Battery Testing...

[Typical Fish]

Is there any way to test a battery while it is still in the car; i.e., whether or not it will hold a charge?

TIA.

[911pcars]

Do you have access to the battery vent caps so you can sample the electrolyte with a hydrometer? Depending on what year, it's either yes or no.

You can also try this: Remove the coil wire from the distributor and ground it. Connect a voltmeter to the Pos and Neg. battery posts, then crank the engine for about 20 seconds. If the voltage stays above 9 volts during this time, it's probably okay. If not, it doesn't have enough capacity (it's old). Start shopping.

In either case, trickle charge the battery to test for about 24 hours before testing.

BTW, dirty or loose battery cables can have the same effect as a faulty battery.

Sherwood

[vash]

take it to pep boys or someone local. and have them hook it up to the tester. it takes a few minutes and usually you get a computer printout on the condition of the battery. FREE.

[weber92037]

I test mine in the car with the following procedure: Be sure battery is charged. Attach voltmeter to positive and negative battery posts. Turn on headlights. Have someone crank the engine while you watch the voltmeter. The reading should be at least 12.5 to begin. While cranking the engine, the voltage should remain above 10.5. If lower than 10.5, it is probably bad. In that case, remove the battery and get it tested as suggested above. Good luck.