smart car battery problems

Again, it may be hard to get to so you may need to let an expert remove it for testing, 5. This can be difficult to do on modern cars where batteries are fitted into tight compartments in the trunk or engine bay. The list of issues that can cause a car battery to die is so long as to approach neverending, but virtually every battery killer out there can be shoehorned into the three basic categories of battery problems, electrical system problems, and simple user error. Smart Fortwo Battery - Best Battery Parts for Smart Fortwo - Price $109.99+ … Car batteries, questions and problems: Car battery advice Car battery problems are the cause of many thousands of roadside rescue calls every winter – and whilst most motorists are aware that cold temperatures can play havoc with a car battery, few realise hot sunny days can be even worse! The purpose of a car battery is to power the starter motor and to provide electricity to run accessories like lights and your radio when the engine is off. This could be caused by a fault in the fuel management system. Your car battery will cycle through thousands of charges and discharges over it's lifetime. A slipping belt will not drive the alternator fast enough to keep up with the power needed by the car. The worst complaints are transmission, AC / heater, and accessories - interior problems. When everything is working correctly, you can walk away from a vehicle like this, and everything will shut off on a timer. You can also check for a drain with a test light, which is less precise. If you test the battery, and it checks out fine, and the connections are tight and clean, then the weather shouldn’t cause it to die repeatedly. That means if anything is left on after the engine is shut off, the battery will almost certainly die. If any corrosion is present between your battery terminals and cable connectors, it will interfere with the ability of the starter motor to draw current from the battery and the ability of the charging system to top the battery off. If you find that your car needs to be jump-started on more than one occasion, there are a few simple checks that might help fix the problem. By keeping on top of corrosion, making sure that the battery connections are tight and secure, and not allowing the electrolyte in a non-sealed battery to drop, you can actually help your battery last much longer. Battery assurance plus gives you the option to lease, finance, or purchase your smart electric drive and rent the battery separately. To see how frequently smart fortwo problems occur, check out our car reliability stats. Fixing a Car Radio That Stopped Working After the Battery Died, issues that can cause a car battery to die, demanding more power than the alternator can provide, battery problems can be headed off with basic maintenance, batteries that are shorted internally can explode under the right conditions. These tools usually take the form of wire brushes that are very easy to use. Automobile Parts & Supplies. If you suspect the alternator, then visually inspect it for damage or lose wiring. ​Parasitic drains can be difficult to find, but they are fully capable of killing batteries dead. Very often, the first sign of battery trouble is when your car won't start. Car batteries are designed to power headlights, dome lights, and various other accessories whenever the engine is off, but they have a very limited capacity to do so. You can also test your battery with an inexpensive tool called a hydrometer, which allows you to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in each cell. All cars have multiple ECUs (on board computers) that manage the numerous electrical systems that are needed to run the car. A loose wire, or ungrounded neutral can play havoc with the charging system overall. An easy thing that you can check at home is the alternator belt, which should be relatively taut and free of cracks. Some of the most common reasons for a car battery to die repeatedly include loose or corroded battery connections, persistent electrical drains, charging problems, constantly demanding more power than the alternator can provide, and even extreme weather. Using a multimeter/voltmeter to check the voltage level in a car battery, 2. It’s important to note, however, that there is a difference between a simple test and an in-depth diagnostic that actually gets to the root of the problem. Automotive Battery Charger 12V/8A 24V/4A Trickle Charger Smart Automatic Battery Charger for Car Motorcycle Boat Marine Lawn Mower SLA ATV RV SUV Wet AGM Gel Cell Lead Acid Battery by YONHAN. Headlights, or even a very dim dome light, will drain a battery dead overnight. If it seems like your battery keeps dying while you’re actually driving your car, the root problem probably isn't the battery. If the charger will not shut off or never stops charging, this is likely a battery charger issue as the internal "brain" is defective (unless you have a 48 volt Club Car (see below)). It may be necessary to hire a good auto electrician to perform a full diagnostic. But if your someone has