Any way to load test a car battery without an actual load tester?

Question

Dealer told me my battery failed the load test. Its an 03 Audi A4 1.8T, but it seems to start fine, it struggled a little during the frigid winter last winter but always started. How do I know if the dealer is just trying to pull a fast one passed me?

Answer 1

disconnect the coils and turn over the engine with the starter, see how long it take for the battery to fail. If it give you like about 30 starts it should be ok. you will need a volt gage to check voltage. also a hot battery to start your car when the test is over. You should have at least 10 volt after about 15 to 20 trys starting. It would be eraser to take your car to a parts house and let then check you battery

Answer 2

Chances are the dealer is telling you the truth and the battery will end up leaving you somewhere you don't want to be. To do a quick easy load test, hook up a volt meter to the battery observe the voltage should be around 12.7V if it's around 13 or so due to the car recently running turn on the headlights for about 5 seconds and that should take care of the "surface charge" you should be closer to 12.7V now. Okay, now turn on your high beams this is your "load" observe the voltage if it's below "9.6V" your battery is weak below spec, replace it. Or, you can bring your car to autozone or advance auto parts and they will do the more accurate test for free. Good Luck!

Answer 3

6 year old battery...replace it or get stranded this winter...

Answer 4

suggest to get another opinion....but 5 -6 yr old battery is probably on the way out

Answer 5

Take it to an auto parts store that tests batteries.  If they tell you the same thing, then that confirms the first guy's diagnosis.