Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Can't charge battery

The car has been running and starting fine. My wife went out to put up the windows and noticed the interior lights were real dim and the car wouldn't start. I put a meter on the battery and got only 8 volts. I figured the car been sitting for 2 days, something must have been left on. When I tried to charge the battery with the charger set to 12 volts / 2 amps the charge meter jumped right up to the "start" range and the green full charge light went on. Whats up with the battery?

Sounds like you may need to replace your battery.

Check your battery with the meter when your car is running, and see what you get for a reading. This will tell you if the alternator is charging it or not.

12v, 2 amps is a trickle charge for a nasty ol car battery. Also, the voltage is a little low. Meter your charger. Maybe it really is higher. You should be up at 14.5 or so (check book). Charging is based upon voltage differential. You must also have sufficient amps to overcome the internal resistance of the battery.

maybe needs a new battery