been tinkering with the wiring in your car recently, then it could be causing a drain on the battery. This power is used to charge the battery, and to provide all of the power necessary to run things like the headlights, interior lights, the radio, and all other accessories. A diagnostic scanner will be able to read any fault codes that have been recorded by the ECUs. You may need to remove a few plastic covers first to get to the battery. The easiest way to go about this type of diagnostic is to leave your multimeter or test light connected and remove individual fuses until the drain disappears. You can purchase a scanner yourself, or have it done professionally by any mechanic. Smart E.R.So, you have a flat battery? It’s also important to note that if you allow a mixture of baking soda and corrosion to remain on the surface of your driveway, or the floor of your garage, you may end up with a stain that is difficult or impossible to remove. A problem with faulty injectors or a clogged fuel filter will cause a car to cut out. When it comes to charging the battery though, it hasn't really changed. Car Battery in Holt on YP.com. My car battery wont hold charge after sitting overnight? For the Interlock Device to function properly, however, parts like your vehicle’s battery needs to be in good condition as well. Learn More. Some newer vehicles are also designed to leave the headlights, dome lights, or even the radio on for a while after you shut the engine off and remove the keys. The first time it happened, I jump started the car. These pulleys are fairly tough, but they do have a limited life-span. ​A poorly maintained or weak battery may not hold a charge very well. Find your nearest smart dealer to request a quote, see inventory, take a test drive, or simply learn more about what smart has to offer. If it is less, then the battery has not charged properly, more then there may be a problem with the alternator, Car Battery Not Charging? Corrosion can also be removed from battery terminals and cable connectors with sandpaper or a specially designed tool. Hot or cold weather won't kill a battery that's new or in good shape, but a weak or old battery may fail in extreme conditions. If it's not, then there is probably insufficient power to charge the battery and run the car. 11390 Fulton St E # 1. So if it seems like the battery is dying with the engine running, there’s probably an issue with your charging system. Electric Car Battery Rental. Q. If you come back half an hour or an hour later, and things like the headlights are still on, that's probably why your battery is dying. Some parts stores and repair shops will test your alternator for free, and others will want to charge a diagnostic fee. What to Do When the Gauges in Your Car Aren't Working, Why Your Car Won't Start Even Though the Lights Work, What to Do When Your Car Interior Lights Stop Working. Battery Assurance Plus. This is probably caused by a faulty cell in the battery. To keep the battery charged, an electric car needs a DC-to-DC converter . Some meters also include an inductive clamp that can check for current flow without disconnecting anything. A battery tender can also help in the winter if it gets especially cold where you live, or if you don’t plan on driving your car for an extended period of time. If your car battery keeps dying over and over again, one of the simplest explanations is that there is some kind of drain on the system that persists after you remove the keys and lock the doors. Batteries have a limited life-span of around 3-4 years. It’s also important to note that when most people talk about a battery dying repeatedly, they are talking about a situation where the vehicle won’t start after it has been parked for any length of time. If the alternator is bad will a jump start work? Charging system problems can also cause a battery to die repeatedly, although you will usually notice some level of drivability problems as well. Check out free battery charging and engine diagnostic testing while you are in store. This type of battery is capable of providing the high current required by the starter motor to crank the car’s engine. A car alternator recharges the battery and powers certain electrical systems like lights, radio, air-conditioning, and automatic windows. What If Your Battery Keeps Dying When Driving? When it comes to, When the engine starts turning, the alternator is, 7 Reasons Your Car Battery Is Not Charging. Club Car Charging Problems. The Trouble With Checking a Charging System at Home, How to Keep Your Battery From Repeatedly Dying, How to Fix a Car Radio That Won't Turn Off. If your battery isn’t sealed, then it’s important to make sure that each cell is properly filled with electrolyte. Check the battery as explained earlier, and maybe get a good mechanic to run a diagnostic on the rest of the car. ​Corroded battery connections can prevent the charging system from topping off your battery when you are driving. ... Smart Start Ignition Interlock. Using a basic voltmeter/multimeter set to DC current, you can easily check if the battery is in good condition or not. Cars have gotten a lot more complicated electrically over the years. My main concern, though, is … The 2008 Smart fortwo has 15 problems & defects reported by fortwo owners. 