I have a 2002 chevy venture and I think this could be a battery issue so let me know. Started vehicle yestarday and it turned over very slow but was able to start. Drove it about 3 miles and the same thing happened. Drove it a few more miles and let it sit for about two hours and upon restarting the same thing happened. Drove it to the autoparts store and they tested the battery and said it was weak ( putting out 400CCA) so I stared there again and it started fine. At home I shut it off and left the high beams on for about 5 minutes and came out and it was totally dead click click upon starting. Put the trickle charger on it for about 10 minutes and it started fine. So I let it idle for about ten miunutes. I then started it probably 6-8 times and had no problems. Went out this morning and started it and no problems. Does this sound like a battery issue. The van drives fine other than that. Thanks

 

If the battery tested weak with a full charge then sooner or later you will need a new battery. Check your battery cable ends for corrosion and clean/replace them if needed.

I find it hard to believe that a 1-2 amp charge for 10 minutes would make much difference.

 

could be, would think a load test on the battery once charged should determine its condition it either passes the load test or it doesnt, even though it may still be capable of starting the vehicle, if it failed a load test it should be replaced. would also make sure your battery terminals are not corroded and clean if necassary.

 

And Gentlemen...............Please allow me to throw this in the mix...............If you continue to drive with weak battery that just barely starts the car, you will wind up replacing the alternator as well ......as you will overwork it till it melts

 

check your old thread on this problem.

 

Okay, so this is the deal, drove the van today and had to start it 6-8 times and no problems, turned over fine. Took it to the local auto parts store and they put their diagnostic meter on it. Ran it at idle, above idle and they did a load test. Everything turned out fine, battery had 900 CCA ( battery voltage at idle was 14.5) and everything was in spec. except they said the starting amps for the starter was a bit low. Drove it home and shut it off. left the lights and rear defroster on for about 5 minutes and dead battery. Wont' hardly turn the starter over at all. Any more thoughts. I hate to waste money on a battery if I don't need it.

 

Is it the original battery? If so, it is due after seven years. Have a competent shop replace it and check the electrical system while they are at it. A battery is cheaper than towing, they work on Murphy's Law. It will let you down at the worst possible moment

 

sounds like a battery, dont really think they are load testing your battery correctly or atleast cant make any sense from the 900 cca.
there is a cold cranking amp rating on every battery that is the amperage capability of the battery at 0 degrees, and generally they will use that amperage divided in half to load test it.
per example with the engine off a battery rated at 450 cca would be load tested to 225 amps for 10 seconds and if the voltage fell below 9.6 volts during the test it failed.
lights and defroster doesnt put much of a load probably 10-15 amps max any good battery should be able to handle that type of draw for 5 minutes and still would have no problem starting your engine.

 

Try starting it with the headlights on - if the lights go out, you probably need a battery. If the lights stay bright, the problem might be with your starter. I agree that a 7yr old battery could use replacing. It might not be at the end of it's life - but it's close

I just got done replacing the starter in my wife's 03 merc. It acted like a low battery and while the battery doesn't test great, it wasn't the problem. I had a hard time believing it was the starter because I replaced it just 1.5yr ago. I do plan to buy her a new battery some time in the next few months.

 

Hi Mrks.........If a starter fails open circuit, what you say is true, the lights won't dim...........If a starter fails SHORTED, the amp draw will most certainly dim the lights even with a good battery

 

Hey, what do you expect from a painter

I'm certainly not a mechanic although I've always done my best to keep from paying one