Common signs include a rotten egg smell, slow cranking during startup, the battery light comes on, and the vehicle’s electronics won’t power up.
A vehicle’s battery is one of the most important components of any vehicle. It is responsible for starting the engine, and without it, the vehicle cannot start. Throughout their lifespan, batteries undergo constant charge and discharge cycles, as well as high heat conditions from the engine compartment where they are most often installed. Since their crucial purpose is to start the engine, when they fail, they can leave the vehicle stranded and cause major inconvenience for the driver, so they need to be replaced as soon as possible.
1. Rotten Egg Smell
One of the first symptoms of a problem with the battery is a rotten egg smell. Conventional lead-acid car batteries are filled with a mixture of water and sulfuric acid. As the battery wears out, some of the acid and water can evaporate, which will disrupt the mixture. This can cause the battery to overheat or boil, producing an unpleasant smell and even smoking in the most severe cases.
2. Slow Cranking
One of the first signs of a problem with the battery is a slow-cranking engine. If the battery is weak, it may not have enough power to turn the engine over as quickly as it normally would, and it will crank slowly as a result. Depending on the exact condition of the battery, the engine may crank slowly and still start, or it may not be able to crank fast enough to start. A jump-start from another vehicle or a battery will usually be enough to get the vehicle running with a slow-cranking battery.
3. Battery Light Comes On
Another symptom of a potential problem with the battery is an illuminated battery light. An illuminated battery light is a symptom commonly associated with a faulty alternator. However, a faulty battery can also trigger it. The battery not only serves as a power source to start the vehicle but also as a stable energy source for the entire system. If the battery fails to receive or maintain a charge, even if the alternator is charging the battery, the system will lack a power source to help stabilize it, and the battery light may come on. The battery light will remain on until the battery eventually fails.
4. No Electrical Power for the Vehicle
The most common symptom of a battery problem is likely no electrical power for the electronics. If a battery deteriorates or drains, it may not be charged and will be unable to power the vehicle’s electronic components. When entering the vehicle, you may notice that turning the key does not activate the electrical system or that the lights and switches do not work. Usually, a battery drained to this point will need to be charged or replaced.
A car’s battery serves a very important function, and without it, the vehicle will not be able to start. For this reason, if you have experienced slow cranking or suspect your battery may have an issue, you can try checking the battery yourself or have the vehicle’s battery diagnosed by a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic. They will be able to replace your battery or address any other underlying issues to restore your car to full function.