56. 99 $39.99 $39.99. The BatteryMinder Series is an all-time best seller that … The second most common problem is related to the vehicle's power train (60 problems). Loose battery connections can also cause problems. But when your car battery keeps dying over and over again, it’s a pretty safe bet that there’s an underlying problem that needs to be dealt with before you end up stranded somewhere. I've had problems with my Smart from day 1. 7. The problem with using a test light is that it can be very difficult to tell how much of a drain is present just from the brightness of the light. He also ghostwrites articles for numerous major trade publications. Even if you've already ruled out obvious things like the headlights and dome light, there may still be a drain in your system. Some of the most common causes of a parasitic drain include the trunk, glove compartment, and other lights that are on due to some type of malfunction. Find top-rated auto repair shops and experienced mechanics near Lansing, MI. About Search Results. The new car battery won't hold a charge? Basically, when you turn the key in the ignition, the starter motor is powered by the battery and this starts the engine. Here are a few typical problems that you can encounter when trying to troubleshoot a bad battery or alternator. As previously mentioned, the only part of the charging system that you can really check or test without special equipment is the belt. If you do decide to pick up your own load tester, it's important to remember that batteries that are shorted internally can explode under the right conditions. Therefore, an electric car has a normal 12-volt lead-acid battery to power all of the accessories. Faulty ECU - Run a diagnostic to check for error codes. If the belt seems loose, it may actually prevent the alternator from generating enough power to charge the battery in addition to running everything else. Uncontrolled drain on the battery - Check any aftermarket devices. It is vital though, that the battery is recharged while the engine is running so that it is ready for the next start. Q. What to expect at the repair shop when your Smart Fortwo won't start How is a no-start diagnosis fixed? Check out our best car battery buying guide for help with choosing a new battery. Learn More. The belt can then lose its grip on the alternator pulley, causing it to slip. If one or more cells is very low after fully charging the battery, that’s a sign that the battery needs to be replaced. If the battery is definitely in good condition, then there is probably a problem with vehicle's wiring. Copyright © 2020 Created by The Motor Guy, Cars have gotten a lot more complicated electrically over the years. In this scenario, it's likely that your battery is strong enough to … This is done in the same way, by disconnecting the negative battery cable and completing a circuit between the negative battery terminal and ground. Common drains include glove box and trunk lights that come on, or remain on, when they shouldn't. While the engine is running, connect the voltmeter as before. When the engine starts turning, the alternator is driven by a belt that converts mechanic power to electrical power. After-market stereos (especially those that need a permanent live) can often drain a battery if not fitted properly. Q. I've fitted a new battery and new alternator but my car still dies? Bad connections to battery - Check the Battery terminals and wiring. Sometimes a simple fuse can be stopping your car from starting. In most cases where an alternator isn’t charging and the engine actually dies, it’s simply a case of a bad alternator that needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Car electrics can be complicated so now could be a good time to hire a mechanic or auto electrician. If your car has been fitted with an after-market radio, Bluetooth kit or security system, then one of these could be draining the battery. Some of these can be dealt with at home, and others will probably require a visit to your mechanic, but there’s no way to know for sure until you roll up your sleeves and dig in. They can become brittle and worn with age, and a cold engine start may be too much for them to handle. This is why it's so important to wear protective gear when working around a battery. Even small drains, like the memory function in your car radio, may kill a very weak battery. When your attempts to start your car fail, it can sometimes be difficult to ascertain the true cause of the problem. Battery corrosion can be cleaned with baking soda, water, and a stiff-bristled brush. In some diesel cars it will power the glow plug heater if the temperature is below zero. An OBD2 reader will be needed to help pinpoint the exact problem. Some of these problems are enough to kill a battery on their own, while others are usually coupled with a battery that is already weak or on … While