Car not starting? How to check battery problem at home

Every morning while in a hurry to go to office, when the car is not starting, the engine is just making a ‘click-click’ sound or nothing is happening at all, then the first thing to suspect is the battery. Battery problems are most common on cold mornings, as the charge decreases overnight. The good thing is that many times you can identify the problem and even fix minor problems at home using easy methods. This will save both time and money. These small home checks correctly identify battery problems in 70-80% of the cases.

If the problem persists after these, such as not starting with a clicking sound, there may be a fault in the starter, alternator or ignition system. Then it would be better to call a mechanic. By checking yourself you can save unnecessary expenses and time. Regular maintenance keeps the car battery good for a long time. Let us know how the problem of bad battery can be fixed at home?

headlights and dashboard lights test

Sit inside the car, turn the key to ‘ON’ position, but do not start. Turn on the headlights. If the lights are dim, pale or not on at all, the battery is weak or discharged. If the lights are on brightly but the engine does not rotate when started, the problem may be with the battery connection or the starter. Also check the dashboard lights. If they are normal but dim when cranking, then the battery is not providing enough power.

View Battery Terminals (Connections)

Open the hood and take a look at the battery. Check whether there is white-green corrosion on the terminals (positive and negative). If it is, then this is a common problem which stops the current flow. Clean easily at home. Make a solution of baking soda and warm water, clean with an old brush, then rinse with clean water and dry. After that tighten the terminals. Loose connections are also a major cause of starting problems.

Battery Voltage Test (With Multimeter)

If a multimeter is available at home, then it is very easy to check the battery. With the engine off, place the probe on both terminals of the battery. The voltage in a healthy battery should be between 12.4 to 12.8 volts. If it is less than 12 volts, the battery is weak. Start the car and check. When the engine is running, the voltage should be around 13.7 to 14.7 volts, which indicates that the alternator is charging properly. If charging is not happening, there may be a problem with the alternator.

Reason for frequent battery down

If the battery is new or looks good but still goes down in the morning, there may be ‘parasitic drain’. This means that even when the vehicle is stopped, some part is drawing current. To check at home, turn off all lights (trunk, glove box, dome light). If possible, measure the current draw by placing the multimeter in ampere mode on the negative terminal. Normal draw should be less than 50 mA. If it is too much, remove the fuses one by one and test which circuit is causing the problem.

Other Easy Tips

• While parking the car at night, completely switch off all electrical items (music system, charger etc.).
• When not using the car for a long period, disconnect the battery or use a battery tender/charger.
• Battery is more affected in cold weather, hence regular check is necessary.