02-05-2023, 11:20 AM
Hi Denis
6.3 volts is normal for a charged battery off load. If the terminal voltage drops as low as 2 during cranking, it suggests that the battery is on its last legs. However, before condemning the battery, make sure you have the meter probes on the actual posts of the battery rather than the cable clamps, just in case there is a bad joint between clamp and post. The latter is however unlikely as you would have spotted trouble whilst recently connecting and reconnecting different leads. Another trouble spot can be the joint between cable clamp and cable, if it is the "two screw" type rather than soldered or factory crimped.
The off load reading at the far ends of the starter cables doesn't really tell you much apart from the fact that they are connected.
You could try charging the battery with a 10 amp (or more) battery charger, rather than a low current trickle/maintenance type. However, your best bet would be to borrow a good 6V battery from another Sevenner.
In my experience, car batteries can quite easily "die" over a short space of time rather than deteriorating gradually. I have no idea what the mechanism is for this.
6.3 volts is normal for a charged battery off load. If the terminal voltage drops as low as 2 during cranking, it suggests that the battery is on its last legs. However, before condemning the battery, make sure you have the meter probes on the actual posts of the battery rather than the cable clamps, just in case there is a bad joint between clamp and post. The latter is however unlikely as you would have spotted trouble whilst recently connecting and reconnecting different leads. Another trouble spot can be the joint between cable clamp and cable, if it is the "two screw" type rather than soldered or factory crimped.
The off load reading at the far ends of the starter cables doesn't really tell you much apart from the fact that they are connected.
You could try charging the battery with a 10 amp (or more) battery charger, rather than a low current trickle/maintenance type. However, your best bet would be to borrow a good 6V battery from another Sevenner.
In my experience, car batteries can quite easily "die" over a short space of time rather than deteriorating gradually. I have no idea what the mechanism is for this.