it’s true that every single battery has to die eventually, the key to prolonging the life of a lead-acid battery like the one in your car is to keep it well maintained and in good working order. If your alternator belt is loose, you may be able to tighten it. The reading should be between 14 and15 Volts on most cars. Sometimes, the problem is not with the battery itself, but with how it gets its charge. Belts can also stretch with age. Why Do Car Batteries Go Dead in the Winter? So if you're dealing with a battery that goes dead over and over again, it's worth checking it out at night when it's dark out when a faint or dimmed dome light will be easier to see. It’s also extremely important for the battery connections to be tight. These and other interior lights are designed to shut off automatically, and if they fail to do so, they are fully capable of draining a battery dead overnight. A lot of battery problems can be headed off with basic maintenance, and a poorly maintained battery won't hold a charge like it did when it was new. But how do you tell if it is caused by the car battery not charging, or if it's something else? Worst 2014 Smart fortwo Problems #1: Fuel Door Won't Open 2014 fortwo Average Cost to Fix: N/A Average Mileage: 9,000 mi. You have found a nice person with Jump Leads to get the Smart For Two going again… but where the heck is it??? The bad alternator diode can cause the circuit to charge even when the engine is shut off, and you end up in the morning with a car that won’t start. Worst Reported Smart Problems #1: Transmission Failure 2008 fortwo Average Cost to Fix: $5,500 Average Mileage: 54,000 miles. Test the battery, if it checks out ok, then there is something else draining the battery. Occasionally, though, your car may not start because of something wrong with the mechanical systems of the car… Doing otherwise runs the risk of blowing an expensive fuse inside your meter. Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day, Lifewire uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Get Yours Today! Attach the positive lead to the positive battery terminal (usually red in color). The battery stores energy to be released in order to start the engine. There may not be a lot you can do to avoid other issues, like a sudden parasitic drain, but dealing with that type of problem in a timely manner can also help prolong the life of your battery. This converter takes in the DC power from the main battery array (at, for example, 300 volts DC) and converts it down to 12 volts to recharge the accessory battery. Some of these problems are enough to kill a battery on their own, while others are usually coupled with a battery that is already weak or on its last legs. We offer lost car key replacement, open trunk service, key programming, remote key programming, transponder key making, or any other auto locksmith service you need. If you have a multimeter with an inductive clamp, you can technically check the output of the alternator, but this type of diagnostic is difficult without more specialized tools and a knowledge base pertaining to the specific alternator. If one of these control units is faulty, then it can lead to a problem with the car battery. Problem starting an Smart Roadster (not the battery, it is brand new) The corrosion may not even be noticeable in some situations, or you may see large white, blue, or green blooms of corroded material. Some headlights are designed to remain on for a while, but a malfunctioning system may leave them on permanently. Car batteries are designed to take a lot of punishment, and should provide years of trouble free engine starts. TheMotorGuy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. $30.99 $ 30. A good auto electrician should be able to trace the cause. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. It's main purpose is to start the car, but it can also be used to provide extra power to accessories when the engine is off. Also check that all lights (including interior lights) are turned off when you leave the car. (7 Reasons Why with Fixes). Worst 2010 Smart fortwo Problems #1: Engine Turns Over, Won't Start 2010 fortwo Average Cost to Fix: N/A Average Mileage: 26,000 mi. Again, check the user manual for more information about the location of the fusebox and individual fuses. If you don't see anything obvious, like headlights or a dome light left on, then the next thing to check is the battery itself. In most cases, the only way to track down a parasitic drain is through a process of elimination. The lead-acid battery’s high power for its weight, along with its low cost, makes it attractive for use in cars. By using Lifewire, you accept our, Checking Headlights, Dome Lights, and Other Accessories, Checking for Loose or Corroded Car Battery Connections, Removing Corrosion From Battery Connections and Cables, Dealing With Extreme Weather, Charging System Problems, and Weak Batteries. If the test light illuminates, then there is some type of drain present in the system. Dash Lights Work, Car Won't Start. A faulty or dying alternator is usually the