Charging question

[spdr]

After charging my battery and starting the car for the first time this year, it ran fine, but after sitting for a nite, the battery was dead again. Its appears to have a real slow drain. Also when charging, it only seams to be running around 12.4V at idle. If I remember right, last year with no accesories on, the idle was around 13+V. Does this sound like an electrical drain, such as a bad ground. Or more like a spent battery.
Thanks in advance for any help...................

-Aaron

 

[luv2rallye]

After charging my battery and starting the car for the first time this year, it ran fine, but after sitting for a nite, the battery was dead again. Its appears to have a real slow drain. Also when charging, it only seams to be running around 12.4V at idle. If I remember right, last year with no accesories on, the idle was around 13+V. Does this sound like an electrical drain, such as a bad ground. Or more like a spent battery.
Thanks in advance for any help...................

-Aaron

Could be either or even a weak alternator. With ignition on but engine not started, turn on lights, blower, and accessaries. Battery voltage should be 11+V. If lower, battery is shot. If ok, start engine, disconnect battery and measure voltage across the battery cables. If it's 13+V then alternator is ok. If either battery or alt is suspect you can have them tested free at most auto stores. If you suspect a battery drain (or partial short) pm me for instructions on how to diagnose.

 

[Defiant]

My bet's a tits-up battery.