Does low battery voltage effect engine running ?

[Fakeyankee]

Only asking because if I let my car set without starting it for about a week the battery is dead. Even though I recharge and start the car to let it run for awhile, the same happens. I know I need a new battery but my question is; will a weak battery effect how the car runs ?? I know that on my 87 Trans Am, If the battery was weak some of the electronic components would not work properly. Was wondering if it's the same deal for our cars. Thanks for any info.
Darrell

 

[Gary Wells]

Currently owning a '87 Turbo Buick & having previously owned 1 '86 Turbo Buick & 3 other '87 Turbo Buicks, I can honestly say yes. Radio won't receive well, Dash lights dim, gas gauge reads about half of what is really in there, & seems to run rather sluggish. That's been my experience.

 

[Rickracer]

Low battery voltage or low charging system voltage?

If you have a bad battery, it could cause your alternator not to charge properly, and that could cause what you describe. If your alternator is charging properly, then you will have no dim lights, funky gauge readings, etc. Check the system voltage, it should be 13.8 to 14.2 at a fast idle [1500 RPMs] ( with a fully charged battery ), if it isn't, find out why. If you know the battery is bad, replace it and test again.

 

[bruce]

If the voltage drops under about 11v then the injector voltage correction can force the engine rich.

The injector opening times, are very dependent on operating voltage.

As long as your into at least the 13s your OK, if the amperage is high enough. A sulphated battery even in the 13s can be problematic.

 

[Fakeyankee]

Thanks guys,
On my scanmaster the voltage doesn't read over 12.9 at 1500 rpm. Maybe this is why it's acting kind of sluggish. What is a good battery to buy and how many cranking amps should I be looking for ?? Thanks again for your help.
Darrell

 

[Topjimmy]

AC/Delco all the way for me. 670 CCA's, Professional Series if you can get it. Hint: Thrasher chips with anti-theft love a fully charged Delco

JMHO - Jimmy

 

[Rickracer]

If yo've ever tried an Optima or Orbital battery....

...you probably would not be asking that question. 950 CCA, top and side terminals, never needs water, and can be mounted any way you like, right side up, upside down, sideways, whatever you wish. They are a bit more expensive than most average batteries, but well worth it.

 

[Topjimmy]

A friend's TR's red top Ultima failed within a year, no receipt, no warranty, had to shell out another $140.
My Delco has been going strong for 5 years...

JMO - Jimmy

 

[Gnx6]

The Delco batteries are very good quality. However in California I seem to see a lot of cars where the positive terminal leaks and makes a mess of the tray and the positive cable.

The red top batteries are not the greatest, I've heard everything from "their awesome" to "they suck". I'm using yellow tops in all 3 of my cars. One in my 2 daily drivers and one in the Buick. These batteries don't leak. After a friend having to pay over 200 dollars for replacing a battery cable that was wrecked from a leaking battery I'm on an Optima streak. They don't leak because they are a sealed Gel Cell and the side posts are connected to the top posts through a channel in the case. On the GM batteries the side terminals are below the acid level.

Regardless of which battery you use the Optima and the Delco battery are probably the 2 best on the market.

May I strongly suggest one of these if you leave your car sitting for a long time. I use one and it works great!

http://batterytender.com/product_info.php?products_id=2

They don't overcharge the battery and you leave it on as long as needed. They have several modes of internal automatic operation. Just plug it in and forget it. (But remember it before you back out! )That way the car is always ready and fully charged. Read the documents about them on that website. They work fantastic!

 

[TylerDurden]

wierd, that on my car, when i bought it put a year old battery on it...it lasted another 4 years, i replaced it with a die hard (sears brand anyway) and in the 7 years ive owned the car, its never had a hint of corresion (sp) on it....yet every other car ive ever owned was nasty

 

[Gnx6]

It may have something to do with the extreme heat here, who knows. I see a lot of the GM batteries leaking. On all my cars I dropped an Optima in them within days of bringing them home.