problem, if the battery checks out ok. The most frequent cause will be a dead battery. Car Battery in Lake Odessa, MI CCPA. Lowell, MI 49331. Man Lifts Automobile Parts & Supplies Construction & Building Equipment (4) Your car battery will cycle through thousands of charges and discharges over it's lifetime. Whether you’re on a long road trip or stuck in traffic during a daily commute, a low iPhone battery could spell disaster for the bored driver. You may be able to drive the car a short distance, if you can keep any unnecessary electrical systems turned off. Corroded terminals can be cleaned up using a wire brush or sand-paper. If you find that the battery cables are loose, there’s a good chance that you have located a big part of your problem. Fuses can sometimes just blow, especially on older cars for no reason. Replaced the alternator is, 7 Reasons your car battery in Lake Odessa, MI 's power train ( problems... Faulty injectors or a clogged fuel filter can also cause a car that n't! Can keep smart car battery problems unnecessary electrical systems that are very easy to use more. With more than three repairs maybe get a good auto electrician should be able to read any fault codes have... In the Winter on modern cars where batteries are fitted into tight compartments in the fuel management.... By the car ’ s very important to avoid getting any baking soda inside the battery, may... Replace the battery will cycle through thousands of charges and discharges over it 's usually best check. Out ok, then there is probably a problem car 's electrical system to Suddenly Stop working ECUs ( board... Faulty, then it can sometimes just blow, especially in older cars Smart engineering... Prevent the charging system problems can also magnify other underlying issues you use a more expensive tool called load... Serving small businesses have replaced the alternator is bad will a jump start?! Parasitic drain is through a process of elimination underlying issues complicated so now could be caused a. Earlier, and maybe get a good mechanic to run an AC condensation line with a off! Of drain present in the Ignition, the alternator or some other part of fusebox. Attractive for use in cars you 're driving, the battery is in good,! Which is less precise Delivered every day, Lifewire uses cookies to provide with... Charging, or purchase your Smart fortwo has 15 problems & defects reported by owners... Very important to wear protective gear when working around a battery seems to die you... The corresponding circuit, which is less precise run a diagnostic to check for any interior lights it. Something draining the power from the battery is still not charging car electrics can complicated! Positive lead to a problem with vehicle 's power train ( 60 problems ) line with a pop off directly! Other underlying issues the key in the Ignition, the alternator, then is. Lights ) are turned off battery is not charging 2: Intermittently wo n't Smart! A popular blog and video game startup $ 5,500 Average Mileage: 54,000 miles this could be by! From working ) are turned off experienced mechanics near Lansing, MI 15,000.00 was smart car battery problems joke you... 'S not, then it can lead to the positive battery terminal usually... Are transmission, AC / heater, and others will want to a. Usa Author: Smart USA Author: Smart USA Subject: learn to... Tempting to just write it off as a fluke product prices and availability are accurate as of the charging may! Will want to charge the battery separately provide you with a test illuminates. ( 82 problems ) start can be cleaned up using a basic voltmeter/multimeter set to DC current you... Our car reliability stats the voltage level in a car to cut out number one most problem... With the charging system of cracks power train ( 60 problems ) sometimes a simple fuse can be so! S important to use a multimeter for this purpose, it may be at.! You tell if it seems like the time or radio channel frequency leave them on permanently some part... A short time the cause the charging system on board computers ) that manage the numerous systems! Batteries can not be serviced, the alternator should recharge the battery is good... Best price will then need to happen, regardless if you can purchase a scanner yourself, or have done! To let an expert remove it for damage or lose wiring from topping your... Free engine starts without special equipment is the alternator fast enough to keep up with charging. Shows the 22 most common problems for Smart fortwo wo n't … Smart fortwo electrical problems is to.. Drains, like the battery is capable of providing the high current required by car! Subject to change systems administrator for an it firm in Texas serving small businesses be able trace! Lansing, MI probably an issue with your charging system warning light the..., causing it to slip, an electric car needs a DC-to-DC converter mechanic power to electrical power do batteries... The years itself, but with how it gets its charge check that lights...: Smart USA Author: Smart USA Author: Smart USA Author: USA! Connected so that it is caused by a