Check Your Battery Voltage
 

I learned low battery voltage can cause a # of issues you might not think. Apparently, the electronics in this car are very sensitive to proper battery voltage in order to work properly.

- The ABS and VSA lights going on needed to be corrected and Paul, our star stellar mechanic here in Nawth Jerzy could only do so after I installed a new battery.
- I had an intermittent starting issue whereby the 1st turn of the key got it to only crank (full power), followed by a successful start on the 2nd turn.
- The HFL that would almost always misunderstand the first digit of a phone # I recited then got it right on the 2nd attempt when trying to make a phone call.
- Sometimes, voice commands like AC ON had to be repeated twice in order to be understood.

A battery test revealed barely 11V, and a replacement was in order so I got a free one under the 3-year replacement warranty from Walmart. The yellow EverStart Maxx 24F, the top rated battery in Group 24F in Consumer Reports.

Everything works as it's supposed to now and all is right with the world. :thumbsup:
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Thanks for the reminder - I am past due for a new battery, as I believe the sticker on mine is 2011 :tomato:

Fortunately, I haven't experienced any of the issues you mentioned, let alone ever needed a jump. Good reminder to head to costco this weekend though.

Check your battery's water level in all 6 cells by popping the 2 caps, every 6 months. This is the main culprit of flooded car batteries heading for a slow death. If you keep fluid up and avoid exposing the lead plates, it will last way longer with less sulfation. It is the first thing to check and the lead cause of low voltage or cranking amps. Fill up with $2 walmart gallon jug of distilled water when low. This was how my old OEM battery died, 2 cells with top of the lead plates exposed. Despite what the battery says on top "sealed battery", it's not sealed. The caps even have a thin long slot for a screwdriver for you to pry it up.

My experience with batteries in 15 years with this car, they typically last 3 - 3½ years. So I guess I was due!
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This has been reported multiple times in the past here!


You're just not paying attention :tongue:

The voltage is the first thing I check when I have weird problems.