A well-functioning battery is essential for the smooth operation of any vehicle, be it an ATV, car, or motorcycle. However, many vehicle owners only pay attention to their batteries when they begin to cause performance issues. Being able to recognize the signs of a weak battery can save you money and time spent on unnecessary diagnostics. In this article, we’ll discuss 12 common symptoms of a weak car battery.
12 common symptoms of a weak car battery
1. Battery Warning Lights
Check Engine Light or Battery Charge Warning Light Although not the most common symptom, the Check Engine Light (CEL) is usually the first indicator to activate when there is something wrong with a vehicle’s internal workings. When the car battery is running low on voltage, it is not surprising that the CEL illuminates. However, if both the CEL and Battery Charge Warning Light are activated, it is not a frequent occurrence. If only the CEL is displayed, it is essential to check for other fault codes using a high-spec OBD-II tool like the Autel MaxiCOM MK906Pro Diagnostic Scanner (view on Amazon). Resolve any other issues before addressing the battery problem or whichever error code is stored by the car’s onboard computer first. Be cautious of severe hazard indicators such as overheating or low oil pressure readings, and immediately pull over to a safe place when encountering them.
2. Starting Problems
A car’s failure to start when turning the ignition key is commonly attributed to a bad ignition switch, deteriorating fuel pump, or dirty fuel injectors. However, it can also result from a weak or dying battery. In this state, the car battery fails to power the starter motor that brings the vehicle to life, resulting in starting problems. There are three possible scenarios: you get virtually no response at ignition, the engine starts but dies immediately after, or you hear your starter motor cranking slowly with the engine remaining non-responsive. Note that the last scenario requires further investigation, as a “no turn over” issue could also result from a defective starter. The other two suggest signal disruptions from the starter system to the Engine Control Module (ECM), typically resulting from an inadequately charged battery. If starting problems eventually become an intermittent problem, check that the battery terminals are not loose, broken, calcified, or corroded (more on this later). If the battery terminals’ condition checks out, determine if your car has a parasitic or “vampire” draw. A parasitic draw comes from an electronic add-on that stays on when it should be off (much like background apps on your phone) or a wire touching or brushing against another electrically powered harness or component when it is not meant to. Use a multimeter like the Craftsman 3482141 8-Function Digital Multimeter (view on Amazon) or a fuse checker (for older/vintage models) to determine if this is the case.
3. Stuttering or Slow Cranking
If an engine takes longer than usual to crank, it is not necessarily a problem, provided the vehicle experiences a temperature drop. But if weather conditions are not frigid, stuttering would automatically point to one of the following: starter issues, an undercharged battery, or a bad alternator. In some instances, issues with cranking can be linked to using a battery with an incorrect Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) or voltage rating.
4. Ignition Clicks
Weak car battery symptoms include a rapid clicking sound when turning the ignition alongside cranking issues. This sound signifies insufficient power in the car battery to crank your vehicle’s power mill. It is strongly advised not to attempt turning the ignition key incessantly, as doing so will not make the noise go away. Instead, check the condition of your battery and ensure that its charge is not fully depleted.
5. Belt Squeals
During/After Startup or While Driving A weak car battery running low on voltage can cause the drive belt to squeal. When the engine is started, if the car battery is low, it causes the alternator to take the brunt of the electrical load and go into “full charge” mode, resulting in the vehicle’s drive belt squealing.
However, it is important to note that belt slippage that produces the squealing noise is not always due to a flat car battery. If you are unsure about the source of the problem, check that your drive belt is correctly installed and does not suffer from leaks, a misaligned pulley and tensioner, or wear and tear.
6. Frequent Jump-Starts
Frequent jump-starting of your car is a clear indication that something is wrong with your battery, especially if it needs to be done at least three times in a single week. Not only is it inconvenient, but the procedure is also harsh on the component and can quickly turn a brand-new car battery into a dud.
At this point, it is crucial to determine what is causing your battery to drain too quickly or not fully charge as it should. Conduct a visual inspection and look for corrosion, warped casings, or leakage. Consider the age of your car battery, as it may be time to replace it.
