [9] X Research source
- Most batteries have their manufacturing written on the top of the battery case. If you
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about checking a battery, check out our in-depth interview with Duston Maynes .
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/Cqn9ax2JWSY?t=90
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- ↑ https://youtu.be/g793HGCncv8?t=84
- ↑ https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a35699996/how-to-jump-start-a-car/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/_5lJtgy0vTo?t=68
- ↑ https://youtu.be/_5lJtgy0vTo?t=146
- ↑ https://youtu.be/_5lJtgy0vTo?t=195
- ↑ https://www.power-sonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-Complete-Guide-to-AGM-Batteries.pdf
- ↑ https://youtu.be/_5lJtgy0vTo?t=255
- ↑ https://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/4ff9c6c9-8961/k2-_ffd6020d-943e-4b4a-ae9d-8a98030b4bbe.v1.pdf
- ↑ https://phillipsandtemro.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/PT_LIT0043P_Battery_Pad_Heater_0121_e.pdf
- ↑ https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/fsvehiclebat.pdf
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