Troubleshooting: any reasons a car with a new battery would have no power?

(2010-09-24 02:10:05)

1. Grand Poobah Says: So, I recently replaced my battery and the slightly corroded lead cables. However, after a few days of it sitting in my driveway, the dash lights aren't even coming on.
Any ideas?

2. Joe Says: You need to check your battery to see if it's charged. You may have a short somewhere draining your battery.

Get yourself a cheap volt meter for about $15.00. Set it on DC current and measure the battery voltage. Of course it should read somewhat above 12 volts. If not, and since it has been sitting, something is draining it. One exhausting way to find the culprit is to remove a fuse each night and then check the voltage each morning.

If you've driven it after replacing the battery, check your alternator. It should be putting out about 14 volts to the battery. Start it up and put your volt meter on AC current and put the meter leads on the battery cables attached to yor battery. Anything lower than a reading of 13 volts is a sign of a weak battery. An alternator putting out 12 volts CANNOT chargea battery.