7. General Electrical Issues
Minor electrical issues are tertiary signs of a weak or dying car battery, as the battery supplements your vehicle’s charging system. These problems mainly affect parts of your dashboard and some electricity-fed creature comforts. Examples of issues to look out for include non-functional sunroof, heated seats, and electronic windows, dashboard or radio working sporadically, blinking (or non-working) dashboard lights, and mobile phones not charging when plugged into auxiliary ports. Note that the above examples could be due to other causes, so it is best to verify the source of the problem.
8. Absence of Door Chime or Lights
Depending on the market, most modern vehicles may or may not have door lights that turn on when you open the car door and enter the cabin. Similarly, cars may or may not have a chime playing whenever the key is inserted into the ignition. However, the door light and chime setup is standard in America, so if you own a car in the U.S. and these two features do not work, suspect a flat car battery.
9. Dim, Flickering, or Overbright Headlights
To safely assume a weak battery, flickering headlights must be accompanied by no-crank/no-start issues. Otherwise, that fluctuating lighting assembly may be due to some other electrical problem and not necessarily caused by an underpowered battery.
Watch out for no-start issues paired with headlights completely going out, as they indicate a fully drained or dead car battery. Conversely, a glaring headlamp results from an inconsistent alternator current supply to the battery, indicating a bad or defective alternator
10. Sulphuric Smell
The smell of rotten eggs is typically associated with bad catalytic converters but can also indicate a weak car battery, specifically one with leaking battery acid. In this scenario, the distinct odor comes from leaked hydrogen sulfide gas in lead-acid batteries. It differs from sulfur dioxide resulting from gasoline finding its way into the catalytic converter, which produces the same stench.
11. Warped or Swollen Battery
A misshapen battery casing is a clear sign of a defective battery, which can be determined via a thorough visual inspection of your car components. However, you are unlikely to spot this symptom if you skip subjecting your vehicle to regular maintenance checks. A bloated battery should never be taken lightly, as it results from a buildup of hydrogen gases and can be traced back to a defective or overcharging alternator.
12. Corroded Terminals and Connectors
Weak or flat car batteries often show a blue-green powder on their terminals when inspected. This bluish (sometimes brown or white) tint is corrosion forming on battery surfaces, reducing the component’s ability to receive a charge. This flaky layer of discoloration is caused by hydrogen or electrolyte spills, chemical reactions with copper clamps, or battery acid leakage.
Distinguishing between a bad alternator and a bad battery can be challenging, but accompanying symptoms can help differentiate the two. Some of the symptoms of a bad alternator include an illuminated alternator light on the dashboard, unusual rattles and sounds, stalling immediately after turning on the engine, slow-moving power windows, and a smell of rotten eggs. Car battery failure can occur due to overcharging, incorrect voltage rating, non-adherence to manufacturer-recommended battery replacement intervals, gunked or corroded battery terminals, ignoring early weak car battery symptoms, and skipping yearly vehicle inspections.
The cost of a replacement car battery can range from $45 to $600+, with deep cycle, lithium-ion, and nickel-metal hydride batteries being the most expensive. Conventional battery types like flooded lead-acid, silver calcium, enhanced flooded, gel cell/dry cell, and absorbent glass mat are more economical. Car batteries have an average life expectancy of 2-5 years, depending on several factors like location, driving habits, and weather.
While it is possible to drive a vehicle with a weak or dying battery, it is not advisable. Weak car batteries can cause the alternator to become burdened, leading to damage to other electrical components. Additionally, the closer a car battery is to being fully discharged, the less likely it is to have enough power to start the engine, potentially leaving drivers stranded in unsafe situations.
Conclusion
There are 12 common symptoms of a weak car battery, including illuminated warning lights, no-start issues, sluggish cranking, belt squeals, frequent jump-starts, electrical issues, absent door chimes or lights, dim or flickering headlights, a sulphuric smell, a swollen battery, and corroded terminals and connectors. Regular inspection and proper upkeep can prolong a car battery’s service life and save drivers from costly repairs or replacements.