robarsan

A few mornings ago when starting the car (11 degrees outside) every warning bell the car has to offer went off. Check the SHAWD.....Brake system...Light system...etc. Other than the light show around the MID the car ran normally to its 30 mile destination. Since then I have been unable to repeat the warnings. i've read where this is a symptom of the battery dying but I had a new battery installed on 12/30/2013. I am wondering if something else is on the verge of crapping out or would the wise decision be to go back to the dealer to have the battery checked out?

rlerman

If you are only driving short trips in that temp, it's possible it's not enough time for the battery to charge enough. Do you have a multimeter? If you do, check what the battery is reading in the morning before starting, should be 12.2-12.8. Mine always reads on the low end of that range, even with a new battery, as I drive only in 20 min increments. If you aren't in that range, battery is an issue. After you start the car, Check it again, should be 13.8-14.2. Mine reads a bit over 14 at idle, 14.2 at 2k Rpms. If you don't get these readings alternator is an issue.

One other possible cause is the starter crapping out.

Honestly, if it just happens once or once in a long while, I wouldn't worry too much.

oo7spy

It was most likely your battery struggling in the sudden cold. We all know what an underperforming battery can do to the RL, and we know what the first cold snap can do to a battery. It doesn't really mean your battery is bad either. It could have just needed a recharge due to the temperature.

robarsan

Thanks for the voltage specs rlerman, and sound advice. My commute is about 30 min. and maybe this is not enough to get the full charge. Car is nearing the 100K mark and could be why I haven't seen this in the past with an under-charged battery.

Blues Legend

It's fine; 30 mins is plenty.

I'd check the battery, etc terminals are clean & greased - & tight.

If it was a one-off, it was probably just ghosts in the machine.

robarsan

Agree. Recently had a couple of -12° mornings and the car started with no issues. The original warnings also generated some diagnostic messages that said if you restart the car with no warnings then you shouldn't worry about it

brinox

I bought a yellowtop battery after having consistent issues just like this and have yet to have a problem, even in sub-zero temps here in Kansas. I had a yellowtop in my last car and it lasted 7+ years in the same climate ranges...

That may be something to consider when it comes time to buy a new battery.

Mr.Tea

whats the best battery for the RL? ACURA, SEARS, AUTOZONE, WAL-MART?
I am in need of a battery today...

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

where are you stuck?

NBP04TL4ME

Always been DieHard for me and my family. There is/was another thread on batteries and someone had suggested HomeDepot. Relatively inexpensive, great specs (CCA, etc) and a very good warranty.