For 1990-2009 cars

The battery is not designed to last indefinitely, however, with proper care, it will provide many years of service. If the battery performs satisfactorily during testing but fails to operate properly for no apparent reason, the following are some of the more important factors that may be the cause of the problem.

• | The vehicle accessories have been left on overnight or for an extended period of time without the generator operating.

• | The vehicle has been driven at slow average speeds for short time periods.

• | The vehicle's electrical load is greater than the generator output, particularly with the addition of aftermarket electrical accessories.

• | Faulty conditions exist in the charging system such as electrical shorts, slipping drive belt, faulty generator or voltage regulator. Refer to Starting and Charging Schematics in this section.

• | The battery has been neglected and/or abused, such as a loose battery retainer and hold down brackets or failure to maintain clean and tight battery connections.

• | The vehicle has been stored for an extended period of time without proper battery protection.

• | The vehicle has received a new battery without a proper charge.

• | There has been extended engine cranking due to poor engine mechanical conditions.

• | The built-in hydrometer has been incorrectly interpreted.

• | Increased parasitic load has caused continued current draw on the battery. Refer to Battery Load Test in this section.

• | Faulty mechanical conditions exist in the electrical system, such as pinched wires.