13.2v at idle is probably OK, especially if there are other loads on the battery, like AC or a cooling fan. But after 10-20 minutes at highway speed the voltage should approach 14+v unless the battery needed significant charging. By the way, 12.5v is about normal for a fully charged battery that has been off the charger for a while.
Scott -----Original Message----- From: mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com [mailto:mercedes-boun...@okiebenz.com] On Behalf Of Randy Bennell Sent: Friday, July 15, 2011 3:26 PM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: [MBZ] OT - Battery ? Alternator? My elder son is experiencing issues with his 2000 Nissan Maxima. the battery light comes on and then other miscellaneous lights come on in the dash - ck engine etc. The engine runs rough. Sounds like it may stall. Happened during the evening 2 nights ago and again last evening. I picked him up this morning and took him too work. Pulled the battery and took it home to charge. Took it back at lunchtime and re-installed it. Battery by itself read about 12.5V. Once in the car and after being started - read about 13.2V accross the terminals. My recollection is that it should be about 14.2 V if the alternator is putting out good current. The battery is one of the ones with the "eye" and it is not glowing like it should. Does that indicate a bad battery or perhaps just a low battery that needs more charging? Unfortunately, it is also sealed so I cannot just dip the tester in and see what it tells me. The alternator was replaced on May 14 of this year but that does not mean it could not be going bad. Any great ideas on testing to confirm whether it is alternator or the battery itself? Hopefully, I can get my younger son to come by and have a look at it tomorrow. He is a mechanic so I'll put him to work on fixing it if it needs the alternator swapped again. Randy _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
