TheWiz

Good morning,

I own a 2002 Civic LX and I've been having trouble starting it. I can start it using my charger, I can drive it with no issue as it has a new alternator (14.52 volts when running). If I turn it off after driving it, I might be able to start it right back up within 20 seconds. However, If I leave it for too long, it won't start. One time, I got back to my house, unloaded my groceries, and tried to start it again and nothing at all. Now, my guess is a either an inefficient starter motor as it's the original since 2002, but I have no evidence. I've eliminated the alternator as a problem. I charged the battery for 8 hours using a 10 amp charger. After that, I checked the voltage with the car off and it varied between 12.52v and 12.58v using a multimeter. I tried to start it right after checking the voltage and it didn't turn over and the starter sound slowed down. I checked the voltage again and it was at 12.32. Is the battery bad? What's the minimum voltage needed to start my Civic? I also tried to check for a parasitic draw and measured .07A-.11A. I don't know if that's enough to drain the battery that quick though. What's a normal reading for that? I haven't started pulling fuses yet, but I may do so after work tomorrow. I'd expect my after market car alarm isn't an issue.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Colin42

How old is the battery?
im guessing that's the problem

TheWiz

I think it's only two years old, but the alternator was bad. Maybe it made the battery bad.

Colin42

Yep that can definitely wear out a battery, plus batteries don't seem to past as long as they used to

FRSam

I'd certainly guess the battery. When the car's off, the voltage is supposed to be around 12.6, and gets up around 14.2 when the alternator is doing its thing. Anything above 12 should have no issue starting your car.

Slumpertcivic

What has likely happened is your battery is sulfided up, also possibly low on electrolyte.