I tested a new battery and it indicated slightly weak. Same with the battery in my other car. Is this normal?
1651788
Batteries are like cars or most other things. Usually, the more expensive they are, the better they work. But, no matter how expensive, they all wear out in time. A cheaper battery can be slightly weak and still be fine, just not as powerful as an expensive one. I've seen a huge difference in new flashlight batteries, from ones that wouldn't operate my camera, to ones that last a long time.
1651789
I will try my best to help you with your question. First the batteries need to be fully charged overnight. Next they should not be connected to any equipment in any way including ground. Next follow all the instructions for the testing procedure. When doing the test which is a very short time period as indicated in the instructions you will get the reading on the meter and it will change the longer you keep the load switch engaged, it will also get hot in the tester and smell also. This is normal as the tester is putting a 100 amp load on the battery and determines how long the battery can maintain its voltage. This is why you should not hold the load switch longer than the specified time. Use a watch to time the length of time that you keep the load switch pressed and keep an eye on the meter reading. If you have followed all the instructions to the letter and you still get a low reading I would take the new battery to a place like NAPA or Auto Zone and have it tested there. That way you will know if the tester is at fault. It is a pretty simple device and there is not much to go wrong with it. Just be careful handling the meter just after testing and hold it by the handle until it cools down. The other answers you received are spot on correct. " Slightly weak" does not give any of us the whole picture of the test being performed also it is highly unusual to find a new battery that is weak once it has been fully charged and put into service. Good luck. Harold
1651790
I have found that a battery that sets in the store for a period of time will show weak. always best to check a battery with a good charge I have found. Even if I expect a bad battery in my auto"s I always try to charge and test them befor I just go and get a new one, have saved my self money doing this first..
1651791
I think what you are seeing is normal. A good battery will have an open circuit voltage of 12 volts or higher. when you turn the load switch The voltage drops proportionately to the battery's performance. A battery capable of 200 Cold Cranking amps will have a voltage of 10.2 volts, A battery capable of 1000 CCA will hold 11.2 volts with this load tester. If the needle drops but holds lower than 10.2 volts it means the battery is performing at lower than 200 CCA. That may be fine it you live where it is warm and you have a small engine. A battery is bad if it doesn't have a 12 volt open circuit voltage, The needle drops steadily when you turn the load switch, and it won't consistently start your car. I think what you are seeing is normal. A good battery will have an open circuit voltage of 12 volts or higher. when you turn the load switch The voltage drops proportionately to the battery's performance. A battery capable of 200 Cold Cranking amps will have a voltage of 10.2 volts, A battery capable of 1000 CCA will hold 11.2 volts with this load tester. If the needle drops but holds lower than 10.2 volts it means the battery is performing at lower than 200 CCA. That may be fine it you live where it is warm and you have a small engine. A battery is bad if it doesn't have a 12 volt open... » Read More I think what you are seeing is normal. A good battery will have an open circuit voltage of 12 volts or higher. when you turn the load switch The voltage drops proportionately to the battery's performance. A battery capable of 200 Cold Cranking amps will have a voltage of 10.2 volts, A battery capable of 1000 CCA will hold 11.2 volts with this load tester. If the needle drops but holds lower than 10.2 volts it means the battery is performing at lower than 200 CCA. That may be fine it you live where it is warm and you have a small engine. A battery is bad if it doesn't have a 12 volt open circuit voltage, The needle drops steadily when you turn the load switch, and it won't consistently start your car. « Show Less
1458371
I can't recommend it at this point. I installed one two months ago (and the installation was relatively easy), but last week the car started acting up electronically again (had to jump it off a couple of times, strange beeps after turning it off, ...). So this time we took it to the local dealer, their diagnostics said the battery was bad, they replaced it, and so far we haven't had any more problems. Stay tuned though, because it wouldn't surprise me if somehow the recharge circuitry is screwed up, and this hasn't been a 12 volt battery issue after all.
996857
Yes it's normal.. To get the most use, fully discharge and re charge 4-5 times. You will see a longer lasting battery
1959249
I have two of the batteries and have had no problems. I suspect your battery is defective and should be returned for a replacement.
251567
I agree. Send it back. Mine has been perfect. Changed the battery once and it works great.
111558
the battery I got did fit perfectly BUT didn't work, I think it has the polarity wrong . It would not charge and did not play in the radio. Not sure what the problem was however. I put the old battery back into radio and it worked. Old battery just doesnt hold charge long enough.
1108072
I purchased two of them and did not have any problems with them. I would check the battery or return it.
1659995
Make sure you have the battery positive on the tester. Also try other batteries. If not that you may have a bad tester.
2014978
It shows the battery indicator, but once the indicator drops by a bar, it depletes shortly after. So the indicator is not as linear as the OEM battery, but it does alert you that you should get another battery handy.
37594
It might be a bad battery. The batteries on these things aren't the best. You should be able to pick up a new batery online for $40 or so.
1288077
I believe some battery drain does occur. I had multiple occasions where I tried to start my (new) car and the battery was dead. However, this was after at least 1-2 weeks of no use.
176374
It is "abby normal"! Check to see if the battery is still good and also check to see if it has leaked and corroded the contacts. If the battery contacts ARE corroded they can be cleaned with sand paper until they shine bright. Install a good battery and check for normal operation. Electronic gear can die at any time or live forever, no telling. Good luck!
1322253
My battery's have lasted well over a year and are still ok. Possibly the battery contacts inside has been bent. You can fix it if you open it up.
297911
I've had that happen once since I bought mine (feb 06) and I got it to work again by taking the battery out for about fifteen minutes and putting it back in and it was back to normal. I disagree about it not being tough though, since mine falls off the seat of my work truck and onto the floor at least twice a week and I use it every day.
2212000
Check to make sure the battery contacts aren't bent. Double check to make sure the new battery is actually good and that it doesn't have one of those clear insulating stickers on it. Maybe try a different new battery if you don't have a tester. We keep a spare pendent, just in case. They're quite inexpensive.
1605121
Perhaps the battery has been moved, maybe during delivery it was banged a few times. It really is a simple to use device. If it's new I would suggest to return it and buy a new one.
1667798
Dear Suzanne C. Just locate your nearest Radio Shack and they will test the battery for you free of charge. You can also take your battery to any local auto repair shop or an automotive electrical repair shop and they will test your batteries. If you don't want to spend the time taking your batteries to any of these paces, you can buy an inexpensive test meter from ebay and DIY. A note: check the expiration date on the battery package. Usually, if that date is over a month or two past, your batteries "May" not have as much charge left, but not completely dead.