A dead battery is a major cause of stress for any driver, but fortunately, it’s preventable. As your Nissan dealer, we can test your battery to ensure it’s in good condition and can replace it if it’s failing. We’d like you to know a few signs that you may need to visit us for a new car battery.
Battery Warning Light
The battery warning light looks like a line drawing of a battery with + and – signs. It illuminates if sensors in your Nissan detect any problem with the electrical system. This could mean a weak alternator that can’t supply enough power for all your vehicle’s systems, damaged wiring, or blown fuses. However, the most common cause for this light to activate is a failing battery.
A fully charged battery should register 12.6 volts when the engine is switched off. An older or damaged battery will register 12.4 to 12 volts, and the sensors will notify your computer, which then switches on the warning light. If this happens, visit us ASAP, and we’ll test your battery. If your battery is weak, we can install a new one while you wait.
Slow Starting
Slow starting is often the most noticeable sign of a battery experiencing issues. When you hit the start button, the battery sends an electrical charge to the starter. This charge energizes the starter, which cranks your engine. Cranking begins the combustion process, and your engine should start in seconds. As your battery ages, its electricity storage capacity decreases, making starting the engine more difficult.
Battery failure is a gradual process and is difficult to identify at the beginning. As time passes, you’ll notice your engine takes longer than it should to start, and you’ll also hear a laboring sound as the engine tries to crank. This is a sign that the starter isn’t receiving enough power to crank the engine. Starting problems can also be caused by issues with the alternator or starter. Our technicians will examine your starting system and fix the problem.
Phantom Drain
A phantom drain is any unseen situation that can cause a fully charged battery to lose its charge in a few hours. The most common cause of this problem is a damaged relay that prevents a system from switching off when it should. Two of the culprits are the lights in the glove box and the trunk. They switch on automatically when their lid is opened and then switch off when it’s closed.
If either relay fails, the corresponding light remains on and continues to draw power. This unnoticed drain can rapidly deplete battery power. We can trace a phantom drain and repair it. If you have a battery problem, contact the experts today at Ken Ganley Nissan Mayfield in Mayfield Heights, OH.
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