hello all:

as the topic say, I change a light weight battery (odysseny 680) like 1.5 mth ago, and this mornning the engine is like not enough power to crack up. Well, let it sit there and back from work @ night, try again, there's still power (able to turn on the head light, the alarm work when the key it's in w/ the door open), but just not able to start up the engine.

seems to me the battery is ok, I guess it's the alternator... will go to shop to check it.

first of all, will jump start help so that I can drive it to a shop?

Second, Will the light weight battery affect the alternator? if so, instead of change the battery back to normal battery, is there any other "solution" ?

thank you guys. Just need to get some clue.

GP02A

 

Chances are with this lightweight battery of yours you don't have as many cold cranking amps as you would with an ordinary battery. That would explain why you can't start your car anymore. If you really are from Chicago, then you should know what kind of crap a car goes through in cold winters. Yes a boost should get your car started so you can get to your shop.

Honestly there's no harm in checking the alternators output to see if it's working properly, but I don't think that's your problem at the moment. I think your battery has lost some of it's charge due to the cold and that whatever remained of the CCAs was not enough to power your starter to crank your engine.

BTW, no a lightweight battery would not damage your alternator. I've seen people change their batteries for higher power ones without a problem, I don't see why going the opposite way would cause some harm.

How many CCAs did this battery have anyway?

 

Hi,

thanks for the reply... once agian learn something new everyday.

the spec of the battery say 220 cca.

And I wonder if there any other solution for me to start up my car properly without changing a new battery? Or it's just a fact that this kind of battery can't function well in cold weather.

thanks

GP02A

 

bump

 

220 CCA is pretty low. I won't lie to you. The exide battery that I have for mine has a 450 CCA rating. I really think your battery is too weak.

If anyone else has any tips please come forward and give him a hand.

 

hi:

umm... I guess that what typical "light weight battery" are around this number, right?
comments and thought r welcome. thanks

GP02A

 

It's the battery's CCA.. its too low for the type of weather/temp. you see in Chicago. I also have a lightweight battery (Hawker GP13 - 11lbs.) and it starts my car fine. But then again I live in San Francisco where the weather isn't as cold as yours.

 

just take it to autozone for an hour, they'll fully charge it, and your set.