I accidently left my fog lights on for about 2 hours after driving all day. I checked by battery voltage and it checked out to 11.3 volts after being on all that time. Should I buy a new battery now? That battery is roughly 9 months old and I change it out every two years.

I started up the truck and let it run for about 20 minutes. It was showing me a positive output of 14.2 volts. I then turned it off, and it showed 12.8 - 12.5 volts.

Am I ok?

The lights draw roughly 70 watts. 35 watts a piece.

 

MGD

 

Is this a trick question making fun of someone else or legit?

 

MGD

 

Yikes... I think I will keep an eye on my voltages... if I see anything weird, I'm taking no chances and replacing the battery.

 

On second thought... I think I will be replacing my battery tomorrow.

 

Just my opinion, but I doubt your battery's been ruined by this one excursion. They CAN stand one or two deep discharges if they're any good at all.

I'd just keep an eye on it.

Note to MGD: Please don't post a picture of a battery with an eyeball sitting on it!

- Jack

 

Okay!

MGD

 

Well I drove for an hour, and I got it up to 12.1-.3 volts... I'll give it by this afternoon, as I got lots of driving to do. If I can get it back up to it's normal 12.6v -12.8v, then I'll be good to go.

 

1. Go to yer nearest WallyMart.
2. Buy a $24 Schumacher battery maintainer ( ~1.5A) - Used to be $19, lol!
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher...arger/13005742
3. Keep it handy in yer garage - plug the truck into it overnite, every nite.
4. Stop worrying.

EDIT - buy another fer yer bike - and do the same.


MGD

 

Well, I kinda did that... I got a Schumacher® battery maintainer, for $24 and a I got a new battery under warranty. And I used my Noco® Settings Keeper™ to keep my settings while swapping out the battery.

Here's my new readings after driving the truck for an hour:

Truck running:
Old battery: 14.3-14.4 volts
New battery: 14.2-14.3 volts

Truck off:
Old battery: 11.8-12.1 volts
New battery: 12.8-13.0 volts

I seeked a battery that was made this month, so it read October of 2010 (10/10).

I'm going to wire up the Schumacher® battery maintainer in a permanent fashion so all I have to do is when I get out of the truck, I can plug it in if I so choose and flip a switch to keep it maintained.

Going to get another for the motorcycle this week.

I love Wallyworld!

Edit: Wowsers! I just realized in my OP, that I put 12.8-12.5 volts. It was supposed to read 12.1-12.5 volts. I have no clue where or why I put 12.8 volts! I'm slow.... haha

 

Any more info on the batter maintainer? Does it extend the battery's life?

 

John, I think it does. I have one on my trailer that is left on as long as the trailer is sitting in our yard. And, since my truck is a Garage Queen, I have one on it too.

To the OP, I think your old battery is not responding. I would replace it.

- Jack

 

Excellent Jack, I may look into one just to have. Thanks bud

 

Harbor freight has battery tenders for sale very now and then for $3.99

For Harbor Freight they are excellent.