Mazda 6 doesn't like Canadian winters

[phaxtris]

I have used a resistance battery tester and a test with a Innova OBDII tester. The Innova has a test for both the battery and alternator.

The obd is just polling the computer, I wouldn't rely on that at all

Checking voltage without any draw doesn't really tell you the condition unless it's totally fubar'd, key on position isn't enough load, and running, the alternator is masking and battery troubles

I would crank that guy with a multimeter on it and see what sort of voltage drop you get at the terminals, and again at the solenoid, that should eliminate bad battery, bad grounds/power lead

When I say the resistance tester, I mean the one with a big coil that smokes like a banshee because you have inadvertently gotten oil all over it...that's probably the best although not perfect tester

 

[Susquatch]

One strand of wire will show zero ohms, but cannot pass enough current to crank an engine. It will get hot.

And this is just one reason why I hate those pinch connectors! LOL!

 

[Elektrishun]

The obd is just polling the computer, I wouldn't rely on that at all

Checking voltage without any draw doesn't really tell you the condition unless it's totally fubar'd, key on position isn't enough load, and running, the alternator is masking and battery troubles

I would crank that guy with a multimeter on it and see what sort of voltage drop you get at the terminals, and again at the solenoid, that should eliminate bad battery, bad grounds/power lead

When I say the resistance tester, I mean the one with a big coil that smokes like a banshee because you have inadvertently gotten oil all over it...that's probably the best although not perfect tester

I have the classic BT-100 load tester.

 

[phaxtris]

I have the classic BT-100 load tester.

After checking the voltage drop difference from what you see at the battery while cranking vs what you see at the solenoid to rule out any bad connections or bad cabling my next step might be to just replace the starter, it could just be a weak starter (it's what, 14 years old at those point?

 

[Darren]

And this is just one reason why I hate those pinch connectors! LOL!

This is also why LED test lights are useless for diagnosing any circuit meant to carry more than say 50mA. They don't load the circuit enough. I use incandescent bulbs of various current draws as test lights.

 

[Susquatch]

This is also why LED test lights are useless for diagnosing any circuit meant to carry more than say 50mA. They don't load the circuit enough. I use incandescent bulbs of various current draws as test lights.

Ya, I hate those LED testers too. I laughed out loud when I read that.

I confess I have used regular bulbs too. But I also have a drawer full of shunts I have made or purchased over the years. A few of them are even calibrated so I can use them with a regular multimeter to measure high currents. I got one just recently on Ali that I have not even tried yet. Shunts are a great tool for testing automotive/agricultural electrical systems.

 

[Elektrishun]

Well, the car is in the driveway, it's been sitting plugged-in since early last evening (block heater and new on-board charger powered up).

It's only -15 C but a little messy because of the wind and it's currently snowing. So the on-board charger did it's thing and the pre-start voltage was 12.7. Started the vehicle, push-to-start, and it turned over in 2 seconds. Sounded like a typical start. With the vehicle running voltage was 14.4.

What does this all mean? Nothing, except the car will likely start for the next few days as the temp. is supposed to eventually reach +1.

And it also means I can no longer put off getting that neo-angle shower back together. Spent hours removing old silicone and waiting for replacement hardware. Then the car thing. No more excuses. At least none that the wife will find acceptable. Although, there is some snow to shovel...

I will get back to proper testing once the opportunity arises as there is no immediate concern. And I will post the results. Thanks again for all the feedback, much appreciated!

 

[Susquatch]

At least none that the wife will find acceptable. Although, there is some snow to shovel...

Thank God for shovelling. My wife NEVER COMPLAINS when I shovel. Even if I slip away to the shop between attacks. I love snow!

 

[pdentrem]

At the dealership, we would measure the available space for the largest battery possible. The charts are not always correct on fitment.
Pierre

 

[Susquatch]

At the dealership, we would measure the available space for the largest battery possible. The charts are not always correct on fitment.
Pierre

In the old days of vehicle design, the battery compartment was often deliberately oversized to allow for an aftermarket battery warmer. That might explain your charts. Then again, different battery makers often have different sized batteries for same specs too.

 

[Ishmael]

Now this is where I'd park this around Jane and Finch for a coupe days

Funny.

OTOH, I once won an auctioned milling machine, then found I had to collect it almost exactly at Jane and Finch. I drove down in fear and trembling, and in broad daylight, but encountered no difficulties at all, not even a drive-by shooting.

Maybe I live right....

 

[slow-poke]

Funny.

OTOH, I once won an auctioned milling machine, then found I had to collect it almost exactly at Jane and Finch. I drove down in fear and trembling, and in broad daylight, but encountered no difficulties at all, not even a drive-by shooting.

Maybe I live right....

I avoided that area when I lived in Mississauga, but one day I was there stopped at a red light and numerous cops simultaneously came out of nowhere and swarmed the car besides me in some sort of probably drug takedown. When the light turned green I was out of there in a jiffy just in case the bullets started flying. Funny thing was just before it happened I was thinking doesn't seems so bad here, I wonder why this place has such a bad reputation?