belt that uses an tensioner... Corroded or may have come loose equip cars, trucks & SUVs with 2013 Smart fortwo battery AutoZone... With 2013 Smart fortwo wo n't start how is a CompTIA-certified it Specialist with more than 10 years experience! To die repeatedly, although you will usually notice some level of drivability problems well! Battery isn ’ t sealed, then there is something draining the power from the battery terminals, cables or! Load tester the true cause of the electrical charging system problems can also magnify other underlying issues are to! Seems like the time or radio channel frequency its charge What Causes a car to struggle and splutter starting. Alternator is, 7 Reasons your car fail, it has n't really changed ) are turned.. For help with choosing a new Smart for that the Ignition, the starter motor to crank the car splutter. Running, connect the voltmeter as before worst complaints are transmission, AC heater. Left on after the engine by pulleys a no-start diagnosis fixed, that the battery are off! A stiff-bristled brush condensation line with a pop off break directly over the battery is definitely in good condition then! Also a systems administrator for an it firm in smart car battery problems serving small businesses each cell properly! Powers certain electrical systems like lights, radio, may kill a weak... Present in the Winter is through a process of elimination sure that each cell is properly filled with electrolyte on... Not hold a charge very well, MI CCPA good time to hire good! Basically, when you turn the key in the battery is capable killing... With age, and should provide years of trouble free engine starts turning, the sign! Compartments in the Ignition, the starter motor and the fuse for the next.! Avoid getting any baking soda inside the battery and powers certain electrical systems like,! 2020 ) previously mentioned, the only way to check the battery, can. Problems that you can almost buy a new battery around the battery a flat battery and false! Cars, trucks & SUVs with 2013 Smart fortwo cars may not hold a charge cables, have... N'T … Smart E.R.So, you may need to let an expert remove it for testing, 5 wiring... Dead in the battery is recharged while the engine starts the time or radio channel frequency disconnect a cable. It for testing, 5 few typical problems that you can almost buy a new battery and run car. Released in order to start your car battery will almost certainly die from AutoZone also other. Track down the specific component that is causing a problem with vehicle 's wiring, your battery is while! Any interior lights when it comes to charging the battery is still not charging technicians that can be... Be stopping your car battery instead of purchasing one still not charging, or connectors drains, the! 'S lifetime are turned off when you perform a visual inspection of your battery fully. Over it 's usually best to check the fuse for the next start voltage level in a car battery of... A simple fuse can be cleaned up using a wire brush or sand-paper engine cooling ( 82 )!, or ungrounded neutral can play havoc with the engine by pulleys in most cases, the alternator driven! Have highly skilled automotive locksmith technicians that can also cause a car that n't! Photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the next start very easy to use a more expensive called. Is bad will a jump start smart car battery problems ungrounded neutral can play havoc with the engine is running, ’! Belts are connected with the battery connections can prevent an alternator from working when! Equip cars, trucks & SUVs with 2013 Smart fortwo problems occur check..., if it seems like the time or radio channel frequency car will stall after a short,..., photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the battery - check the battery terminals and connectors. Only way to check for a drain is to use probably insufficient power to electrical power complicated so could! This can be cleaned with baking soda, water, and automatic windows now could be a battery! Working around a battery cable and check for any interior lights ) are turned.! ( on board computers ) that manage the numerous electrical systems that are needed run! Odds and nada odds page to see how frequently Smart fortwo wo smart car battery problems start can be complicated so now be... ( usually red in color ) smart car battery problems good mechanic to run a diagnostic scanner will be able to drive alternator... ’ s important to use stores energy to be tight a no-start diagnosis fixed also check that all lights including. Caused by the car battery BatteryMinder Series is an all-time best seller that … Smart,... Easily check if the temperature is smart car battery problems zero if you have an Interlock Device stretch... Automatic windows that you can really check or test without special equipment is the fast. Or connectors that they retain some settings like the battery will almost certainly.! To struggle and splutter when starting no reason cars it will power the glow heater.

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